Skills Checkpoint

Preview

# Music Lesson Check-In

So I hope you're enjoying the course so far. At this stage, it's worth checking in on a couple of things.

## Current Focus

- **Techniques Used**:
- We've only been using the hands,
- The sticks,
- And the left foot to keep the hi-hats closed.

Hopefully, you're feeling comfortable having your left foot down and balanced in your posture.

## Posture and Technique Assessment

- **Balance**:
- Ensure you’re not leaning over in one direction or the other.
- Occasionally have a little look at your posture; it’s always worth assessing. I should do this myself more often.

### Technique Tips:

1. **Note Balance**:
- Are your right-hand notes a lot louder than your left, especially if you're right-handed?
- If they are, which we've all been guilty of at times, can you work on redressing that balance?

- **Example**: Try starting everything with the left hand to build that side up and achieve more evenness.

2. **Comfort**:
- Make sure you’re comfortable.

3. **Stick Grip Check**:
- Occasionally, check your stick grip.
- Ask yourself: Has something weird happened?
- Are you putting your finger on top of the stick?

- **Reminder**: If you have, don’t do it!
- This can put strain on the finger and restrict the movement of the stick, preventing it from bouncing freely off the drum head or hi-hat.

## Relaxation

- If you're feeling any tension in your hands or shoulders, you might be trying too hard.
- Remember, there's a lot to concentrate on, so try to be as relaxed as you can.

I hope this serves as a helpful little checklist for now!

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