In the Swing of Things

1. Work on the same exercises from last week, but start back at the beginning and remember to read all written directions carefully.
2. Follow along with all exercises going from note to note with your eyes as you play each note.
3. Pay close attention to what the notes are telling you to play versus what you're actually playing and make sure the two match up.
4. Watch your form as you practice, make sure you're holding your sticks correctly and your feet are placed appropriately.
5. Play loud as much as possible so you get a better sound, bounce, flow, and feel of things.

Reading, Timing, and Form

1. Work through the pages of exercises I gave you, making sure to read all instructions as you go, and practicing in chunks using the Rule of Five for each individual exercise.
2. Make sure you are keeping track of your form, how you're holding your sticks, how you're playing the kick with your foot, etc.
3. Make sure not to grip the sticks with your last three fingers. Just push the stick into your second knuckle of your pointer finger with your thumb.
4. Make sure you're holding your sticks at the best fulcrum or balancing point somewhere around the 1/3 point.
5. Make sure you're hitting your snare in the center of the head.
6. Don't forget to play loud and with feeling!

Counting and Playing with Good Form

1. Hold the sticks at about 1/3rd of the way up, pushing with your thumb into your second pointer knuckle. Make sure you find the fulcrum or balancing point that works for you.
2. Keep your heel up on your kick foot and try to find the sweet spot for the balls of your foot on the pedal. Make sure the beater rebounds off the head right after it strikes.
3. PRACTICE IN CHUNKS! Build up the chunks as you go. Do chunks using the Rule of Five (five times in a row without making any mistakes).