Ok, here goes......................... I'm a 25 year old drummer, who wants to go into teaching more specifically secondary school music. I've done a lot of research and spoke to the a guy who runs a PGCE music at my uni. I was told that I need to be grade 8 on my main instument (drums) and at least grade 5 on piano.

Now as far as drums go I've been playing for 13 years, but my reading and theory sucks. Piano I dont have a clue about although I would like to learn it. My question is who here is a graded drummer and is it possible to go from grade 0 to grade 8 in a year or two?

It seems like a hard task but I welcome the challenge.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks








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If you stick to one thing, you'll only acheive one thing!!

Hey fella, I'm grade 8, been playing 13 years, 25... scary huh!

You could get to Grade 8 very quickly through Rockschool sylabus'. There is no minimum time you have to do, if you wanted to you could do all 8 in one shot, or if memory serves me correct just learn grade 8, then go and sit it.

The problem with that is that if you rush or skip over things, when it comes time to teach them you're gonna find yourself stumped and that's not good for your teaching career in a school.

I have a friend who teaches classical guitars in school (he's now head guitar teacher I think), I don't think I've seen him ever play a piano.

I can help you get all the materials etc if you want, just yell!








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That would be great!!!! Did you find it hard to do them? Did it cost a lot of money?








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If you stick to one thing, you'll only acheive one thing!!

It's fairly pricey but then again you get a certificate that says you can play at "X" level which will help when applying for teaching positions.

It wasn't hard at all. In fact I had tuition for the first five then moved away, so put myself through the rest and passed all of them first time. I wouldn't say it's overly difficult to pass if you put some time into it.

Straight from their website ( www.rockschool.co.uk )

"Grade Exams:
are for students who want to develop performance and technical skills. A graded examination is made up of the following components:
A performance of either three pieces from the Rockschool syllabus book or two pieces from the book and one free choice piece.
Technical exercises
A choice of sight reading, improvisation and interpretation or a Quick Study Piece
Ear Tests
General Musicianship tests"

I took my grade 8 about 3/4 years ago and the exams were always quite relaxed with friendly examiners.

I believe Guildhall is more in depth and focuses on the music theory side more than Rockschool, so would cover that element better. I think you have to be grade 5 music theory before you can actually pass the grade 8 playing with them.

You'd probably have to to shell out money for lessons to get to 8 either way, just to make sure you have it all right.

If I was you I would contact DrumTech to book an assesment and private tuition off the back of that, with the aim to get you through to grade 8 with every base covered.

I'm currently there and the guys really know their stuff (unlike some private teachers I've encountered) not to mention, they really aren't that expensive!

As for websites, www.musicroom.com is a great place to get the various Rockschool books (possibly Guidhall as well). The books have written music, example exercises and a CD that comes with the full mix and backing track of each piece.








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Thanks man, You have been a great help!!!!!








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If you stick to one thing, you'll only acheive one thing!!

No worries!








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Looks like this whole venture is gonna cost me quite a bit, but its all good and it will be worth it in the end!








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If you stick to one thing, you'll only acheive one thing!!

It'll totally be worth the cash though! Plus you'll probably find, like I did, that it opens you up to everything that is beyond grade 8!

Definitely give drumtech a shout, you're already in London! It's £100 up front for 5 shared lessons. That basically mean the tutor splits their time equally between you and another student in a seperate studio. It'll cost around that for any teacher, so might as well see if you can get in with some of the best.

I actually prefer that format as it means you can have a go at new things without the pressure of having someone on your shoulder. It's a very relaxed atmosphere.

My main teacher is ace and he's a got a jazz major. He knows his stuff!








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