I promise not to take up a lot of your time. But first, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I had to do a last minute edit to include this part because I honestly didn’t think anyone would sign up for the newsletter this early. I appreciate you all so so much.
In this very first edition of my monthly roundup, I’m sharing drum essentials, mindset shifts and some new music discoveries.
Whether you're here to improve your skills, gain fresh perspectives, or just find a good vibe, I've got something for you.
Let’s get into it.
1. Want to Start Drumming? Here’s some tips!
Learning drums has never been easier, with so many resources at your fingertips. Here’s where to start:
1. Get the Basics: Grab some drumsticks and a practice pad. Don’t overthink it—just pick something and move on.
2. Focus on Technique: Learn how to hold the sticks and hit the drum. (I’ve shared tips on this on my social media profiles)
3. Find Your Groove: Identify the music you love and want to play. Pick a couple of songs that you want to learn.
Start with these three foundational grooves:
Basic rock groove
Basic funk groove
Basic jazz groove
Starting with these will set you up for a lifetime of drumming growth.
2. Why Rudiments Matter
Rudiments are the building blocks of drumming. They improve your control, expand your "vocabulary," and make your playing more dynamic.
Even if you don’t think about them consciously, rudiments shape everything you do on the kit. Incorporating them into your routine can elevate your skills.
A great resource is “Great Hands for a Lifetime” by Tommy Igoe.
3. Overcoming Negative Thoughts
We all experience self-doubt, but learning to manage it is key.
Here’s what’s helped me:
Notice: Pay attention to those harsh inner thoughts.
Pause: Don’t try to stop them, just recognize them.
Decide: Choose whether to believe them and move on.
I’m still working on this, but becoming mindful of my inner dialogue has made a huge difference in the way I move through life.
4. Learning How to Learn
Big projects can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller steps makes all the difference.
For example, when I learn a new song:
Create a form outline.
Focus on just that for 20-30 minutes.
Take a break—go outside, have a coffee, or enjoy a small treat.
Focusing on the process instead of the product makes learning feel less daunting and much more rewarding.
Check out the course “Learning how to Learn” on Coursera (which inspired this section), it’s completely free and so inspiring.
5. Music Spotlight: Vapor Breaks
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with this genre. It feels like stepping into a dream or revisiting childhood memories of PS1 and PS2 graphics. Here are a few tracks I’ve been vibing to:
“What Did I Do Wrong” by Sonic Rain – Clean, focused, and perfect for driving.
“Level Select” by Pizza Hotline – A defining track for the genre. Feels like being stuck in a liminal space or the start menu of a video game.
Give them a listen and let me know what you think!
Thanks for reading. If you found this helpful or just entertaining, share it with a friend or let me know what resonated most with you.
What are you looking forward to on the next newsletter? Shoot me an email or DM me on Instagram, I would love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Elias Texel
