Resources
Articles
DIY: Turn Your Bucket Into A Drum Kit
Bucket Drumming 101
DIY: Padded Drum Sticks
DIY: Homemade Mute Pads
DIY: Tupperware Marching Drums
History Of Percussion (contributed by Maggie)
Useful Links
Music Resource Guide for Students
Sticks
Volume can be a concern, so besides inventing a padded drumstick and a type of mute pad for the bucket playing surface, We now use this quiet but durable stick: Vic Firth Rute 505.
Earplugs
It’s wise to invest in some ear protection for your young musician. We recommend Mack’s Pillowsoft Ear Plugs For Kids.
Books
Written for parents/teachers of 2-6 year-olds and utilizes a color-coded music notation system commonly seen in music video games. The book is organized into three skill levels giving the teacher or parent flexibility to decide which level best fits their child’s abilities. Parents who don’t even play drums will find this book easy to use as it covers everything you need to know to get your child drumming and having fun.
Drumscapes: The Essential Guide to Playing Drums
Author/Teacher/Performer Andy Ziker bases this unique beginning drum method on his many years of playing and teaching experience. The following topics are covered: how to practice; drum set vocabulary; techniques for hands and feet; sticking options; reading, writing & playing rhythms; the mathematics of rhythm; beginning patterns; rock beats & fills; rudiments; applying accents; double bass basics; and much more. Accompanying video (in the form of a YouTube playlist) will soon be available for each page in the book. Drumscapes is perfect for drummers six years and up. Both students and teachers will find the book a valuable learning tool.
Drumopedia has been named one of the 5 best beginner drum books by TakeLessons.com, the nation’s largest online marketplace for lessons. It has been hailed “a must have for the forward-thinking drummer” by drumming innovator/great, Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock), and “one of the best, most useful and well-written drum instruction books in years” by NY veteran drum teacher, Rick Corwin. In the 23 chapter study beginner drum book by DrumTVShow Publications, author Dan Britt takes you one step at a time through basic notation, common stickings and rudiments, popular rock/pop beats and fills, double bass, fun patterns, and some funk, latin, ambidextrous and linear drumming!
Tupperware Drums/Plastic Cups
The Bucketeers also use other household items as percussion instruments in these classes. Tupperware drums allow marching and four-limb coordination, and plastic cups — popularized by the Anna Kendrick hit song “When I’m Gone” from the movie Pitch Perfect — are a fun and extremely accessible instrument.
Fruit Shakers
We use these safe, durable, great-sounding shakers as one of our percussion implements.