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POPS! 1




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POPS! stands for “Programme of Percussion Study”, and is our introduction course for drummers and percussionists. It takes you through everything you need to get started. There is a full term’s worth of learning material here, with all the foundations you need to start your drumming journey!

You can view the first section of the course for free.

What you’ll need to do this course

You will need a snare drum and a pair of sticks to learn on this course. Ross takes you through the foundations of rhythm using just the snare drum, but you could use a different drum or a practice pad instead if you haven’t got a drum kit yet, but want to get started.

Course Information

Difficulty: Beginner

About your teacher: Ross “The Machine” Hamilton.

We’ve given him the nickname “The Machine” because Ross has such tight timing. When playing in a band with him, he gets everyone settled into the groove.

As a performer, he plays drums and percussion in shows and musicals, and has been in many bands over the years, including 4 Tons of Funk, The Futons, and The People’s String Foundation.

Ross has many years of teaching experience at all levels, and also coaches the percussion section of Cornwall Youth Orchestra.

To get an idea of what its like behind the scenes putting on a large gig with an 18-piece band (and to hear Ross in action!) have a look at this video of The People’s String Foundation:


To join us and have access to more courses click the button below.
If you are already a member login here.

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Course Instructor

Ross Hamilton Ross Hamilton Author

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Course Syllabus

  • How to use this course, and Resources
    • How to use the course
    • Resources
  • 1. Basic Playing Techniques
    • How to Hold the Sticks
    • How to Play the Single Stroke Roll
    • How to Play the Double Stroke Roll
  • 2. Crotchet rhythms and rests
    • Intro and Reading Drum Scores 
    • Exercise 1 – crotchet rest
    • Exercise 2 – crotchet rests
    • Minims Explained
    • Exercise 3 – minim rest
    • Summary
  • 3. Two Four time signature
    • What is 2/4 time?
    • Exercise 1 – extra rests
    • Exercise 2 – more complex rhythms
    • Summary
  • 4. Paradiddles and Dynamics
    • Intro
    • Dynamics Explained
    • Paradiddle Exercise
    • Summary
  • 5. Crotchets and Quavers in 4/4
    • Intro
    • Exercise 1
    • Exercise 2
    • Exercise 3
    • Summary
  • 6. Crotchets and Quavers in 2/4
    • Intro
    • Exercise 1
    • Exercise 2
    • Exercise 3
    • Summary
  • 7. Putting it all together
    • Intro
    • Example 1, and further study
    • Summary
  • 8. Semiquaver rhythms
    • Intro
    • What are semiquavers?
    • Exercise 1
    • Exercise 2
    • Summary
  • 9. Semiquaver + quaver rhythms
    • Intro
    • Exercise 1
    • Exercise 2
    • Summary
  • 10. Quaver + semiquaver rhythms
    • Intro
    • Exercise 1
    • Exercise 2
    • Summary
  • 11. Performance pieces
    • Intro
    • Solos and Duets
    • Ross and Russ Demonstrate
  • 12. Congratulations! And where next…?
    • Course Summary
    • What Comes Next
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