8 Steps To Maximize Your Drumming Practice

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“Wisdom is a combination of knowledge and experience. Knowledge alone does not give wisdom. Knowledge is the information. Putting that information into action is what experience is.”
Dom Famularo is arguably one of the most enthusiastic and inspirational drum teachers in the world. He’s taught close to 1 million students from over 60 countries in his 48 year teaching career, so ‘Drumming’s Global Ambassador’ came to Drumeo to continue spreading the gospel.
Drummers are constantly learning, and some of the world’s greatest players are still students themselves. In this half hour-long live lesson, Dom talks about how to be a good student, how to choose the right teacher and ask them the right questions, plus how to get the most out of your practice time. You’ll learn the importance of identifying your goals, how to create a plan, and where you might fall in the hierarchy of learning.
It’s amazing how much you can grow with the right mentality and enough hard work. “Discipline has to come from within,” he says, and emphasizes how you can also inspire others by working on your craft.
Dom even drops a huge bomb at the end of the lesson: he tells you exactly how you can become a better drummer in just one month by following a routine.
If you want to get motivated to keep learning, to pick up the drums again after a break, or to start playing for the first time, you don’t want to miss this video!
Here are Dom Famularo’s 8 tips to become a better drum student:
1. Know the four ways of learning
2. Prepare for the teacher’s questions
3. Understand what music means for you
4. Understand the importance of constant learning
5. Identify your goals
6. Know if you’re in it for the art or the sport
7. Set a practice schedule that will deliver results
8. Commit to a level of discipline
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[@junebugsmithington]

RIP Dom. You’re a true legend 🙏

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

He had such a beautiful, positive energy. R.I.P 🙏🏻

[@RonanDamizza]

Thanks for all, master!!! 🙌 R.I.P.

[@poekoelan75]

Dom's passion and enthusiasm is unmatched. And it all shows in his playing too. Awesome.

[@damodecomposed]

I haven't even finished watching this video and I just had to comment. I was thinking about Dom just a few days ago. In 1995 or maybe early 96, he was the guest conductor for a group of 5th and 6th grade jazz students in Nassau, Long Island. It was my very first "all-county" and Dom's incredible spirit was one of my first exposures to the joy of music. He made us all feel like superstars and created a team dynamic that to this day I recall fondly. Few people have ever matched his sheer presence in my life, especially considering that it was all of 3 days of rehearsal + gig. Years later, I am a professional musician (trumpeter/composer) and I had a drum set in my basement that I wanted to get more familiar with. This is one of the first videos that came up when I searched for proper drum technique and I could not be happier to see Dom doing well and sharing his passion with all of us. What a gift!

[@MatthiasFrommann]

Dom, you're great! thanks..😃 I started playing drums in January 2018 with drumeo and bruce becker. I played electronic drums. In January 2019 i started playing acoustic drums and joined Todd suchermans course on drumeo. In March I felt I need a personal teacher and joined local music school. after a couple of lessons my teacher ask me to join his musical band as second Drummer. we will play 2/3 shows per week in a large theater venue and I'm so proud of myself to reach the goal to be on stage within 2 years. just for information..I'm just turned 46..😃

[@Zidan0020]

respect!

[@Helmetplayss21]

Bro you need to find a new band cause u are a backup drummer

[@GlobalDrumming]

helmetplayss What does this mean?

[@Helmetplayss21]

@@GlobalDrumming cause if you are a backup u just a fuckin item that sometimes use you

[@MatthiasFrommann]

helmetplayss no, i play every show.. we are 2 drummers and playing percussion too..

[@j.d.7208]

Dom is the drum psychologist what a positive energy he is

[@RodrigoRaez]

This man is so inspiring, I still can't believe it. Thanks, Dom Fomularo, and thanks to all the Drumeo team for existing. This was one of the greatest lessons I've had in my life.

[@sarojaband4664]

Took private lessons with Dom '94-'95 at the Long Island Drum Center after seeing him in clinic w/ Tommy Aldridge in Albany NY 1987. I'm STILL working on some of his concepts to this day!! [especially the Billy Cobham ambidextrous approach] The increase in 'unconscious competence' is the ultimate goal. Musical effortlessness. Shared Euphoric Joy. Art and Sport. Discipline. Thank you Dom!!...Vinayak

[@stacywren9500]

I’m really going to miss this guy. RIP Dom.

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

I love his energy and passion. My drum instructor is good in terms of his method and his ability but he's always very grumpy and doesn't care what I listen to and what I want to play. He just listens to my playing of last week's lessons, then starts the lesson and that's it.

[@MrDVen]

Maybe find an instructor who inspires you as well as teaches

[@michaelkonopka9607]

I love his youthful enthusiasm, being a constant learner he has the true spirit of a kid 🎉

[@user-ec8gp3ly5x]

I love the way he hits the cymbals; so powerful yet majestic bro

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

Dom is a very positive cat AND TEACHER! he even put me on his teacher's list!!!what i can promise is if your obsessed and really love the drums..you will practice

[@derek5168]

Dom makes perfect sense your a student for life some drummer's who have been playing a long time get offended if you say this to them

[@alexanderabrahamtubay968]

Thank you so much Sir Dom for inspiring us! you are a legend, that word CHALLENGE + CHA - NGE = CHANGE means a lot to me, than you so much Sir Dom! we will miss you a lot

[@timcloutier3729]

Dom Famularo......A man whose words of wisdom are as powerful as his drumming. What an OUTSTANDING DRUMEO session this was. 🤘🏼❤🥁

[@johngold1849]

for some reason his playing reminds of Liberty Devitto. Love that conviction.

[@jubankta1627]

DOM IS A LEGEND...IF I COULD HAVE ONE ITEM ON MY BUCKET LIST IT WOULD BE TO TAKE A LESSON FROM THIS GREAT MASTER!!!!HOW COULD ONE NOT BE INSPIRED TO PLAY IF IN HIS PRESENCE?HIS ATTITUDE IS INFECTIOUS....

[@drummerjeroensimons]

I saw Dom once here in The Netherlands, 11 years ago with a student of mine.. He is such a positive high energy in depth person/drummer... I wish him many years of globally drumming!!! Go Dom!!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

The Global ambassador! That's awesome you got to connect with him. :)

[@drummerjeroensimons]

@@DrumeoOfficial Hi man, I did, I sent him my upcoming drumbook too.....;)

[@kcampbell3045]

RIP. Such a great guy and such an influence to me as an open handed player. My regret is that I started too late and discovered him too late to ask him directly the questions I have.

[@robertdore9592]

I'm glad that someone of the stature of Dom Famularo has addressed HOW we learn, it's great especially for a more mature learner, a great teacher or coach will very quickly get to the heart of how best their student will learn.

[@kklau4715]

Thanks for your great lesson Dom!!! The messages your delivered in this lesson are so profound and inspiring, it is just awesome to be a constant lifelong learner! Thanks Drumeo for having Dom here again!!!

[@DaniMard90]

Rest in Peace Master

[@Heyhowareyafine]

So amazing. It’s like he’s talking to his buddy about this fun new hobby he got into the other day. Wouldn’t guess that he’d been teaching and playing for decades.

[@lukasCR7productions]

The most inspiring video on Drumeo EVER! Don, you are great guy, i really want to meet you and just shake your hand and say big thank you! Amazing!

[@adityatyagi4009]

So glad to see Dom mention David Garibaldi. Finally got to see Tower of Power with DG on drums a few months ago. He made it look easy!

[@jaycookson5923]

What a truly inspirational and thoughtful man Dom and drumeo oh, thank you so much

[@GlobalDrumming]

Jay Cookson Thanks so much!!!

[@totodomination6809]

Thanks Drumeo for this video, and thank you Dom! Your passion is contagious! :)

[@michaelzagon7417]

So cool i always love the attitude and the passion of Dom . Stay healthy ✌️🥁✌️

[@flooper8441]

When Dom says "pros that are constant learners" I think of Virgil Donati, the Australian god of drums.

[@rafalvarezsevilla]

such a great teacher, thanks for making me a better teacher and student

[@lvvry1855]

LOVE THIS GUY! After watching this, I realize I'm never going to have his energy, so I'm going back to bed.

[@didybopintitys]

God this makes me miss playing the drums so much, thank you drumeo for always putting up quality content love and appreciate you guys very much.

[@ludwigfan3013]

Get back into man

[@chimkimnumget5271]

Start playing again regret is the worst feeling

[@MikeMastropierro]

Had a lesson with Dom in 2003. Changed everything!

[@jazzpianoman01]

Wonderful Dom; inspiring to me even after over 40 plus years of drumming it’s so true to keep on learning! I’ve had several drum teachers including Paul Elliott from the U.K. whom I have known for nearly 30 years and I still have the occasional lesson over SKYPE with him as I live out in Macau! Yes the social media and technology we have today is great but as you say really is it helping to push the art form forward? So true people want everything free and quick these days without the hard work that goes into it! I will contact you through your website!

[@alensiljak]

That's a great reference to Roy Haynes. He is a light beacon out there. This beautiful instrument one can really play till the last day and always discover and learn something new.

[@cobra1995xx]

Love it.. hes not shy about where the sticks are landing!

[@jimbone8436]

You guys should do a lesson video on Nicko McBrain From Iron Maidens style or get him on drumeo. I'm a huge fan of his and would love to see someone break down his style since I have trouble trying to figure some of his stuff out

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Working on it!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Jim Bone I know Nicko, these are some of his exercises! Try it! Thanks

[@danielrice363]

Yeh I tried 2 teach my niece?, But it was was sad the day she gave up my niece is only 11 years old she could become really good but folks don't believe in her like I do?, U see for me it became easy because Drumming for me was a blessing & still is?. But as for my niece lost her Mum because she past away so I know longer have a old Sister Renata Schirmer?. Thanks for this video Dom Famularo U may remember me from Drum Tek back in 1999 so wow it's been a long time?. Drumming & singing has been a big Passion on my life I'm thankful everyday for my blessings?. & The gifted 2 still be alive after being in a car crash back in the 90's?. Thanks Again?...

[@chrised1115]

I could totally have a beer with this guy

[@damstevieray]

This video is pure gold.

[@davidwilcox9944]

This is the most amazing thing I’ve heard in a long time!

[@loganpaul3374]

Saw Dom in Dublin, years ago, best clinic ever by far, also he's a comedian, halerious.

[@thelmabradley7176]

Love his capacity to play!Unconscious play versus Conscious play!! Awesome free play and learn more!!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@yyyaaa3928]

Always puts a smile on my face when I see old people still kicking and getting hyped about stuff. That's how I would like to see myself 50 years later.

[@shvetes]

Very uplifting!!!

[@thelmabradley7176]

First three letters of challenge is change. 🥰🥰🥰🥰I love to keep on learning and implementing what I learned where appropriate.

[@AbbyMarmionMusic]

Excellent!

[@nd8722]

Dom you are one of the best in the music scene.

[@bobweber4140]

Such a beautiful person thankyou for this god bless

[@dresdrum]

Props to Joe B for the backing track played here. Joe & Dom = good collab work.

[@zacharymckenzie9442]

My dad was with James b in 69 for a year or two playing trumpet, which has made hard to play anything because I have to prove myself then just gave up, 20 yrs ago. But it isn’t what matters anymore ! I love drums piano sax

[@ninabatera]

Awesome Dom!!! 🥰🙌🏻🥁

[@DrumeoOfficial]

:)

[@MrJohnBlind]

Long live to the drum ambassador!

[@riccardomusiu510]

Wow I love Dom!! Amazing drummer 👌😉🇮🇹

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Us too! Glad you enjoyed his lesson! :)

[@riccardomusiu510]

@@DrumeoOfficial 👍👍😉👌

[@douglasbanda349]

I love and respect this

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@benniez14]

At the highest levels, sport becomes art

[@robertdore9592]

Well said, there is Art in everything if done with love and devotion.

[@Bill-vy3fx]

Great stuff, RIP Dom.🙏

[@salvadorbernal2086]

Good Don famularo👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@johngeorges1510]

Love you brother

[@Richard_L_Drummer]

May he jam in peace!

[@thelmabradley7176]

I love recipients to feel what I am playing for their birthday for instance.

[@evancozad6428]

Nice vid my guy!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Evan Cozad Thanks so much!!!

[@FLAMANGO12123]

Amazing , I've been studying for almost 2 years, but I'm not playing yet, I think I'm going to be able to play very soon I never played before so I don't know how it works but I'm willing to study 3 hours a day to play for God at church

[@zim1966]

great lesson Dom, damn you smash those cymbals hard bro' lol

[@icadrums]

Nice 👍😊

[@DynoPoV]

Eyy I’m a southpaw drummer too! Nice

[@davida7284]

Absolutely awesome video. Just move the mic away from the host’s nose! lol

[@provyprov]

this guy fucking rules

[@RodrigoRaez]

Bring joy to my family? Ha! I think they tell me everyday that actually I brought noise to the house.

[@SKARKIBANEZ]

The "uncle" of drumming :P

[@catslikethief]

Anyone knows what the opening track is?

[@n8w8rem22]

My 5 drummers are : Joe Morello, Ian Pace, Nick Mason, Billy Cobham, Barriemore Barlow and Airto Moreira , ow thats 6 ... And 2 female drummers, Karen Carpenter, Shela E. ( R I P Dom F.)

[@smashstudios6722]

The Art Of Practice

[@jimboyle4934]

Remember practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect

[@njfop8492]

Which song is?

[@hecbiz75]

If you were to ask me which drummers inspire me the most, I'd say: * Elvin Jones * Mike Smith (death metal band Suffocation) * Clyde Stubblefield * Steve Noble (avant-garde jazz/experimental) * Giovanni Hidalgo (latin jazz percussionist) * Virgil Donati (fusion/progressive) How many drummers do you get that have such a wide range of taste? 😁

[@swayamtailor]

Can someone tell me what's the track that plays in the beginning?

[@GlobalDrumming]

Swayam Tailor Called One For Jeff. From the drum book Arrival!

[@swayamtailor]

@@GlobalDrumming thank you so much sir, you are a great drummer and teacher. Helps self taught drummers like me a lot. 🤘🏼

[@GlobalDrumming]

Swayam Tailor Excellent! Keep going and Keep me posted...

[@kvedvaldas]

Please guys, do the lesson with Mike Zonder. He is huge player. Technic, orchestration, komplex....

[@GlobalDrumming]

kvedvaldas Did you learn anything in this lesson?

[@SaytamSup]

What is the last song please?

[@GlobalDrumming]

Saytam Sup NYC from my book, Arrival.

[@maxcioffi14]

My bad....the first song sounds so familiar but i completly dont remember the name...somebody helping me out?thanks :)

[@Sn00ze]

This guy drums.

[@BooBooKitteyFuck]

Great stuff! Just a friendly tip, don't have the mic too close to your nose, could hear you breath the entire video

[@kellyrogers7066]

Awecome cat!!

[@Alirezaleo]

Name of track’s please?👍

[@GlobalDrumming]

Alirezaleo One for Jeff and NYC. From my drum book Arrival. Thanks so much!!!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Alirezaleo on my Arrival Book play alongs

[@catgobrrrrrr881]

Can You Reccomend Me TheCheapest Ziljian Symbol You Know Of?

[@GlobalDrumming]

RBCop 1. Check www.sabian.com

[@helenpowell7908]

Is Dom a natural lefty???

[@GlobalDrumming]

Nick Powell No....a righty! I decided to change at 48 years young! Thanks

[@helenpowell7908]

Dom Famularo. Thank you, I did the same and had always been fascinated with Cobham/Phillips style. So, being a righty, at 45 I set my kit up for a lefty. And, started at the beginning. I'm 54 now and never went back the the righty kit. There is a difference playing a righty kit lefty, than just switching hands as Simon and Cobham did, being natural lefties.

[@eugeniovasquez3780]

So why is Neil over it?

[@geoffmasondrums]

If you want to learn the style of John Bonham, listen to Buddy Rich and Joe Morello, but listen to Elvin Jones even more IMO.

[@drumvisio]

Note: Lars Ulrich was not on the list. haha

[@uncavallo2580]

Spectacular drummer, but... Y THOSE (non) RIMSHOTS that hurts...

[@helemaalnicks6215]

You know what always comes back in these that isn't useful to me? This timemanagement thing. They all say the same thing: "well, I understand you can't practice 2 hours a day, so how should you use your time", etc. And I'm here thinking, well, I practice 3-5 hours a day, so how would I improve my training efficiency? I can't use these tips, because 30 minutes a day is nothing to me. 30 minutes for me is just throwaway practice. I will watch an hour long netflix show and do on and off rudiments for about 30 min. total at the same time.

[@isabellamonplaisir7060]

helemaal nicks you should really put away netflix and focus just on your rudiments. it will help you a lot. i’m learning a really tough piece right now, and i was getting distracted and frustrated that i couldn’t figure it out. once i focused however, i found that it wasnt as hard as i thought it was.

[@isabellamonplaisir7060]

also, 30 min a day isn’t throwaway practice, it’s good to get even 15 min in to keep your chops fresh. you might not be able to learn anything new in that time, but practice is practice and just repping and exercise, solo, or playing a song can help more than you would think

[@GlobalDrumming]

helemaal nicks it is 30 minutes an exercise!!! Thanks

[@GlobalDrumming]

helemaal nicks Any practice is good. People have different goals! Just have fun! Thanks

[@user-ec8gp3ly5x]

Lars Ulrich stayed at the first stage lmfao

[@Zidan0020]

but he push thousands of drummers to the next level

[@GlobalDrumming]

N8 Lars opened many doors for drummers!

[@user-ec8gp3ly5x]

Leandro Danzi i absolutely agree. Lars was the first drummer I looked up to. But now since I’ve expanded my interest beyond the genre of metal, I see his lack of advanced skills. My favorite drummer for the past couple of years has been Danny Carey.

[@GlobalDrumming]

N8 I know Danny and he is tremendous!!! Thanks

[@user-ec8gp3ly5x]

Dom Famularo you’re awesome too Dom, keep up the great work!

[@learnonedooneteachone3822]

Your left hand grip appears to be choked and it clearly affected your pace. I commend you for educating drummers and opening up new possibilities for their progress.

[@theego2897]

I noticed that, and even when he switched from open handed, he still was noticeably off several times. It made me feel uncomfortable for him. It seems like this guy has done a lot for drumming over the decades, gained connections, and consequently has gotten many students from his reputation in the biz. I don't believe he has become known due to his drumming. Those who can't do, teach. Those that can't teach, teach gym. -Woody Allen

[@bobbystockerdrums]

If you are implying that Dom is not a great player,you are wrong...I have been to several of his clinics..he is a masterful player...The quote about teaching is asinine..many of the worlds best players teach.

[@learnonedooneteachone3822]

@@bobbystockerdrums I never said that. Watch the video. His left hand is clearly awkward and his grip is tight. Not the ticket for smooth groove.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Carl Peterson You must be joking...

[@learnonedooneteachone3822]

@@GlobalDrumming I joke not. I was being polite but you want the gloves off that's your choice. The whole piece is awkward. Your time is pretty good. You push and pull nicely. No metronome and that's a compliment. You sound and appear ham-fisted. Your dynamics are limited. Mostly loud. I had a minor criticism that has turned into my integrity being questioned. Once again, I appreciate what you do and have done for students. I have learned so much from you. I appreciate you.

[@drew_on_drums]

So if he knows my ex, does he know that she gave me the clap?

[@jonelias2262]

Mucle sprain much

[@GlobalDrumming]

What does this mean? Thanks!

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Is it me or his playing woefully off-beat in the intro ?

[@GlobalDrumming]

No

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

WTF are you watching? He's playing in perfect time.

[@dynamo008]

R.I.P. beautiful man 😢