Stick/mallet/hand control and position
- Play a range of simple, rudimental sticking patterns, e.g. rebound strokes and free strokes, with each hand individually
- Produce a clean sound (no buzzing) at a regular pulse on all instruments
- Play at a consistent stick/hand height
- Develop an appropriate instrument grip when playing handheld instruments
Using sticks, show learners an appropriate grip.
Learners should play with either matched or orthodox grip. When using matched grip, and for the right hand of orthodox grip, the sticks should be held with the thumb and first finger only. Ensure that wrists, arms and shoulders remain relaxed at all times. Any signs of tension restricting stick control should be corrected.
When playing with sticks, ask learners to practise picking up the stick from a flat surface, hands separately, using the first finger and thumb. This will help them to form an appropriate pivot point to allow freedom of movement of the sticks.
Ask learners to play short, simple rhythms with:
- the back three fingers loosely in contact with the sticks
- the sticks in line with the forearm or forming an inverted V shape when viewed from above
- the sticks correctly balanced
When playing, encourage learners to use an action similar to that of bouncing a ball, to develop rebound strokes.
When playing with hands (e.g. on djembes), encourage learners to use appropriate hand shape. Show them how to move between fingers together for the tone sound and fingers opened for the bass sound. Encourage them to think of pulling the sound out of the djembe, focusing on the upward movement.
Be aware of stamina when teaching beginners and include opportunities to rest the hands to avoid discomfort.
Ask learners to perform a beat while the teacher plays a solo over the top.
Show learners an appropriate instrument grip for handheld instruments such as tamborim, agogo bells, triangle, cymbals etc.
Show learners how to play alternating their left and right hands (e.g. on djembe).
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