R&B / Funk - Drums - Pro School Course

The study of R&B/funk/soul and the concepts and techniques necessary for successful study and performance of these styles on the drum set. Topics to be covered will allow you to develop a solid base with which to advance your musical and technical skills and knowledge in these styles. This includes the study of the most influential soul, R&B and funk artists and drummers, historical developments, and the rhythms and approaches to playing that are most necessary for one to function as a drummer in these idioms. The course will present a historical overview of the development of these styles from the early soul vocal groups, to New Orleans styles, through the developments of the soul and rhythm and blues styles of the 1950s and 1960s. The development of the Detroit and Motown sound and a study of representative artists, the melding of the black and soul sound with the British and American rock and blues of the 1950s and 60s, the development of the funk groups of the late 1960s and early 70s, as well as an overview of the key R&B/funk vocal bands and artists of this same period. The course will focus on the signature characteristics of the drummers and rhythm sections of these periods and styles and how to perform then on the drumset and percussion. A certificate program comprises 8-10 modules. Students will get free access to the library, gigs, masterclasses and film screenings.

In Class Credits: 24

Project Credits: 16

Total Credits: 40

Eligibilty

Instrument playing experience: at least 2-5 years.

Added advantage for those who have studied in: The Trinity Rock & Pop School / Rock School from Grade 4 onwards I Trinity Guild Hall / ABRSM from Grade 3 and above.

If not, the student should have adequate knowledge in music theory, which shall be tested by our teachers. This would include music concepts, reading and writing skills (tabs, notations, etc.)

The student has to prepare 2 pieces of contrasting styles; e.g. fast tempo v/s slow tempo.

The student has to demonstrate the ability to play along with a click track and the ability to sight-read.

The student has to submit a video clip of them playing the instrument solo.

Fluency in English

Privileges

10 Hours of advance booking available per week for individual practice and projects.

Unlimited spot bookings available for individual practice and projects on first come first serve basis.

Access to studio facility for recording projects.

Access to Band Rehearsal room for performances projects.

Access to auditorium for performances projects and shows.

Rules

Bookings are made available subject to project brief, class schedule and availability.

Student has to pass in all projects for successful completion of the module.

Attendance percentage lower than 50% disqualifies the student from the current module.

In the event of failure in a module or disqualification from a module, a student can test out of the module. Testing out charges will be applicable.

The focus here will be on providing a condensed, yet thorough, practical approach to the drums – through simple and fundamental techniques and concepts that can be easily learned and quickly applied.

Each module will focus on the required instrumental techniques for performing in a given style, with the emphasis on learning these techniques through studying actual music and musical application, rather than focusing on a wealth of technical exercises.

In addition to these technical fundamentals, each course will begin with a study of the development and key artists and repertoire of a given style. True School believes that it is through the study and emulation of key artists and ensembles that a student first begins to grasp a style of music.

The course will then move into the specific musical elements of each style through the study of representative repertoire, harmony, melody, rhythms, sound, groove, improvisation and the like.