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Nancy Fraley
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  • San Francisco, CA
  • United States
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At 12:38pm on July 12, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Thanks Nancy!-I didn't want to trouble you for a response, since I knew you were busy, but I'm glad to hear from you again! Relaxation seems to be key. Also, I realize, after some research, why my hands have been hurting. Like yesterday-I was really into practicing the exercises with the metronome, and my wrist starting hurting. I've been following my instructors directions, but I now know that it's not the grip, it's that I have been playing without benefit of using rebound. He said that we'd eventually get to this, but for now, to strengthen my wrists and arms, to control the movement of the sticks volitionally, without relying on rebound. I'm not necessarily refuting him, although yes, as time goes on and I'm doing more research, I guess I am! My hands and wrists have been absorbing the shock, and I'm being asked to play at full volume, not at a low volume. He's a good instructor, but in a way, I feel like I'm still on my own when it comes to this stuff. Maybe lack of rebound is not the problem. Also, the whole idea of playing in complete unison with the metronome, such that the click completely disappears, seems utterly impossible to me. I've been using it as a guide, and that's the best I can do. You made such a great point about how real, live music breathes! Also, the notion of playing before or behind the beat is important. Otherwise, it just sounds sterile. "Sufferagette City"-boy do I remember that one; perfect example of how exciting music can be at different tempos! Above all else, I've got to get back to my band's music. I almost feel like I've forgotten how to really play! I hope you enjoy that conference. Take Care, and thanks again.-Jessica G.
At 9:07pm on July 11, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Hi Nancy-No need to reply to this. I'm so sorry you're not feeling well, and I do hope the conference turns out well for you. Thanks for your advice. I've already decided I will not make myself insane trying to play in complete, perfect unison until I drop. It must be one of those ongoing quests that drummers try for, a sort of target to shoot for, but perhaps not always reach. I tried the same exercise again today with the metronome, and was really feeling the beat and the rate much better, although the click didn't totally disappear. I like the idea of short intervals with the metronome, too. I'm also, independently of my lessons, working on learning proper stick grip. I've learned something in lessons so far, but I find I must be doing something wrong, because I start to feel pain in my wrist and hands. I feel like some of this stuff I just need to learn on my own. Feel better and take care!-Jessica G.
At 8:48pm on July 10, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Hi Nancy! How are things with you? I'm just drumming away, and now I'm taking lessons. I've just had my third or fourth-lost count! I decided to take them after all, because I want to focus on learning all the technical stuff I just don't feel confident teaching myself: rudiments, sticking technique, reading. Well, here I am again with yet another question! I had a rather humbling lesson today! I played the exercises I'd practiced all week, and knew very well, to the accompanyment of an metronome! Wow-is that a sobering thing, or what? I thought my time was okay, like maybe, I didn't have to worry about it as much as other stuff, but NO! I exaggerate-I wasn't miles off, really, just a shade behind, but the error was glaring enough that it was starting to drive me crazy! I also learned in that lesson what real dedicated practice really is. My instructor was very encouraging, and had me play the exercise repeatedly. I enjoyed it, because after a while, I could really feel myself feeling the beat, but not perfectly. As I understand it, you are playing right on the beat when the metronome click disappears; you and the metronome are playing then in perfect unison. My question is this: do you play with a metronome a great deal, and if so, do you find yourself easily on the beat? I'm asking, because I wonder if being exactly on the beat, always and constantly, is something that one can achieve with dedication, or is it one of those endless quests in drumming that one attempts, but few really reach? I'll certainly go for it, but I don't want to get too caught up in it, and get too hard on myself, and forget all the other stuff I need to do, too. To top it all off, the paradiddle exercises he wrote out for me to do on the kit-I was reading them wrong! Well, at least my ghost notes are coming along! I hope all is well with you, and wish you joy in your drumming. Hope this wasn't too long!-Jessica G.
At 5:33pm on May 27, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Hi Nancy-thanks so much for these great suggestions. I'm going to try them. Playing in different time signatures will be a challenge for me, but one that I relish. Keep drumming with joy!-Jessica G.
At 10:52pm on May 26, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Hi Nancy-I hope all is well with you, drum-wise and otherwise. I have a question for you, and I hope I haven't asked already. I don't take lessons at the moment, for various reasons. I try to practice each day, and have been managing to do that, but I feel like I've hit some sort of wall. I want to become more creative with my drumming. I'm in a cover band, so have spent time learning the specific drum parts to the songs, not necessarily beat for beat, but enough to play the distinctive parts, but enough, too, to allow me to come up with my own little fills and touches. Overall, though, it's starting to sound stale and repetitious. The drums can get away with a basic, somewhat funky beat on the CD, because there's so much instrumentation and production going on, but our band is pretty spare, so I feel I want to add texture to the songs, which could mean altering the original drum part. My question is: what sort of practice regimine would you suggest? I have an idea of what I can divide my time on: start with rudiments, then warm up exercises around the kit, but then what? Any suggestions? Thanks so much.-Jessica G.
At 2:37pm on March 11, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Thanks Nancy!-Jessica G.
At 1:37am on March 11, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Hello Nancy! I have questions for you-any ideas or good resources for stick control? Thanks!-Jessica G.
At 12:23pm on March 6, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Hi Nancy-thanks for clarifying the concept of "isolating" limbs. It's given me something new to add to my practice! I loved Donna's discussion, but I'm not sure how to respond, because I'm not sure I'm at the level to have experienced what you both have. I will say that I've had a "love/hate" relationship with my playing, in that I've felt great overall frustration at not being as proficient as I feel I should/could be. I now realize that I can appreciate the steps it takes to get there, and enjoy playing for its own sake. I've loved the drums for so long, so much, that I just want to play as expressively as I can, but realize that the road to getting there, where ever "there" is for me, can be as joyous. I also visualize myself playing, and always have. If I hear a song that really gets to me, I see myself playing along with it. Sitting down and actually doing it is something else! My technical limitations often prevent me, so I try to work it through, with mixed success. Hearing my mistakes, as you do, is something I welcome at this time, frustrating as it is, because at least I know I'm really listening and feeling the music. Thanks for your input. Take Care!-Jessica G.
At 11:43am on March 6, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Nancy-thanks so much for the friend invite! I admire your wide range of experience. I"m in a band right now, and feel very happy and grateful to be! We play cover songs from the sixties to the nineties, a nice, eclectic collection. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to find someone who offers instruction on Balkan drumming! Thanks for the tips on using rudiments. When you say that you "isolate" your limbs, I take it to mean that you use that one limb continuously, exclusively, throughout the exercises until it's stronger. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not in the Bay area, but if ever I am, I'd love to take you up on the offer to drum. My best to you!-Jessica G.
At 3:12pm on February 28, 2009, Jessica G. said…
Hi Nancy! I noticed you were really into world music. Do you play any percussive instruments-congas, djembe, etc.? Also, what types of practice or playing are you working on right now to improve? I'm a beginner, and am doing the best I can to get better. I'm doing rudiments and exercises to get me used to playing around the kit. Welcome.-Jessica G.

Profile Information

Country:
USA
How long have you been drumming?
22 years
What is your drumming history:
Played in a lot of bands and played different types of music over the years, from rock, punk, blues, rockabilly, folk, jazz, and these days I veer towards more world music and Middle Eastern-oriented pursuits. Past year I've just spent solo, trying to take my chops to a new level.
Describe Your Drum Kit:
DW Custom in black oyster rap; 20 x 18 bass, 8 x 10 rack tom; 14 x 14 floor; 16 x 16 floor; Dunnett titanium snare, plus others I keep around.

Second kit is a 4 piece Gretch. Also have 4 doumbeks, a Persian daf, Azeri doira, bodhran, a square Moroccan drum, and other small percussion instruments.
Favorite Drummer(s):
Too many to list! Everyone from Bonham, Stanton Moore, Neil Peart, Cindy Blackman, Joe Morello, etc.
Favourite Bands/Musicians:
The Beatles, Indigo Girls & Amy Ray solo, Rush, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, classic rock, various blues artists, music of the world (Cuban, Brazilian, Persian, Kurdish, Turkish, Israeli, etc.)
 
 

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