Welcome!
Hello, my name is Graham Hodson and I’d like to welcome you.
I started playing drums at age 11 and was a full-time professional by the time I was 18.
I’ve been teaching privately and in schools, colleges, and universities for well over 30 years with a great many of my students going on to become professional drummers.
The information on this site is not aimed at any particular group of people or anybody with particular skill sets.
If you are an absolute beginner, the site is packed with tips and advice that will get you off to the best possible start.
If you are an experienced, advanced, or even professional drummer, there is just as much vital information to take your playing to the next level.
In short, if you are looking to improve your drumming skills no matter what your level, then this is the place for you.
Everything here is intended to help you develop your playing as quickly as possible, to get the most out of your practice, and for you to make the greatest possible progress in the shortest possible time.
And there it is, only a few paragraphs in and you already have that word… PRACTICE!
It is the single most important aspect of learning anything.
More important than natural ability?
Yes, without a doubt!
To quote Michael Jordan, probably the world’s greatest ever basketball player:-
“In my opinion, with sports, and indeed as in any endeavour, natural ability is the most overrated commodity”.
I’m in complete agreement with that sentiment, as without a doubt, it’s the effort and quality of effort that you’re willing to put into your chosen subject that counts.
So, what’s more important than natural ability?
Enthusiasm, a strong work ethic which includes a willingness and desire to practice, and a determination to not just dream, but to do.
“ ‘One day’ is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you”.
Anonymous
The PIE Principle
Do you enjoy something because you’re good at it, or are you good at it because you enjoy doing it?
It’s a bit of a chicken and egg scenario, but without doubt, the cycle is:-
- If you Practice, you’ll improve
- If you Improve, you’ll enjoy playing
- If you Enjoy playing, you’ll practice even more
A world-famous sports coach with a great many world number one players and Grand Slam champions to his name was once told that a new member of his academy was very talented, and his reply was:-
“Talent? …
Talent?! …
I don’t care about talent.
I want to know how hard they’re willing to work!”
Remember,
“The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work”.
Mark Twain