By Teacher Keyon Toh - Music Undergraduate at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Trinity Drums Grade 8
One of the most common questions I hear from my students is: “Should I take drum exams, or can I just learn for fun?” Many students assume that drum lessons automatically mean preparing for exams, but that’s not the case. Whether you’re aiming for formal qualifications or simply want to enjoy playing the drums, the choice is entirely yours. Let’s break down both options to help you decide what’s best for you.
What Are Drum Exams?
Drum exams are similar to the ABRSM or Trinity exams you might have heard of for piano or violin. They provide a structured way to measure your progress and skills as a drummer. Here’s what you can expect:
Exam Components:
Set Pieces:
You’ll learn and perform a few selected songs from the exam book.
Technical Exercises:
These focus on building your technique, such as rudiments, stick control, and coordination.
Improvisation:
You’ll be asked to create your own drum patterns or fills on the spot.
Playback (Sight Reading):
You’ll read and play a piece of drum notation you’ve never seen before.
Grading System:
Like other instruments, drum exams are graded from Grade 1 to Grade 8, with the option to pursue a diploma for advanced players.
Why Take Exams?
Structured Learning:
The syllabus provides a clear roadmap for improvement, covering a wide range of techniques and musical styles.
Motivation:
Exams give you a goal to work toward, which can be highly motivating.
Recognition:
Passing an exam is a tangible achievement that demonstrates your skills.
While the exam requires you to prepare three set pieces, I always recommend learning all the songs in the book. This not only helps with exam preparation but also broadens your musical abilities and understanding.
Learning for Fun: The Leisure Approach
Not everyone wants the pressure of exams, and that’s perfectly fine! Many students prefer to learn drums purely for enjoyment, and this approach has its own unique benefits.
Freedom and Flexibility:
You can progress at your own pace without the pressure of deadlines or exams. You have the freedom to explore the styles of music you love, whether it’s rock, jazz, funk, or pop. You can focus on learning specific songs or techniques that interest you.
Resources for Leisure Learning:
I use a variety of technique books and exercises to help students grow without following an exam syllabus. Some of my favorites include:
Tommy Igoe’s Groove Essentials: A fantastic resource for learning grooves across different genres
Rick Latham’s Advanced Funk Studies: Perfect for building advanced techniques and funk patterns.
These books, along with custom exercises, provide a strong foundation for drummers who want to learn for fun.
Which Option is Better?
The truth is, neither approach is inherently better than the other. It all depends on your goals, personality, and learning style. If you thrive on structure and goals, drum exams might be the right choice for you. They provide a clear path to improvement and a sense of accomplishment.
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