Sheila E Teaches Drumming And Percussion

Raised in a family of musicians, Sheila E. has collaborated with icons like Marvin Gaye and Ringo Starr and was named one of the all-time greatest drummers by Rolling Stone. Now she teaches you how to find your rhythm. Learn the principles of percussion—with or without a drum set—and discover techniques for dynamic solos and fills. Jam with the Escovedo family and find your own groove, as a beginner or as a bandleader.

• Meet Your Instructor
• Groundbreaking drummer and percussionist Sheila E. welcomes you to her class and shares some of the defining moments from her upbringing that launched her career as a professional musician.
• Finding Your Rhythm
• Sheila demonstrates how to find your rhythm by moving, clapping, and using household objects to make music.
• Getting Started on the Drums
• Sheila introduces you to the drum set and demonstrates three essential warm-ups, also known as rudiments: singles, doubles, and paradiddles.
• Learning Drum Beats
• Sheila breaks down intermediate and advanced drumming techniques for different genres of music.
• Playing Drums in a Band
• Learn about timekeeping, the relationship between drums and bass, and how to drive a song dynamically with a band.
• Solos and Fills
• Your drum solo can say a lot about you as a drummer. Sheila explains when to take a solo, how to improvise, and when to show restraint.
• Growing as a Bandleader
• Sheila talks about what it takes to be a great bandleader and shows you how important it is for a band to prepare, rehearse, and communicate. Watch as she directs her band and they jam together.
• Training and Conditioning
• Sheila discusses the importance of conditioning your body as a drummer and how it can make you a better performer. You’ll also get a glimpse into Sheila’s preshow rituals.
• "A Love Bizarre" Case Study
• Sheila brings together the knowledge and skills covered so far by identifying key drum sections from one of her collaborations with Prince, “A Love Bizarre.”
• Collaborating With Prince
• Sheila shares personal stories and lessons from her years collaborating with Prince.
• Advice for Musicians
• Whether you want to be a professional drummer or you just love playing music, Sheila has some words of wisdom for you.
• Playing the Congas
• Sheila’s musical journey started with the congas. Learn the fundamentals of playing this Latin percussion instrument, from basic setup and sounds to soloing and playing with a band.
• Playing the Timbales
• Sheila is one of the first musicians in popular music to front a band on the timbales. From stick grip techniques to playing on cowbells, Sheila shows you how to play timbales as a solo artist or with a band.
• Experimenting With Percussion
• Sheila walks you through her custom kit and encourages you to get creative and have fun setting up a kit that fits your budget and style.
• Welcome to the Family
• Sheila, Pete, Peter Michael, and Juan Escovedo welcome you into their family and reflect on their musical legacy.