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TODD PROCTOR In the process of earning my Music Business degree from East Carolina University, I have taught several high school drumlines and played in many ensembles to support myself through college. After many years of performing, I have come to the realization that playing and teaching was an invaluable lesson. Both have molded me into the successful educator/musician that I have become today.  I
currently teach at the Music Loft in Durham, The Ravenscroft Applied
lessons program, and a few select students in my home studio. Prior
to teaching private lessons, I taught several drumlines throughout
Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These include Patrick
Henry High School, Havelock High School, Kellam High School, Williamston
High School, Thomas Dale High School, Cheraw High School, John Randolph
Tucker High School, and Little Washington High School. My teaching philosophy as far as private lessons includes mastering the fundamentals of music – reading and counting basic rhythms. Without these essential elements the performances of students as well as artists can be flawed. I feel that mastering these concepts will stick with my students for a lifetime. One of the concepts that I stress during most all of my lessons is the ability to relax and execute at the same time. This is a concept that is easier said than done. I have had some hands on experience (no pun intended) with tension and how it can affect a performance. I had a mild case of carpal tunnel in my right hand which really woke me up and forced me to assess my technique so I would not do any further damage to my hand and could continue my career as a drummer. Thru meditation and practice I have been able to over come carpal tunnel syndrome and become a stronger player with more speed. Nervousness tension or muscular stress tends to causes quite an unevenness to ones playing. One of the exercises that I suggest doing is to set a tempo on the metronome where you can play sixteen notes for at least five minutes comfortably. During those five minutes take a deep a breath as possible, as if it were your last breath on earth, then exhale slowly. After you exhale you should notice that it feels easier to play the pattern. Congratulations You have just released some tension in your playing. A deep breath will release a lot of tension and many toxins. Hopefully you will soon realize that it takes very little effort to produce a good sound. Oddly enough, the more relaxed your stroke becomes the more massive your sound will be. |