Our Album Tribute Song Collection Programs are a staple here at Zac Treby School of Drums. Learn to play the albums of your favorite artists and drummers with proven step by step methods with our Drum Lesson Experience.
Inside our Album Tribute Collections, students dive deep into album material of artists such as: Iron Maiden, Aerosmith, Rush, King Crimson, Genesis, Sleep Token, Metallica, The Beatles, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Green Day, Slayer, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Sound Garden, Led Zeppelin, and more!
Drum lessons for tribute bands are about replicating the drumming style and techniques of iconic musicians while maintaining your own personal touch. Here’s how we structure your drum lessons with that focus in mind:
1. Song Analysis and Breakdown
- Objective: Learn the intricacies of the songs from the tribute band’s repertoire.
- Action: Listen to the original tracks and focus on specific drum parts. Pay attention to the tempo, fills, transitions, and dynamics.
- Exercises:
- Transcribe the drum parts for the song.
- Learn to replicate the grooves and rhythms exactly as heard.
- Practice with the original recording for timing and accuracy.
2. Recreating Iconic Drum Styles
- Objective: Master the drumming style of the original drummer.
- Action: Learn the specific techniques and approach that defined the drumming in the genre or band’s sound.
- Exercises:
- If playing classic rock (like a Led Zeppelin tribute), practice deep pocket grooves, cymbal work, and power fills.
- If playing a pop-punk tribute (like Blink-182), focus on fast, punchy beats, with attention to snare placement and high-hat technique.
- Focus on articulation and tone to match the drum sounds heard on the original recordings.
3. Groove and Feel
- Objective: Focus on playing in the right “feel” for each song (whether tight, loose, or relaxed).
- Action: Work on playing each song with the right amount of groove. Listen to the feel and the pocket in the drums of the original.
- Exercises:
- Record yourself playing along to the songs, then compare it to the original recording.
- Adjust your playing to match the dynamics, accents, and feel.
- Focus on groove consistency and playing with a solid backbeat.
4. Tempo and Timing
- Objective: Ensure your timing is spot on, especially in a tribute band setting.
- Action: Practice playing along with a metronome and original recordings to build timing.
- Exercises:
- Use a metronome with different subdivisions to improve timing.
- Focus on perfecting the tempo of slower and faster sections.
- Play without the recording and keep track of your internal tempo.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
- Objective: Understand the era and feel that influenced the music you’re recreating.
- Action: Learn about the band’s history, its genre’s evolution, and the cultural and musical context of the time.
- Exercises:
- Watch documentaries or read books about the band or genre.
- Learn the influences that shaped the drumming style.
6. Stage Performance and Energy
- Objective: Develop your stage presence and energy as a tribute drummer.
- Action: Focus on replicating the performance energy of the original drummer.
- Exercises:
- Practice playing with high energy while maintaining technique.
- Record your rehearsal and evaluate your performance, focusing on movements, posture, and overall energy.
- Watch live performances of the original band to study their stage presence.
7. Working with the Band
- Objective: Collaborate with your band to sync with the other instruments.
- Action: Practice in a group setting to refine your timing and interaction with other musicians.
- Exercises:
- Rehearse the songs as a group, focusing on transitions and timing.
- Listen and adjust your playing to match the other instruments in real-time.
8. Customizing Your Performance
- Objective: Add your own personality while respecting the original material.
- Action: While it’s crucial to replicate the original drumming, there’s room for personal expression.
- Exercises:
- Introduce small improvisational elements or slight variations to make it your own.
- Experiment with fills and accents while keeping the core style intact.
By structuring our lessons with a focus on these key areas, you’ll be able to develop the skills and confidence to perform as a tribute drummer. The key is blending precise replication with your own personal style, ensuring that you do justice to the original music while bringing your unique energy to the performance.
Call now to sign up for our Album Tribute Song Collection Program
201-887-1407
zactreby@gmail.com