At Zac Treby School of Drums, this curriculum for a cruise ship drummer position involves preparing a well-rounded, adaptable skill set that aligns with the varied musical genres and performance requirements a cruise ship drummer might face. This curriculum should cover everything from sight-reading to versatility in playing different styles. Here’s what you’ll learn in our structured curriculum:
Cruise Ship Drummer Curriculum
1. Fundamentals of Drumming (Months 1-3)
Goal: Master the basics of drumming to ensure a solid foundation for all styles of music.
- Techniques to Focus On:
- Basic rudiments (single stroke roll, double stroke roll, paradiddle)
- Moeller technique for dynamic control
- Proper grip and posture
- Stick control and finger technique
- Music Theory for Drummers:
- Reading basic drum notation (quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes)
- Understanding time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 6/8, etc.)
- Syncopation and phrasing
- Exercises:
- Stick control exercises (e.g., from Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone)
- Rudiment practice on snare drum and practice pad
2. Versatility in Styles (Months 4-6)
Goal: Develop the ability to play across a wide range of musical genres commonly performed on cruise ships.
- Genres to Focus On:
- Pop: Basic grooves, backbeat emphasis, chart reading for simple pop songs
- Rock: Common rock beats, fills, power beats
- Jazz: Basic swing, ride cymbal technique, walking bass groove
- Latin: Basic bossa nova, samba, cha-cha grooves
- Ballads: Subtle dynamics and understanding of the space in slower songs
- Exercises:
- Groove development for each genre (20 minutes per genre, per practice session)
- Focus on dynamic control and musicality
3. Sight-Reading and Chart Reading (Months 7-9)
Goal: Improve sight-reading skills for quick adaptability during rehearsals and live shows.
- Sight-Reading:
- Reading drum charts for pop, rock, jazz, and show tunes
- Learning how to interpret lead sheets, chord symbols, and arrangements
- Quick reading exercises using play-along tracks
- Improvisation:
- Basic soloing and improvisation within different styles (e.g., jazz fills, rock breakdowns)
- Exercises:
- Daily sight-reading sessions
- Transcribing drum parts from popular songs
4. Performance Readiness (Months 10-12)
Goal: Prepare for live performances, rehearsals, and cruise ship-specific drumming demands.
- Rehearsal Efficiency:
- Learning and memorizing songs quickly
- Adaptability to different band configurations (solo acts, full bands, duos)
- Focus on timing, count-offs, and communication with bandleaders
- Show-Style Drumming:
- Understanding transitions between songs (medleys, segues)
- Maintaining energy for long performances
- Adapting to audience reactions and musical cues
- Preparing for Cruise-Specific Drumming:
- Playing in diverse environments (live shows, poolside gigs, formal dining room performances)
- Soundcheck techniques for varied venues
- Working with other musicians in close proximity (shared stage space, ensemble coordination)
5. Advanced Groove and Fills (Months 13-15)
Goal: Refine advanced drumming techniques and fills to add flavor to performances.
- Advanced Styles:
- Funk: Syncopated patterns, ghost notes, and fills
- Blues: Shuffle patterns, backbeat fills, and dynamics
- Fusion: Complex time signatures (5/4, 7/8), linear drumming
- World Music: Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and other global rhythms
- Advanced Fill Work:
- Creating tasteful fills that support the music
- Fill development with improvisation, using dynamics and space
- Exercises:
- Advanced groove exercises for each genre
- Fill and solo practice (incorporating different subdivisions)
6. Touring Drummer Survival Skills (Months 16-18)
Goal: Equip for the logistics and mental challenges of being a cruise ship drummer.
- Touring Logistics:
- Understanding cruise ship schedules and demands (rehearsals, on-board gigs, shore time)
- Building stamina for long performances
- Maintaining gear and troubleshooting equipment issues on the road
- Communication Skills:
- Working with crew, techs, and other musicians
- Building relationships with music directors and cruise directors
- Self-Care for Drummers:
- Preventing and dealing with injuries (e.g., wrist, back, and shoulder issues)
- Managing mental health and fatigue while on tour
- Developing a daily warm-up and cool-down routine
7. Cruise Ship Drummer Mastery (Months 19-24)
Goal: Master all aspects of cruise ship drumming and gain versatility in all aspects of the job.
- Advanced Chart Reading:
- Reading and interpreting more complex charts quickly (e.g., Broadway-style arrangements)
- Conducting drum rehearsals with fellow musicians
- Show Programming:
- Understanding the flow of cruise ship entertainment programs (cabaret shows, themed nights)
- Learning how to adapt drumming to different show types
- Professionalism:
- Stage presence and interacting with the audience
- Maintaining high energy and engagement throughout the performance
- Leading by example during rehearsals and performances
- Performance Review and Feedback:
- Record practice sessions and receive constructive feedback from peers and bandleaders
- Review performance videos for self-assessment
This curriculum will prepare you for the dynamic and diverse requirements of a cruise ship drummer, ensuring you are versatile, ready to perform across multiple genres, and equipped to handle the unique challenges of touring life on the sea.
Call today for a free consultation to determine if Zac Treby School of Drums is a good fit for you, with a trial lesson offered to accepted students.
201-887-1407
zactreby@gmail.com