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.
Overview
Syllabus
- 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.
Taught by
Sheila E.
