Rhythm is an essential component of most kinds of music and drummers are invaluable to many kinds of musical groups. Not only do drummers set the timing and pacing of a song (and help other musicians keep with the beat), they also contribute to its feeling, movement and formal composition.

The CMC Atlanta Drum Camp immerses students in a week long program focused on drum technique and musical expression. Students start by getting to know the drum set itself, and they learn how to identify its components, properly assemble, disassemble and set up a kit. The camp curriculum also focuses on stick technique, because whether just beginning or playing for years, stick technique can always be improved upon. Kick pedal technique and basic coordination are included in our studies, too.

While we emphasize by rote learning and feeling rhythmic flow on the drum kit, notation is also a key area of concentration because basic to more advanced rhythmic reading and application is crucial for any drummer, whether they are playing a single surface, pad or snare drum, or splitting rhythms and reading them over an entire drum set with all four limbs.

Finally, Drum Camp also introduces students to a variety of drum styles. To be a versatile musician on the drum set is to learn, listen and investigate many styles of music and the grooves and patterns specific to those styles. Rock, funk, shuffle, swing, reggae, Afro-cuban, blues, second line, drum corps, among many others, all incorporate different musical approaches. Through listening to, learning about, and playing great music, we ourselves can learn from our heroes and keep pushing to create, innovate, and strive to hone our craft as music makers. Since we group by age and skill level, beginners and more experienced students alike are welcome.