A big part of playing music is effectively working the sensory motor aspects of the brain and nervous system. Before working on precise patterns, it is important to effectively engage the hands and arms and postural muscles in sensing and manipulating their place in space, their movement in time and the energy- their force through the arc of their movement. [Sensory motor]
Engaged both hands in doing different movements. Learn to enjoy the playing with movement rather than being over focused on achieving a particular result. Connect playing the drum with other areas of study and daily life.
Movement Warmup
The tone of this exercise is to be fun, stimulating. Avoid
trying to be perfect.
"Raise one hand like the statue of
liberty. I want you to take this hand and start playing a
pulse".
Demonstrate a steady pulse at a moderate speed.
"Keep that beat going with one and, now take the other hand and:
Touch your nose
Wave to everyone
Scratch your back
Roast a marshmallow
Marshmallow is burning - blow it out
Marshmallow is cooked well , lets eat it!
Now brush your teeth
Comb your hair
Make a rhinosaurus or unicorn horn
Circle your stick (or hand) around the drum
Draw a circle; Draw a square; Draw a triangle
Write the letter 'L'; 'H'; 'W';
Touch your foot
More advanced:
Keeping the beat steady- draw a circle
slowly, Keeping the beat steady- draw a circle quickly,
Switch Hands-
Safety- moving as part of the group, and being mirrored.
Novelty- by trying out new movements (sounds). Novel movement
helps students to be more attentive and present.
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