A unique workshop in which Ken will demonstrate the exact practice methods taught to him by a master musician and teacher when he was only in Grade 10 which allowed him to learn and master the Art of Rudimental Drumming in only 3 months time. He discovered these same techniques are common to all master musicians and music educators; however, he has never heard them explained and demonstrated in the detail he feels is necessary. Students will bring their own instruments and learn the art of practicing by interactive participation receiving feedback and coaching in real time as they “practice practicing” in front of the group. The purpose of the workshop is to help the students discover how and what to practice, how long to practice, goal setting and time management, with the ultimate goal being an improvement in their performance as well as an ability to “teach themselves”. This is as much a life skills workshop as it is a music-practicing workshop.
Grade Suitability | 8-12 |
Maximum Class Size | 30 |
Time Required | Designed to fit class period 50 to 75 minutes. |
Material Required | Students would provide their own instrument. |
Language of Instruction | English |
Communities | Whitehorse and possibly all based upon interest. |
Availability | Sept-May |
Special Notes | *Class size can vary, as this is more of a theory based workshop and could be presented to very large group such as a full concert band in a band room.**Ken is also available to work with percussion sections, individual students or teachers on any aspect of percussion performance and education. |
Ken Searcy brings a wealth of over 30 years of studies and practical performance experience to his teaching practice. As an in-demand, freelance professional musician in Calgary, Edmonton and the Yukon he has performed with, and learned from, some of the best musicians in the world in a wide variety of genres: rudimental/marching percussion, concert band, orchestral percussion, jazz big band and all styles of drum set performance. He keeps up to date with the latest instructional media and methods and it is not unusual for a student to be introduced to a new method, which Ken is currently studying himself.