Please use the following video as a guide to outline all areas required for the technical exercises segment of the Grade 1 drum exam. This video will outline the correct speeds for each aspect and outline how many repeats each section has.

Technical Exercises (Grade 1)

Key Facts

  • The technical exercises section is split into 4 areas (single stroke, double stroke, paradiddles, fills).
  • The desired speed for sections A, B, C is 70BPM. Then 80BPM for section D.
  • Sections A, B, C are to be repeated 2x each.
  • Sections B & C are to be played faster (suggested by the semi-quaver tail markings).
  • These technical exercises are all in the time of 4/4 time signature.
  • Students are allowed to take a break between each section / the drum fills section. It’s not mandatory to continue playing one after another.

Theory

Key theory point to know for the technical exercises is how to correctly count notes. For example, as shown in this image there are 5 notes broken into different sub-divisions.

The first two note are crotchets which have a count of 1 each. I.e., 1, 2, 3, 4. Then the 3rd and 4th note that are connected by 1 tail is a quaver which is faster. (1/2 note. So those 2 would now count, 1+).

Therefore, this line reading: 1, 2, 3+, 4.

Now what happens if there are 2 lines?

This simply means that these notes are played even faster. In fact, they’re twice the speed of a quaver and are counted: 1E+A.

If you feel comfortable with the above information, please click ‘mark as complete’ and move onto the next section.