If you would like to come on the Drum Machine Course, please 'Add To Cart' and fill out your name, address and phone number so we can contact you when a place comes available.
No experience is necessary. All experience levels are welcome.
Our 4 week courses currently run monthly, starting on the first Monday of the month for 4 consecutive Mondays.
If you would like to come on the Drum Machine Course, please 'Add To Cart' and fill out your name, address and phone number so we can contact you when a place comes available.
No experience is necessary. All experience levels are welcome.
Our 4 week courses currently run monthly, starting on the first Monday of the month for 4 consecutive Mondays.
Sessions start at 7.30-9PM at Bridge Street, Todmorden. OL14 5AQ
You can use the course as a stepping stone into the main band (when you are able to play well enough) or just come and play on Mondays for fun. Most people will do 3-12 months before being considered for the main band depending upon their level of proficiency.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the course work? The format of the current course is a 3 month rolling format but you only need to sign up for 4 weeks at a time. On each 4 week course, players learn and play the parts to 2 tracks from Drum Machine (the performing band's) repertoire. There are also rhythm exercises you can use to increase your strength and co-ordination. Drum Machine have 7 main tracks that we play out at the moment and after 3 round of the course, you will learn and play the parts from all 7 tracks. The names of the bands current performing tracks are ALAN, FWARP, STARJUMP, GROOVE 5, FUN FACTORY, BERLIN and NO MORE LEVERS.
I'm a beginner. Is this OK? Yes, definitely. We have had plenty of people who haven't drummed before, or have drummed before but didn't take to it or haven't had any musical background. Aid is a great teacher and with a bit of practice you will be able to learn the parts and even go on to join the band or just keep coming back for fun on Monday nights.
I'm an experienced drummer/ musician. Will this course be OK for me? Yes, definitely. Drum Machine is made up of 4 different drums; bass, kutador, snare and repenique. We need good players in all the sections and there are some complex patterns but there is scope for you to progress your skills wherever your starting point.
I can't make all 4 sessions. Can I still come this month? YES. Included in the course is access to the Drum Machine Online Learning Channel so you can practice the parts at home. There are also other videos included, for example, how to start songwriting!
What do I need to bring with me? All equipment is provided. Please bring water, wear layers as it can get hot and bring ear protection (foam bud type or ear defenders).
I'd love to join the main band. How can I do that? This course is the way into the band. Once on the course, please make Aid (the head teacher) know you would like to progress and he will assess you and give you feedback. Most people will do at least 3-12 rounds of the course before being considered for the main band. For others, it may take longer. For some, already very accomplished players, you could go straight into the band.
I'd love to know more about the band. Where can I find more? A great way to find out more about the band, is the Drum Machine blog where players have written about gigs or what it's like being in the band. Check it out at https://drummachine.org.uk/blog
We are super excited you'll be joining us soon! We can't wait for you to experience the force of repetition!
Here is what people on the course have said...
"I was looking for something completely different to get involved with. I found it! Invigorating, challenging, stress busting and most of all FUN! Kati's admin skills makes joining up really straightforward and Aid's drumming and teaching skills are pretty much indescribable. Do it!... you'll love it."
"I absolutely love this course! Aid is a fantastic teacher and I really enjoy being part of the collective, making a great sound in the process. Everybody is friendly and the whole thing is relaxed. Loving it!"
" As a newcomer to drumming - I love it! There is a friendly, fun feel to the sessions created by Aid and the band members who support the course. The sessions are superbly designed to ensure everyone is included, active and achieving throughout the course - Brilliant! Happy Mondays!"
"I attended this course, completely unaware of how difficult drumming is! Aid, the teacher, is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject and with his excellent tuition band the support of the band members who attend the classes, a whole new world has been revealed! I'm a complete novice but the lessons are made easy to follow, the group and the band are very welcoming and friendly. Brilliant!"
" I look forward to Monday evening sessions and am so glad I signed up. Aid and Ed are very good teachers. The atmosphere in the sessions is one of mutual support and enthusiasm. I always feel buzzed up afterwards."