News and Blog

  1. The Ultimate Survival Guide for Beginner Drummers – Available Now

    Posted in: Blog, News

    We are delighted to announce the release of our latest book, The Ultimate Survival Guide for Beginner Drummers, available now as an instant download. For a limited time, all subscribers will receive a free copy of the book. Written by our Founder, Simon DasGupta, this comprehensive, easy to read, and beautifully illustrated book is the result of his two decades of experience in teaching, and selling drums. Simon discussed the project in this short video.   “I have never encountered… Read More

  2. Looking for a drum teacher? 10 questions that will help with your search. Part 2.

    Posted in: Blog

    Online video drum lessons are a great way to learn how to play the drums quickly, and on your own terms. There is, however, great value in taking the next step with a reputable drum teacher – someone that can fine tune your specific needs, and help you achieve your goals. While Drum Ambition is a video drum lesson platform formulated specifically for beginner drummers, our Founder and Presenter runs a physical teaching studio in San Diego, and is very… Read More

  3. Looking for a drum teacher? 10 questions that will help with your search. Part 1.

    Posted in: Blog

    Drum Ambition is an online drum lesson platform, but our Founder, Simon DasGupta, also runs a physical teaching studio in San Diego. At this studio, we routinely help students of all levels achieve their goals, and as you can imagine, we’ve learned a lot along the way about those goals, expectations and the individual needs of our students. If you are a regular visitor to this blog or a subscriber to our video lessons, you will already know that we… Read More

  4. The top 5 drum innovations of the last 20 years.

    Posted in: Blog

    We live in a truly inspiring time, where innovation seemingly has no boundaries. While the way we manufacture drums, hardware and cymbals hasn’t changed very much in recent years, there are some outstanding innovations that have reshaped our instrument, and to an extent, our industry. Here are my personal top 5 drum innovations of the last 20 years, based on my experience as a working drummer and educator, as well as drawing on my past experience running one of the… Read More

  5. Video Blog Episode 12 – How long does it take to learn the drums?

    Posted in: Blog

    How long it takes to learn the drums depends very much on your personal goals. If your goal is to play basic beats and fills, and play along with slow to mid-tempo songs, then just 5-10 minutes of focused practice per day will get you there after a few weeks of playing. Like any musical instrument, you get out what you put in, and your practice time, and the quality of practice will ultimately lead to the fulfillment of your… Read More

  6. Video Blog Episode 11 – How do I drum faster?

    Posted in: Blog

    We all want to play fast beats and fills, and play along to uptempo songs, but the reality is that speed is just a byproduct of control. In order to build speed, we have to practice slowly and more precisely, with gradual, incremental advances as and when we feel completely comfortable. In this video blog, Simon discusses the hobbyist drummer’s obsession with speed, and why it is essential to manage your expectations, and build a strong foundation.   Helpful related… Read More

  7. Video Blog Episode 10 – What is Sticking?

    Posted in: Blog

    The key to drum set control is understanding and implementing sticking concepts. In this video blog, Simon explains how sticking concepts can lead to better control on the drum set, including creative drum fill orchestrations, musicality, dynamics, and of course, speed. If you aspire to play fluently, confidently and musically on the drum set – this video blog is a must watch!   Helpful related articles. What is “sticking” and why is this so important?  (Written Blog) How do I drum… Read More

  8. Video Blog Episode 9 – What is a click track?

    Posted in: Blog

    A click track is essentially a metronome that plays a role in developing good time keeping, and also has uses in studio recording and live production. In this video blog, Simon examines the practical use of the click track in each of these areas, and discusses why developing good time keeping is the Number One priority for all drummers.   Helpful related articles. 5 Tips to developing good time keeping. Why time keeping is the Number One priority for all… Read More

  9. Video Blog Episode 8 – Should drum sticks break?

    Posted in: Blog

    Aside from natural wear and tear, the most common cause of breaking drum sticks is a simple gap in technique. How you hold your sticks, how tight you grip them, and how hard you hit can affect their lifespan. With the average cost of a good pair of sticks being around $15, accidentally breaking them can become expensive. In this video blog, Simon discusses how being aware of technique can prolong the life of your favorite pair of sticks. Be… Read More

  10. Video Blog Episode 7 – Which drum sticks should I use?

    Posted in: Blog

    The drum stick classification system can be a little confusing to hobbyist drummers. Finding out which drum sticks suit you best is a matter of experimentation, but understanding the basics in terms of weight, composition, tips and brands can help point you in the right direction. In this video blog, Simon discusses the most common stick types, and what sets them apart. They are the 5A, 5B, 7A, and 2B. The 5A is considered the “average” weight, and is always… Read More