Aspiring "drummists"--as instructor David Eagle calls them--would probably enjoy this at times humorous (sophomore level) introduction to the basics. Eagle guides viewers through drum and stick types, scads of drum stroke drills, tuning, drumming patterns, fills, and coordination exercises. The video quality is only so-so and doesn't approach the standards set by DCI drumming tapes like How to Play Drums From Day One with Jim Payne (VL-9/89) or Kenny Aronoff: Laying It Down (VL-10/88), and the audio sometimes wavers (in a brief jam session with bassist Larry Seymour, the bass is almost inaudible). Pretty good instruction, not so hot technical credits.Ditto for Guitar Basics by Mike Christiansen, Vol. II. Christiansen, who teaches guitar at Utah State University, bases this lesson--the second in a series--on his book of the same name. Viewers learn different strumming patterns, bar chords, how to combine melody and chords, fingerstyle picking, scales and arpeggios, and more. Musical notation is shown at the bottom of the screen, but it's neither big enough nor clear enough to be truly effective (having the book would be better). The problem here is that the video doesn't add all that much: Christiansen methodically takes viewers through one exercise from his book after another. Larry Little's Learn Guitar on VCR series (VL-12/90) is a better choice for an introduction to guitar.Both programs are optional purchases. (R. Pitman)
David Eagle's Drum Basics; Guitar Basics By Mike Christiansen, Vol. II; Guitar Basics By Mike Christiansen, Vol. II
(1994) 60 min. $19.95. Music Video Productions. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 9, Issue 6
David Eagle's Drum Basics; Guitar Basics By Mike Christiansen, Vol. II; Guitar Basics By Mike Christiansen, Vol. II
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