Drum Institute South Africa is a one year full-time contemporary drum kit course. At DISA you will learn the fundamental styles for application as a contemporary working drummer, enabling you to perform under any given style of music and situation you may be placed in today.
Why DISA?
The lecturers at DISA are all full-time drummers who chose to perform and teach as a career and thus are extremely passionate about drumming. As a result of continuous performance, each of the lecturers are able to keep an ear to the ground in terms of new innovations, techniques, grooves, and the who’s who of the industry.
DISA’s course material has been created over the years and is constantly updated to make it the most relevant and up-to date drumming syllabus you will find. This does not mean that we disregard the important roots of drumming and music such as the evolution of Jazz, Latin, Rock and Fusion music. Through the history of each style, it is explained how the music that we play today was first conceived, thus, giving a complete understanding of the roots and feel of the style and modern day application.
DISA is closely associated with Drum Club-(run by Jean and Matthew) a well organized drummer’s jam and idea swapping session which takes place once a month- the first and only one of its kind in South Africa.
Students are encouraged to participate in these events and network with various drummers. Read more about Drum Club in the attached letter.
Assessments will take place on a continuous basis throughout the year with a final assessment at the end of each quarter. This quarterly assessment will be in the form of a recording (audio and/or video) which may be used as a demo for a portfolio of your drumming ability.
Where is DISA?
DISA is situated in the Florida Lake area on the Westrand, Johannesburg South Africa.
Classes take place in a fully-equipped sound proof studio which is set up with a PA system, a large LCD screen, mirrors, music stands, drum kits, other percussion instruments and practice pads for both hands and feet.
Who’s who at DISA?
Full-Time lecturers are:
Jean Gabriel
David Ashworth
Matthew Marinus
Reto Suter
We have guest speakers throughout the year who are booked to come in and do master classes and give talks concerning the music industry, such as valuable copyright issues and legal matters including contracts of performance.
When does the course commence?
The course commences in January each year and ends in December. The dates correspond to the Gauteng Education Department’s school terms. The course will run from Monday to Friday each morning.
In a nutshell the course is divided into four terms and subjects covered in the year include the following:
Reading
Jazz
Stick Control
Latin
Independence
Technique
Studio
Charts
Brushes
Independence
Ensemble
Odd Times
Multi Pedal Orchestration
New Orleans & Second Line Drumming
Awareness & Appreciation (Video/DVD)
Music Industry Discussion
Transcription
The class size varies but will remain small to enable teachers to provide you with personal attention.
We would like to assess your playing ability before the course commences to ensure that no student is left behind due to the workload.
You are required to have a practice facility in order to practice each day’s work.
Please feel free to e-mail or phone me with any queries.
