MasterClass

Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion

Raised in a family of musicians, Sheila E. has collaborated with icons like Marvin Gaye and Ringo Starr and was named one of the all-time greatest drummers by Rolling Stone. Now she teaches you how to find your rhythm. Learn the principles of percussion—with or without a drum set—and discover techniques for dynamic solos and fills. Jam with the Escovedo family and find your own groove, as a beginner or as a bandleader.

Where to Watch Sheila E. Teaches Drumming and Percussion

15 Episodes

  • Meet Your Instructor
    E1
    Meet Your InstructorGroundbreaking drummer and percussionist Sheila E. welcomes you to her class and shares some of the defining moments from her upbringing that launched her career as a professional musician.
  • Finding Your Rhythm
    E2
    Finding Your RhythmSheila demonstrates how to find your rhythm by moving, clapping, and using household objects to make music.
  • Getting Started on the Drums
    E3
    Getting Started on the DrumsSheila introduces you to the drum set and demonstrates three essential warm-ups, also known as rudiments: singles, doubles, and paradiddles.
  • Learning Drum Beats
    E4
    Learning Drum BeatsSheila breaks down intermediate and advanced drumming techniques for different genres of music.
  • Playing Drums in a Band
    E5
    Playing Drums in a BandLearn about timekeeping, the relationship between drums and bass, and how to drive a song dynamically with a band.
  • Solos and Fills
    E6
    Solos and FillsYour drum solo can say a lot about you as a drummer. Sheila explains when to take a solo, how to improvise, and when to show restraint.
  • Growing as a Bandleader
    E7
    Growing as a BandleaderSheila talks about what it takes to be a great bandleader and shows you how important it is for a band to prepare, rehearse, and communicate. Watch as she directs her band and they jam together.
  • Training and Conditioning
    E8
    Training and ConditioningSheila discusses the importance of conditioning your body as a drummer and how it can make you a better performer. You’ll also get a glimpse into Sheila’s preshow rituals.
  • "A Love Bizarre" Case Study
    E9
    "A Love Bizarre" Case StudySheila brings together the knowledge and skills covered so far by identifying key drum sections from one of her collaborations with Prince, “A Love Bizarre.”
  • Collaborating With Prince
    E10
    Collaborating With PrinceSheila shares personal stories and lessons from her years collaborating with Prince.
  • Advice for Musicians
    E11
    Advice for MusiciansWhether you want to be a professional drummer or you just love playing music, Sheila has some words of wisdom for you.
  • Playing the Congas
    E12
    Playing the CongasSheila’s musical journey started with the congas. Learn the fundamentals of playing this Latin percussion instrument, from basic setup and sounds to soloing and playing with a band.
  • Playing the Timbales
    E13
    Playing the TimbalesSheila is one of the first musicians in popular music to front a band on the timbales. From stick grip techniques to playing on cowbells, Sheila shows you how to play timbales as a solo artist or with a band.
  • Experimenting With Percussion
    E14
    Experimenting With PercussionSheila walks you through her custom kit and encourages you to get creative and have fun setting up a kit that fits your budget and style.
  • Welcome to the Family
    E15
    Welcome to the FamilySheila, Pete, Peter Michael, and Juan Escovedo welcome you into their family and reflect on their musical legacy.

 

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