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Makna Multimedia

Berbagai pemahaman tentang multimedia terus dengan perkembangan Teknologi informasi dan komunkasi baik untuk aspek Software maupun hardware yang mendukungnya.

Menurut susut pandang ahli media, sebelum berkembang dunia Teknologi Informasi, bhwa multimedia dipandangsebagai suatu pemanpaatan "banyak" media yang digunakan dalam suatu proses interaksi penyampaian pesan dari sumber pesan kepada penerima pesan salah satunya dalam konteks pembelajaran antara guru dan peserta didik.

Dalam salah satu buku referensi Multimedia in the Classroom, dijabarkan bahwa multimedia is the combination of the following elements : text, color, grafhics, animations, audio and video.

Arti Story Board

Pengertian Dalam Belajar Interaktif

strory board merupakan penjabaran dari alur pembelajaran yang sudah didesain (flow chart) yang berisi informasi pembelajaran dan prosedur serta petunjuk pembelajaran.

Story board menunjukan apa saja aktivitas yang harus dilaukan siswa selama mengikuti pembelajaran dengan model pembelajaran multimedia yang dibangun.

Sebagai contoh jika peserta didik akan belajar dengan pembelajaran multimedia interaktif model tutorial, tahapan selama siswamengikuti pembelajaran secara detail, disamping itu juga didpaparkan isi atau uraian materinya secara lengkap yang disertaiaktivitas guruyang menjadi fasilitatornya.

Setelah mempelajari materi diatas berikutnya perlu dipahami bagaiman memahami dan menerapkan dari konsep CAI, Story Board dan Flow Chart (UML).

Minggu, 29 April 2012

Cleaner to Computer

How to clean your computer

I have a dirty secret. I've never cleaned my computer. Sure, I've dusted my monitor, but I haven't taken off the cover or tried to reach the crumbs lurking inside my keyboard. And I honestly don't know the difference between pressurized air dusters and compressed air cleaners.

clean your computer

"Your computer could fry if you don't keep it clean," says Jonathon Millman, chief technology officer for Hooplah Interactive.

Whether it's a desktop or laptop/notebook computer, dust and lint can clog the cooling vents. This can cause your computer's brain—the central processing unit (CPU)—to heat up. And heat is the biggest cause of component failure in computers. Regular cleaning could save you costly maintenance fees down the road.

Follow the five simple steps in the cleanup and maintenance routine below to keep your computer and accessories looking shiny and new. It's an easy, do-it-yourself solution to help them run smoothly and last longer.

Not what you were looking for?

Are you trying to clean up your computer in the antivirus software sense? This guide on the Microsoft Security website provides instructions, a free safety scan, and a malicious software removal tool you can download. Or, if you're trying to find tips on cleaning out system clutter and unwanted files to make your programs run faster, you may find these articles helpful: Speed up your PC: Automate your computer maintenance schedule, Optimize your computer for peak performance, and How to delete programs you no longer need.

Preparation

You'll need:

· Standard (flat-tip) and/or Phillips screwdriver

· Can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores)

· Cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)

· Rubbing alcohol

· Soft, lint-free cloths, paper towels, or anti-static cloths

· Water

· Safety glasses (optional)

Important: Always turn your computer off and disconnect it from the power source before you begin any of these steps.

Step 1: Inside the case

If you see dust or other debris accumulating around the vents of your desktop or laptop, you can bet there's more inside—and it's only going to cause trouble. To remove it, you'll need to open the case. That may sound more intimidating than it really is. Before you begin, of course, make sure the computer is turned off and disconnected from the power source.

One more consideration: Manufacturers' policies vary, but, in some cases, opening your computer case may void your warranty. You may even encounter a warning sticker on the case. Review your warranty terms before continuing.

· For desktop computers. Desktop computer manufacturers employ a variety of fastening mechanisms to secure the case. Face the back panel: Modern cases typically use two or more small knobs that you can turn by hand, or buttons that you press in, to release a side panel or the entire shell of the case. Others may require you to remove two or more slotted or Phillips screws. If in doubt, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.

· For laptop and notebook computers. Set the computer upside down on a table or other stable surface. (You may want to place a towel or paper under the computer to prevent scratches and scuffs.) Remove the battery. On most laptops, the vents on the underside will be grouped on a removable panel, secured to the case with several screws. Typically, these are very small Phillips-type screws, which may be of different lengths. Remove them, and be sure to keep track of which goes where.

After you're inside either your desktop or laptop, touch as little as possible inside the computer—keep your fingers away from cards and cords. Look for any dust bunnies or other bits of fluff in the nooks and crannies. Pick these out carefully with tweezers or a cotton swab. Blow compressed air around all of the components and along the bottom of the case, keeping the nozzle at least four inches away from the machine. Blow air into the power supply box and into the fan.

Try to aim the stream of pressurized air in such a way that it blows debris out of and away from crevices and recesses, rather than driving it deeper in. Safety glasses are a good idea, too, to keep the flying dust out of your eyes.

Take particular care when blowing the delicate fans. Overspinning them with excessive pressure can crack a blade or damage the bearings. Position the compressed air can well away, and use short bursts of air rather than a steady blast. As a precaution, you might also carefully immobilize the fan blades with your fingertip or a cotton swab while using the air can.

Lastly, blow air into the floppy disk, CD or DVD drives, and I/O ports—but again, not too aggressively. Wipe the inside of the cover with a lightly moistened cloth, and dry it before replacing it.

Millman recommends doing this every three months if your case sits on the floor, if you have pets that shed, or if you smoke. Otherwise, every six to eight months is fine.

Step 2: Outside the case

Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on the outside of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do this as often as you clean the inside of your computer.

Step 3: Keyboard

Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. It should be damp, but not dripping wet. Run the cotton swab around the outside of each key. Rub the tops of the keys. Don't be stingy with the swabs. Discard them when they start to get dirty, and switch to a fresh one. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra care with your machine—treat it as gently as you would a carton of fresh eggs. If your laptop has a touchpad, use the damp swap to wipe it clean, as well. Do this keyboard cleanup monthly.

It's tempting to use a vacuum cleaner to suck the debris out of the keyboard and other parts of the computer, but technicians warn that it can create a static electrical charge that can actually damage the computer's sensitive electronics.

Worried about spills?

If a spill happens, immediately turn off your computer, disconnect the keyboard, and flip it over. While the keyboard is upside down, blot the keys with a paper towel, blow compressed air between the keys, and leave it to air dry overnight. Check to ensure that all traces of moisture have evaporated before using the keyboard again. Laptop spills need more attention because liquid can easily penetrate the keyboard and damage internal parts. For laptop spills, immediately turn off the computer and remove any external power source and other items plugged into it. Turn the laptop over, remove the battery, and then bring it to your nearest repair center to check for internal damage. Simply blowing compressed air into the keyboard and letting your computer air dry upside down overnight aren't enough, because liquids can sit inside a laptop for days.

For all spills, be aware that anything other than plain water may cause severe damage, and never attempt to dry a keyboard or laptop in a microwave or conventional oven.

Step 4: Mouse

Disconnect the mouse from your computer. Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scrape hard-to-remove grime with your fingernail. If you have an optical mouse, ensure that no lint or other debris obscures the light-emitting lens on the underside of the mouse.

If you use a mechanical mouse, open the underside of the mouse and remove the ball. (In most cases, you simply need to rotate the plastic ring encircling the ball one-quarter turn counterclockwise.) Wash the ball with water, and let it air dry. To clean inside a mechanical mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of the interior components, paying particular attention to the little rollers, where gunk tends to collect. Finally, blow compressed air into the opening and ensure that the interior is dry. Replace the ball and the cover.

Clean your mouse monthly.

Step 5: Monitor

For liquid-crystal display (LCD) laptop and flat-panel monitor screens, slightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with plain water. Microfiber cloths are excellent for this purpose. Avoid using paper towels, which can scratch monitor surfaces. Don't spray liquid directly onto the screen—spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust and fingerprints. You can also buy monitor cleaning products at computer-supply stores.

For glass CRT (television-style) monitors, use an ordinary household glass cleaning solution. Unless your manufacturer recommends differently, don't use alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners on your monitor, as these can damage anti-glare coatings. And never try to open the housing of a CRT monitor. Capacitors within can hold a dangerous electrical charge—even after the monitor has been unplugged.

Clean the monitor weekly. Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.

Article adapted from an original article written by Alyson Munroe.

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Pengenalan Adobe Flash CS 5


Sejak diakuisisi oleh perusahaan raksasa Adobe, maka software mutimedia Macromedia Flash berubah nama menjadi Adobe Flash. Akuisisi ini pun bisa jadi merupakan pertanda bahwa prospek pembuatan anmiasi menggunakan Flash akan semakin banyak.

Flash sudah diperkenalkan sejak tahun 1996. Sebagian kalangan menggunakannya untuk membuat animasi untuk website, profil perusahaan, cd interaktif, game dan lain-lain. Sekarang flash telah berkembang penggunaanya untuk pembuatan fitur-fitur untuk mobile device seperti handphone, PDA, dan lain-lain.

Dalam perkembangannya Adobe Flash CS 5 merupakan versi terbaru dari Aobe Flash. Dengan tambahan fitur-fitur baru semakin memudahkan untuk menganimasikan obyek-obyek yang anda buat.

Tampilan Adobe Flash CS 5 ini mungkin terlihat berbeda tetapi sebenarnya fitur-fitur yang ada sama seperti versi yang sebelumnya hanya saja Adobe Flash CS5 ini memiliki tambahan fitu-fitur lain yang dapat memudahkan anda.

Warm Regards,
Iyud Perdhana.

Sekilas Microssoft Excel

Excel merupakan produk unggulan dari Microsoft Corporation yang banyak berperan dalam pengelolaan informasi khususnya data-data berbentuk angka untuk menghitung, poyeksi, analisis dan presentasi data.

Excel terbaru hadir dengan berbagai penyempurnaan, tampil lebih terintegrasi dengan berbagai software lain under windows seperti word dan acces, dapat ekerja pada sistem jaringan serta dapat memanfaatkan fasilitas internet dan intranet ditunjang dengan operasionalnya yang sangat mudah dan banyaknya tambahan fasilitas lainya yang meringankan user serta hasil print out yang sangat mengesankan.

Untuk mengaktifkan progrmam, pastikan bahwa komputer yang akan anda gunakan telah terpasang program excel. Memulai mengoperasikan Excel dilakukan dengan langkah sebagai berikut :
1. Klik tombol start, selanjutnya menu start akan tampil.
2. Pilih menu Program.
3. Klik Microsoft Excel untuk memulai program.

Jika dalam komputer anda diinstal Office Shortcut Bar, untuk memulai Excel anda hanya mengklik tombol Excel pada Shortcut Bar. Selanjutnya ditampilkan layar pembuka Excel yang menampilkan satu buku kerja (workbook) kosong dengan nama Book1.

Komputer Sebagai Media Komunikasi Pembelajaran

Aplikasi teknologi komunikasi cenderung mengarah pada aspek pengolahan proses komunikasi, pemanfaatan media komunikasi baru, serta item transformasi atau manajemen arus informasi.

Kondisi yang mengakibatkan terjadinya pemanfaatan teknologi dalam komnikasi diasumsikan merupakan salah satu akibat dari adanya "difusi inovasi". Proses komunikasi melalui komputer tidak hanya menuntut kemampuan membaca, tapi juga kemampuan mengetik.

Hal tersebut menunjukan bahwa proses komunikasi dengan melalui komputer menuntu keterampilan menggunakan komunikasi komputer dari individu baik yang bertindak sebagai pengirim maupun pesan.

Informasi yang dipersiapkan dalam jumlah banyak untuk keperluan komunikasi yang dinamis mudah dilakukan melalui penyimpanan data dalam bentuk basis data atau database dalam komputer.

Play Drum Tips and Trick

Tiger Bill's Drum Tips and Tricks

I began offering Tips on drums, drumming, and percussion that change regularly on the main Home page of my site. This section is an archive for your convenience. Unless posted otherwise, all tips have been supplied by me.

Have fun, stay loose, and I'll see you online!

Tiger Bill

http://www.tigerbill.com/images/stripedbar.gif

Top Drumming Speed Requires Fast Reflexes
If you are not naturally fast have no fear, there are ways that you can build fast relexes and many of these techniques have nothing to do with drumming. You can take up tap dancing or a martial art. There are also many games that can help you build your reflexes. One of the best I've found is a simple little toy called a BOP-IT. Try one!

Practice Pads are Good But Real Drumsets are Better!
Unless you are planning to make a living playing a practice pad, you should always practice all of your pad exercises on the drumset as well. Drums not only have a different feel than a pad but there are usually a lot more of them and you need to get your body comfortable moving from drum to drum. So don't be one of those drummers who plays a terrific pad but doesn't know what to do behind the kit! Everyhting you practice on the pad should be woodshedded on a full kit!

How NOT to Practice Your Rudiments!
I don't agree with the common method of practicing rudiments from slow to fast and back to slow again. This tends to build bad timing into your muscle memory.You should practice your rudiments at all tempos but you're better off stopping and re-setting your internal clock before each tempo change.

The Key to Breaking Through to the Next Level of Speed!
If you've been working on your speed but you can't quite seem to make it to the next level then you're probably practicing incorrectly. The key to increasing your speed is to push yourself slightly past your usual comfort speed level and practice short burst of speed exercises. Even at the risk of sounding a bit sloppy! This serves to build the new speed level into your muscle memory. Then, when you back off a notch or two on the metronome, you'll find that you will be able to play faster and cleaner than before. It's kind of like taking two steps forward so you can take one "clean and precise" step back. Try it! But don't allow your muscles to tense up at any time!

Is leg pain normal when playing Heels Up?
Absolutely not! It's one thing to become fatigued when practicing your foot chops for long periods of time but you should never feel any real pain! If you do, you are playing under too much tension. If you're having this problem, here are two important things to look for:

#1: Check throne height. If your seat is not at the correct level, you will have poor foot chops. See "Improve Your Bass Drum Chops Instantly" for more.

#2: When playing Heel Up, raise your heel no more than about 1/4 inch from the footboard. Higher than that will cause tension.

The Correct Type of Practice Makes Perfect... Incorrect Practice Just Wastes Time!
One of the most common questions I get is from drummers who complain they've been practicing for many years and they're not getting any better! The problem usually lies in the type of practice they're doing. To get better you must constantly push yourself. Effortful practice is the key to improving your skills. Practicing things that you already know and can play well is a waste of valuable practice time.

Building Neuro-Pathways for Improved Performance!
All great athletes know that the 'secret' to becoming the best that they can be is repetitive practice. Practicing the same motions over and over and over again, stimulates and builds pathways between the brain and the muscles. The more repetitions you perform on a regular basis, the more efficient these pathways become.

The result is that you'll soon be playing things that you thought were impossible!

Make Mistakes Faster!
Everyone makes mistakes but the most succeessful people are those who have learned to make mistakes faster!

So, if you have been trying to be very careful and negotiate your way through life and/or business worrying about making mistakes, forget about it! Take a tip from some of the world's most successful people and go after your dream, whatever it is, not worrying about making mistakes. Just learn to make them faster. This, in turn, will allow you to become successful much faster!

Only the Proper Kind of Practice Makes Perfect!
Practice really does make perfect but only the proper kind of practice. The key is to start slowly and gradually build up your speed while maintaining control over everything you do. Once you get to the point where you are starting to sound sloppy, back down a notch or two on the metronome to find your "Control Speed" and start over again.

Two Books NO Drummer Should Be Without!
The first book that every drummers should own is Stick Control by George Stone. Not only is this book gret for working both hands and feet, but with a little creativity you can apply it a thousand different ways to the entire drumset.

And every drummer, regardless of musical style, should also own the book Syncopation by Ted Reed. There are so many different ways that you can practice the exercises in this book, it's unbelieveable! Get your copy of Syncopation today and get creative!

Making Odd Time Signatures Easy
If you're having trouble feeling comfortable when playing in odd time signatures, such as 5/4, 7/4, 11/4, etc., try breaking them down into more common signatures. For example, instead of counting in 5 for 5/4 time, try it as a bar of 3/4 and a bar of 2/4. You can think of 7/4 time as a 4 and a bar of 3, and so on. Try it. It can help make odd time signatures feel a bit more even!

Improve Your Bass Drum Chops Instantly!
Sometimes all it takes to improve your bass drum chops is a simple height adjustment on your drum throne. Sitting too high or too low can cause tension in your legs, which not only slows you down but makes endurance and control a nightmare!

How do you find the correct adjustment for you? Watch the DRUM! Magazine Web site for Tiger Bill's Free Video Lesson on Developing Tension-Free Footwork.

Drummers NEED Music Theory Too!
While it's true that some very famous drummers cannot read music they are the exception, not the rule. The very best drummers are those who have an overall knowledge of music theory, which includes a knowledge of melody , harmony, and chordal structures as well as rhythm. Once you have Music Theory under your belt you can do anything with your music, even compose your own songs. I feel that every drummer should have at least a rudimentary knowledge of keyboard in addition to drums.

The Circle of Success
Practicing properly yields successful workout sessions. The more successful sessions you have, the more your confidence level increases, which makes you want to practice more. This, in turn, increases your success even more. It's a never-ending circle of success!

Avoiding A Common 'Speed Trap'
One of the most common problems shared by drummers of all experience levels, from beginners through advanced, is the tendency to speed up when playing fills. The best way to avoid this is to practice with a metronome (use a variety of tempos from slow to fast) and play 3 bars of a groove followed by a fourth bar drum fill. Once you can easily lock in the tempo for a one bar fill, increase the fill to 2 bars and practice playing 2 bars of groove followed by a 2 bar fill. Once you've mastered this to a metronome, it's time to try it to music and the best way to practice this, outside of a real band, is to use Spencer Strand's CDs Turn It Up & Lay It Down. Volume 1 and 2 both contain play-along tracks that are perfect for practicing fills without benefit of a click track. Have fun!

The Key to Becoming a Musical Drummer
LISTEN! That's it. Listen to everything! Listen to all kinds of music (not just the music you like to play) and listen to what everyone in your band is playing. Although listening to the bass player is important so that you can both lay down a solid foundation for the beat, it's also important to listen to what each member of your band is doing so that what you're playing doesn't step on any of their toes! So, in addition to practicing various exercises to build your technique, practice "listening" every day.

The Money Beat!
Originally coined by Nashville session drummer Paul Leim, the 'Money Beat' is as follows: Play bass drum on 1 and 3 and snare drum on 2 and 4. That's it! You can play about 90% of today's Rock, Country, Pop, New Wave, and Techno tunes using this basic pattern. Learn it well. Then go out and make some cash with it!

Rockin' the Rudiments
Rudiments are not just for marching drums. When used with a little imagination, they can be extremely effective on the drumset in whatever style of music you play.

Check out the Tiger's Free 5-part lesson Rudiments Around The Drums for details.

Secret to Speed?
It's simple. The faster you play, the closer you should keep your sticks to the drumhead. For maximum speed, try using less wrist and more fingers. For free lessons and tips on speed drumming technique see Tiger Bill's Free Video Speed Drum Lessons, exclusively at DRUM! Magazine.

Would You Like to Make Your Drumheads Sound Better and Last Longer?
Try putting a good insulator wax on the bearing edges of
the drum shells and the underside of the heads where they meet the shells. This little trick allows the heads to vibrate freely over 100% of their surface. They breathe throughout and last about twice as long and keep their tuning much longer. [Supplied by Roger Strange.]

Verbal Phrases Are Often Easier Than Counting
Difficult rhythmic patterns can often be made easier to play by converting them to verbal phrases rather than counting them. For example, triplets could be counted as 1-trip-let, 2-trip-let, etc., or you could use a verbal phrase like "ba-be-da, ba-be-da" to play the triplets instead. You can do this for quintuplets and any rhythmic pattern. Create your own verbal phrases for various rhythmic patterns and experiment with it yourself.

Think ODD As Well as EVEN
When you're looking for more options for creatiive drum solos, fills, or rhythmic patterns try interspersing odd-time phrases with the more common even ones. For example, instead of playing a drum fill that consists of four groups of four-sixteenth notes, try playing four groups of five-sixteenth notes. Also experiment with groups of seven, nine, eleven, thirteen, and fifteen for some real strange but different (and challenging) drum patterns.

Check it out and see what you can come up with.

Thinking Out of The Box
I regularly receive questions from Drumheads asking how they can improve their creativity. Actually, there are a number of ways but here are two of the simplest:

1) Rearrange your drumset. Move your toms to different locations. For example, try placing your floor tom on your left side and/or an additional snare drum where your floor tom normally is. When your drums are not where you expect them to be, you'll find yourself playing different sounding patterns. This can lead you to new ideas.

2) Practice playing on a limited drumset. For example, use only your snare drum and hi-hat and see what you can do with them. This will also force you to discover new ideas that you'll be able to apply even when you get back behind your entire drumset.

Force yourself to "think out of the box" and you'll find that your creativity will greatly increase.

Drumming and Your Health
Let's face it, drumming IS a physical sport. If you want to keep drumming well into your golden years, you've got to take care of your health - now! Lighten up on the junk foods. Eat more fiber and vegetables. Have some fruit instead of candy and cake. Learn how to make great tasting health-shakes in your blender at home. If you smoke, quit it! If you're not already physically active other than playing drums, start an exercise routine and stick with it. Exercising can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, riding a bike, or swimming but you have to something every day. And don't forget that yearly physical, it can help detect minor problems before they turn into major ones. For more on staying fit, see Healthy Drumming.

Keep Your Drums Clean
Clean your gear once a week with a soft, clean cloth and it will be a long time before you'll need to disassemble them for a more thorough cleaning. Non-wax furniture polish will keep a shine on lacquer finished wood shells, Windex works wonders on plastic wrapped shells, and chrome-cleaner will keep your hardware sparkling.

Video of Tim Waterson and the World's cheapest double bass drum pedalThe World's Cheapest Double Pedal!
Click on the camera, you've never seen anything like it. Supplied by Tim "Fast Feet" Waterson.
(Aka: DrumCanMan.)

The Key to Building Monster Chops
In a word: Slowly! Don't rush it. No one develops Monster Chops overnight. It takes time and practice but the proper kind of practice. Speed is nothing without endurance and control. Start slowly and work on each exercise until you can play it easily and in complete control before moving up the next notch on the metronome - or, as I prefer to use, an EZ Sound Module!

This is the key to developing a technique that will last a lifetime. For details on hand technique, see Building Monster Chops.

You Can't Fail!
If you're looking for the "secret" to making it in the music biz (or any other biz for that matter), it's simple: Never give up and you can't fail! Providing you have your act together and you really can play, just hang in there long enough and you can't miss.

DrumHead Tips for DrumHeads
Although drumhead makers would like you to believe otherwise, you only need to replace a head if:
1) It's cut or badly dented
2) The head buzzes when struck
3) You can no longer get your drum in tune

As far as drumhead selection goes, if you want your drums to ring more use single-ply heads. For less ring use double-ply heads. That's the general rule but with so many different drumheads available today, your best bet is to find a music store that has lots of drumheads mounted on kits and try them out for yourself!

Get Creative
Regardless of what type of music you're into, don't just play the same old beats you hear other drummers play. Get creative and try some variations of your own. You might just come up with something that sounds better. Check out the following lesson articles for some examples: Disco Sounds Good, With a Little Creativity and Polka Fun.

Calluses and Blisters Are NOT Normal!
If you are developing calluses or blisters from playing the drums, then you're not playing correctly! Using the correct technique, you can drum for a lifetime and still have fingers as soft as a baby's behind! For further information, see Building Monster Chops.

Supervise That Syncopation!
If you're showing off for a room full of drummers at a clinic that's one thing, but if you're keeping the beat in a band be careful not to overdo the syncopated rhythms. Remember, a drummer's main purpose is to be a timekeeper and groove maker and too much syncopation can destroy both, not only for your bandmates but for the the listeners and dancers in your audience.DrumHeads from around the world.

Before You Junk Those Drums...
If you can't seem to get a decent sound out of your drumset, try new drumheads before buying a new kit. That may be all you need. There are many different kinds of drumheads available today that will give you a "dry" or "wet" sound or any type of sound in between. Even the most inexpensive drums can sound a whole lot better when outfitted with high-quality drumheads. Check out our Buying Gear section to find quality drumhead manufacturers.

Counting Out Loud
The importance of counting out loud, especially for beginning drummers, cannot be stressed enough. Not only does it help you to find your mistakes faster but it also helps you to develop "5-way" coordination. This will come in handy should you ever need to sing harmony or lead vocals while drumming in a band someday. After all, look what it did for Ringo!

The Key to Fame in the Music Biz
It can be summed up in three words: Word of Mouth. More than any other business on earth, finding work in the music business relies on word of mouth. For example, a bass player who likes your playing remembers you, and when someone mentions that they're looking for a drummer, he recommends you. Most of the time, that's the way the pros find work in music. So, if you want to be famous, you've got to get out there and play as often as you can, with as many musicians as you can. And play regardless of whether you're getting paid or not.

Follow this link for a detailed how-to guide on How To Make It in the Music Business.

Practice Routine
I constantly receive questions from drummers who want to know how long and how often they should practice. As far as length of practice time, there is no correct answer. It is much more important to practice regularly. Practicing for 10 minutes every day will get you much farther than practicing for 10 hours straight, once in a blue moon!

Pitch-Matching Your Drumsticks
Pitch-matching your drumsticks is important if you want to get an even sound from your drums and cymbals. Although top stick makers now computer test sticks for weight and straightness, I have yet to find matched pairs from ANY maker than are consistently matched in pitch.

Here's what you can do to check your sticks before you buy: Holding the stick lightly be