My name is Rodrigo del Castillo, I’m a drummer and drum teacher, author of the drum method “Inside Drum Technique”. I have been studying and playing drums for 17 years and along this time the technique has played a more and a less important role in my studying hours. I have worked on the technique to fulfill different needs and interests. I have always focused on being comfortable while playing my instrument and on trying to produce the sounds created by drummers from whom I got inspiration. Between these two concerns I have foster my relation with the technique.

To acquire a good playing drum technique does not mean becoming extremely virtuous only. It means having the ability to produce the right sound effect in a certain musical moment, as well. The more tools we have to create these effects, the better our drum playing technique and the richer our music. To sum up, I believe studying in detail the technique allows us to express better when playing our instruments. Hence, we play in a more colorful and versatile way.

Although technique is essential when playing an instrument, I firmly believe a good musician should develop its creativity and musical sense as well. I insist on the fact that the technique should always serve music, for this is the only way it gains real value.

In 2011 I wrote “Inside Drum Technique” a method in video format on how to develop hand technique. The main aim of this work is to show and to explain the processes it is necessary to go through in order to develop a drum playing technique that allows us to play in a relaxed, controlled and musical way.

Along this method I did my best to show in detail the physical sensations that can be experienced when starting to study the technique. To achieve this, I did a careful analysis of every movement made.

I placed particular emphasis on the importance of passing through some stages which, in my opinion, are vital to acquire an effective hand drumming technique. In “IDT” I show that by working in a constant and progressive way, with clear goals, it is possible to achieve tangible results and to avoid frustrations.

I also decided to share my belief that a constant thirst for knowledge and the feeling of satisfaction when developing new skills can lead to a creative way of studying our instrument. The satisfaction of learning how to make a stroke comfortably will surely encourage us to keep on practicing to strive for perfection. This way we will reach more complex stages each time. As we become more confident and more curious we will feel more motivated to improve our playing drum technique and to practice regularly. Such practice should not be experienced as a dull and monotonous routine but as an opportunity to learn new things and to become better drummers, better musicians and better artists.

My chief aim is to encourage drummers and students to discover and experience this!!