Drum kit certification
Level 1 — Initial Basic (Foundation Level)
To introduce the drum kit, develop basic coordination, rhythmic awareness and understanding of time signatures.
Practical syllabus (drum kit)
Instrument fundamentals
- Parts of the drum kit (bass drum, snare, toms, hi-hat, ride, crash)
- Correct seating position and posture
- Stick grip (matched grip) and basic stroke types (full, down, tap, up)
Basic coordination and grooves
- Simple right-hand hi-hat patterns with bass and snare combinations
- Basic rock beats in 4/4 time (two to three standard patterns)
- Playing along with a metronome or slow backing track
Rudiments and technical work
- Single-stroke roll (slow to moderate tempo)
- Double-stroke roll (slow tempo)
- Single paradiddle (basic familiarity)
Repertoire and performance
- One to two short performance pieces or studies using Level 1 grooves
- Simple 4-bar fill leading back into a groove
Theory syllabus
Rhythm and notation basics
- Note values: whole, half, quarter and eighth notes
- Basic rests and counting in 4/4
- Simple drum-kit notation (stave layout and instrument placement)
Time and pulse
- Understanding pulse and tempo
- Counting bars in 4/4 and 3/4
Assessment Focus
- Time stability
- Coordination
- Technique safety
- Groove consistency
Exam Format (Level 1)
| Component / Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Time & Tempo | 30 |
| Coordination | 25 |
| Technique | 20 |
| Groove Consistency | 15 |
| Confidence & Control | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Note: Notation policy is optional, counting system is mandatory (verbal or numeric).