Should beginner percussionists start learning keyboards on day one, after Thanksgiving, or even after Christmas?

In this episode, Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer explore one of the most common questions in beginning percussion education: When is the right time to introduce keyboard percussion?

The team discusses the advantages and challenges of different approaches, including the importance of building strong fundamentals on the practice pad, avoiding information overload, establishing classroom procedures, and preparing students for their first band concert.

Zach shares why he prefers introducing keyboards after Thanksgiving, Patricia offers important considerations for younger teachers navigating band director expectations, and Doug explores why a new semester or a return from break can be the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.

Whether you teach in a large program or a small school, this conversation will help you think more intentionally about your beginner percussion curriculum.

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Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Is the All State Band process a time tested way to develop well rounded players and focus on execution, and learn to perform under pressure, or does it suck the life out of the musicality that we have worked so hard to develop in our students? Which side are you on, and how does that shape your program? Tune in for an honest discussion about pros and cons and different approaches to the All-State Band process for percussion students.

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Imagine this - You're a young teacher walking into your first gig. You discover old gear in disrepair, kids with bad attitudes who show up late, no help from the anyone else, and music that's too hard for the group. WHERE DO YOU START? This listener question boils down to priorities. Hear the team discuss discipline, achievable goals, and practical advice on what to attack first when everything seems wrong.

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

French Grip, Gauges, Pedaling, Tuning, Muffling, & More! Should you teach your students everything there is to know about timpani? Can it even be done? Is the juice worth the squeeze? If it is, WHEN do you teach it, and what should you prioritize? Tune in for some real talk and differing perspectives on a practical approach to teaching timpani in your program.

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Rule 12: "(TEACHING) Drumming Is About Attention To Detail" - What does it look like to focus on details in your teaching and how does that motivate your students to focus on details in their playing? What does a detail oriented approach look like in your beginner class or the high school drumline? Tune in for examples and advice!

Rule 13: "You Relax By Breathing" - Tension anywhere is tension everywhere, so how do you get your students to relax? The Team shares some practical advice about how and when your students should use breathing to help them perform at their highest level.

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

A GREAT private lesson experience vs. going through the motions. What's the difference? Join Doug, Patricia, and Zach for practical tips about how to shape a lesson experience that involves the director, parent, and teacher collaborating in a way that motivates the student to move through a sequential program of development.

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

THANK YOU for listening to the Team Islas Podcast! It's been a year and we are just getting started. Join Doug, Patricia, and Zach as we reintroduce, recap, and look forward to what's next. Also, IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME! Email us your question for a chance to win a book pack including "Players Guide", "Super Hands" & "Momentum"!

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/

Staff changes are inevitable, but they don't have to disrupt your percussion program. In this episode, Doug Bush, Patricia Islas, and Zach Scheer discuss how to navigate the hiring process by first identifying what you hope to accomplish with a new hire—and then intentionally pursuing that goal. They also share practical advice for evaluating candidates, supporting new staff members, and building a culture that helps both educators and students succeed.

Send us Fan Mail

Questions? Comments? - Reach out! teamislas@gmail.com

Books:
Player's Guide For The Beginning Percussionist - Beginner Percussion Book
Super Hands - Intermediate Snare Drum Method Book by Doug Bush
Momentum - Intermediate 2 Mallet Keyboard Book by Patricia Islas

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TeamIslas
https://www.youtube.com/@zachscheer

Socials:
Doug
https://www.facebook.com/doug.bush.31
https://www.instagram.com/teamislas/

Patricia
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.a.islas
https://www.instagram.com/babypvibes/

Zach
https://www.facebook.com/zachscheer/
https://www.instagram.com/zach_scheer/