An Incredibly Simple Way of Teaching Rhythm to Anyone
“Just a note to tell you how ingenious I find your music program. When I first watched you introduce it to my son, I thought it was just a method of teaching a young child to get used to ‘banging the drums with both hands. It was not until I was helping my daughter with her piano lesson that I realized how amazing the program is. My daughter was having a hard time playing a song using both of her hands, and becoming very discouraged. I knew she just needed to get the rhythm, which is something (I thought) you’re either born with or lucky enough to acquire sometime in your life. I used your technique, and was amazed at how simply she was able to grasp the concept of rhythm. This is when it dawned on me how ingenious the program is. You have created an incredibly simple way of teaching rhythm to anyone. Thank you.”
— Vilma C, Mom of 5-Year-Old BeatSmarts Student
Advice and Wisdom, More Than Drumming Advice
“Working with Frank has been a continuously progressive journey from day one of my drum lessons. It started with a drum pad and drum sticks. Getting to know all the rudiments and drum notation and values and applying them to rhythms. Moving onto the drum kit was and still is a challenge. Frank offers advice and wisdom in so many areas. Not only learning songs also developing my own grooves and fills. Anyone who truly wants to learn how to play drums will get more than they ever could imagine working with Frank. You are truly amazing I look forward to your future clinics!”
— Jean C
Average, Uncoordinated Hands and Feet to ‘New Ears’ and BeatSmart!
“Before I recruited Frank to teach me all his wisdom in the world of drums, I was just your average music lover without the skills to keep a beat unaided, nor could I coordinate my hands and my feet. I wanted to play drums but didn’t know how to start. After 10 lessons with Frank, I not only understood the structure of rhythm, I could rock out! It was exciting being able to listen to music with new ears and hear each drum being played, and even start to play along with my favorite bands. Frank was a very patient and enthusiastic teacher, rejoicing as much in my newfound skills as I did.”
— Sarah H Age 23
Understanding WHY Gave Her the How on Rhythm and Technique…
“Frank’s real-world drumming. Everything I learned was “applicable”. I never understood from previous teachers how to apply what I learned. Learning to deal with triplets and have them explained, having it explained and exercises to go with it was HUGE. Having everything explained in words allowed me to explain it to myself because I understood WHY they work. This is really big because I think counting is important [PLUS] learning how to count things, tools to pick up stuff by ear a lot faster. Now I’m able top play the blues which I couldn’t before. The main thing I got was that I could pick stuff up by ear better. Got more out of discussions than the exercises themselves. This gave me a plethora of exercises that I could apply, exercises to what I wanted to learn. I can help myself better with the knowledge I gained. This did more for my samba playing than anything else, plus the ability to do a fancy warm-up. I can play stuff I couldn’t play before. I play at open jams. Noticed by comparison to other professional players, improvement in my playing.”
— Maggie, Age 56
Doctor of Chiropractic Now a Groove Doctor Too!
When not adjusting spines, Dr. Walter Tonyes, Chiropractor, is adjusting his throne (the stool a drummer sits on) on his new drum kit. Walter has been drumming for a number of years and recently formed a band with some other musician friends. Walter ran into BeatSmarts program developer Frank Sardella at one of his recent gigs where he opted to begin study with him. Within six sessions his playing and ability had observably improved. Dr. Tonyes flaunted his success by sitting in with Frank’s band at one of his shows. His success came despite the fact that the BeatSmarts program was only in its formative and developmental stages, before any of it was published. According to Dr Tonyes, “My drumming has hit a new level. I’m finding my ability improved tremendously with my lessons…
— Dr. Walter Tonyes, Chiropractor