I have been learning timpani in the off-season (Concert Season) and I am trying to learn how to play the mallets slowly but steadily.

A little off topic: The only problem with me learning them is that drumline is starting to start up again as we felt we should start in March,although the Band Director said we needed more so we started having after school practice about four weeks ago.

I know this has been hashed out already and you seem very receptive to everyones responses. Your initial post struck a nerve with me but I will keep my 2 cents short and constructive.

As an instructor it is my goal that every student leaves my program better than me. I consider that success!

food for thought: You parents strive to make you a better person and more successful in life than they are. Probably doesn't seem that way now but they help and dicipline you based on their lessons in life so you will be a better person. Are you going to go to your parents in 10 years and say "HAHA Mom I'm better than you?" I sure hope not...

Sorry about it striking a nerve... it seems I have that tendency in life as it comes from my short temper.

I would never say anything like "Haha I can play better than you" it's just not me.

I've decided that along with learning new instruments and new rudiments that I will try to help my instructor teach the drum line while learning my parts.

Thanks guys these posts have really opened my eyes to some of the things I was missing in my posts.

~baseman_matt
~~~your friend in Andalusia, Alabama

As a teacher it is always been my goal to have students who play better than me. I am a brass player. Right now I really wish I had ever two or three brass players that play better than me. I do have one sophomore that is getting close, maybe by next year! Now although I have had lessons on the woodwind instruments I have several woodwind players that play better than me on their respective woodwinds. But I have some weak students that we are coaching along. I will tell them if I can play it, anybody can! Although our battery is of moderate level of ability, I do have some mallet chops. If I want to annoy our younger percussionist, I play their parts for them at least as well. And If I do play it better than them the other percussionist make a big noise about it. I tell my percussionist that all of them should play their respective instruments better than me. My ideal of a perfect band would be for ALL my students to outplay me!