Sarah Thawer: Exploring Indian Rhythms On The Drums (FULL DRUM LESSON)

When it comes to percussion, Indian music relies heavily on the use of a varied array of hand drums. However, over the last several decades, many drummers have studied and discovered ways to bring the drum-set to Indian music by transforming the rhythms to work in the context of a full kit - and that's exactly what Sarah Thawer will teach you in this lesson.

Lesson Index:
0:00 - "Building" by Sarah Thawer
3:15 - Introduction
5:38 - Rhythm #1a
7:15 - Rhythm #1b
10:28 - Rhythm #2a
12:00 - Rhythm #2b
13:10 - Rhythm #3a
14:14 - Experimenting with sound sources (#4)
16:06 - Rhythm #5
17:52 - Rhythm #6
19:27 - Adding a stack to the Kherwa (#7)
21:34 - Kherwa Fill (#8)
24:02 - Garba Groove (#9)
26:02 - Dadra Groove (#10)
28:40 - 6/8 Groove (#11)
30:59 - "GAIA" by Kaz Rodriguez

Download the sheet music:

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About Sarah:
Sarah Thawer has been making a name for herself since setting foot on stage to perform for the very first time when she was only 6 years old. A self-taught drummer at heart, Sarah has found great success by embracing the world of formal education, by studying jazz and world music at York University where she was the recipient of the Oscar Peterson Scholarship, the highest award given by the institution, in addition to graduating with the Summa Cum Laude distinction. All her accolades and work ethic have taken her to share a stage with world-class artists including AR Rahman, Ruth B, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Del Hartley, and D’bi and the 333, just to name a few.

Sarah Plays:
Yamaha Drums
Zildjian Cymbals
Evans Drumheads
Vic Firth Sticks

#drums #drumlessons #drumeo #drumming #sarahthawer

[thenewmedic]

As a guitarist, there is literally no other musician I like watching more than a good drummer. Absolutely fascinating and entertaining.

[onikonoko]

I cant even begin to express how much i love this womans energy

[danielsheehan]

This is nuts. I’m a guitar player, have no experience drumming but can totally hear the traditional Indian influences based on the small amount of eastern music I’ve heard. She’s an absolute monster

[abhignaupadhyaya]

I just loved this cos it's the first time I've heard "Dha Ge Na Ti Na Ka Dhi Na" on drums rather than tabala!! I've played these variations on tabala never knew it would sound so cool on a drum set. So wanna get into drumming now!

[djjammindave]

Don't know why I'm watching this. I'm not a drum player. But I have to tell you, this girl is really making me stay here and watch this damn good video. Her way, her energy, and communication skills, style, just make me appreciate was she's saying and keep me glued to this informative video. WoW!!! She looks fine too.

[liebonhardus]

I've never seen a drummer having so much fun with such colorful beats.
Heading down stairs to practice right now.

[NANOMAN]

One of the most magical women in the world!!! Her joy, her musicality, one of the drummers I listen the most

[NetiNeti]

Sarah is a drum beast! She takes the last track, makes it her own and decimates it!
The best thing about her is she teaches in a way that even a beginner with no introduction to Indian beats can learn and incorporate. All without being holier than thou or condescending!
Kudos to the sound engineers for the tasty sound on the snare and toms
Thanks Drumeo for flying her down to Abbotsford BC, here in Metro Vancouver
Audio visual treat beyond words <3

If her video from Zildjian is still up, do watch it. Unbelievable. (With Snarky Puppy)

[crimsonjimi]

I've noticed that India is full of great musicians. I keep discovering so many talented artist with Indian background or just from India in general.

[L.A.W.Studios]

This was great! Indian, African, and Cuban beats/grooves are so infectious...yes!

[williamd.wilson]

It would be nice if instead of fighting over land and resources, countries just fought over who had the sickest beat through drum offs.

[hyperunplugged]

as a songwriter, hearing rhythms inspired by community and dance really inspires me. these rhythms had me dancing in my seat! it really goes to show how beautiful music is, and how it brings people together no matter where you're from, regardless of culture or background.

[segunawotunde]

I would love to see you bring up a drummer that would teach Nigerian rhythms. Just the way Sarah here is teaching Indian rhythms. That would be really cool.

[danlindberg]

Love the "mad chemistry teacher" face she makes :D

[bigj]

She's awesome!! Love her drum intellect and her skills. I could follow her as a drummer. She could be a great instructor. Her timing is impeccable and she's a great pocket player and Improvisationalist. She's just GREAT!!!

[isawk]

I love how hear earrings provide a backing track to her vocals...she IS music!

[MrJpm]

Some of the most impressive drumming I have heard in years. Most solos I find can leave you hanging and unfulfilled but she picked me up and took me with her 100%. Wow, amazing and I am still looking for words to express how I feel after that.

[rohit.vikram]

as an Indian learning the jazz drums. this is interesting to get to my roots. really gonna pick it up at some.point.

[Fat_Paws]

Sometimes, just sometimes, the YT algorithm throws you a gem. I don't know shit about playing ANY musical instrument, but watched the whole thing anyway.

[waqarulhaq]

She is playing so good. Its like a fusion of east and west.
I dont know why over 1k people have disliked the video.?. There is nothing to dislike on her performance.
Keep it up Sarah. Never give up on your dreams.