The drumming world has questioned the benefits of an IQ test versus taking private lessons. There are 5 benefits that are unique to a Percussion IQ Test:
Evaluation by the Top Instructors in the World, Assessment based on Learned Material, Customized Report, Audition Based Environment, and Quantitative Prioritization of Issues. At Percussion IQ, only the top instructors in the world will review your submission. Their students are consistently in top 5 WGI and DCI World Class organizations. We only hire instructors who are currently teaching World Class Percussion Ensembles. This is to ensure our Percussion IQ community receives the MOST DEVELOPED FEEDBACK IN THE ACTIVITY. Learn from the instructors who teach the BEST active marching percussionists in the activity.
Everybody dreams of drumming at WGI or DCI finals with a top drumline in the world. Hours of practice and repetition is built into the musical program. At most drum lessons, the student is playing unfamiliar music, therefore not performing like they would with a competitive unit. For each Percussion IQ test, the student will play pre-written material. We want to see everybody play at their best so we can differentiate performance issues due to poor habits, versus performance issues due to lack of preparedness.
One of the greatest perks of taking an IQ test is the customized report each student gets after their submission. At a common drum lesson, the instructor provides wonderful verbal commentary and feedback for 30-60 minute lessons. This is a lot of information to retain and apply to one’s practice regime after the lesson. When a student submits their Snare IQ video, a full analysis is recorded for the student to refer back to for their individual practice plans. Each subsequent report the student receives will help them see their progress as their results focus on higher level issues during their advancement.
One of the most intimidating factors at any audition is the 1:1 audition. The student is isolated in a room with an instructor and plays numerous items while the instructor jots down notes. All truthful performers will admit they have had at least 1 bad audition. Like any other activity, practice and experience will help the performer be further prepared for these assessments. The IQ test requires the student to play all the content in one video take. The student will most likely drum with nerves, similar to a live audition. Performing well under pressure is what separates the good from the great.
Each player has their own unique issues. Percussion IQ recognizes this, and it led to the development of a report template that helps quantitatively direct the students. Not all issues are equal. If a student has amazing chops and sound quality, but does not understand how rhythms line up with their feet, this will be the reason they get cut at their next audition. Our templates help the student understand their greatest issues, so they can focus a majority of their practice time to these issues. This will give them their largest improvements as a player immediately.
Reflect on these 5 items and ask yourself if this is what you need to break through your personal ceiling. It can be done. We can help.
Author: Matthew Regua