Upcoming Workshops
This Month’s Workshop:
Songwriting: Lyrics II
When: Monday, January 5th
Time: 7pm-8pm
Where: Online – Zoom
Next Month’s Workshop:
Advanced Practice Tips
When: Monday, February 2nd
Time: 7-8pm
Where: Online – Zoom
Student of the Month
JJ gets to be our last student of the month for 2025. His entry into this award is long overdue. Week after week, he always seems to bring his ‘A’ game. It’s clear he always practices hard, comes prepared, and has new ideas about what he wants to work on. Congratulations JJ on your outstanding work.
Name: Jonathan “JJ”
Instrument: Guitar
Time With Us: 9 Months
Favorite Song We’ve Learned So Far: Alegro Vengo (Spanish Christmas Song)
Dream Song To Learn: Passo Bem Solto (A Brazilian Song)
Biggest Win: Jamming to Christmas songs with his grandfather.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
It’s been almost two years since Milwaukee Music Lessons was founded. We are so grateful to all the people who come to us. We know that the only reason we continue to grow is because we have a positive impact on your lives. But truth be told, you all have had a much greater impact on our lives than we could ever give back.
So from the bottom of our hearts, let me say thank you to all the amazing students who walk through our doors every day.
Here’s to an amazing 2026!
Alex's Cool Music Gear of the Month
Acrylic drums first became popular in the late 1960s and 1970s. They were made famous by the company Ludwig, which created clear drum kits that looked unlike anything else on stage. These drums quickly caught attention because you could see straight through them. At a time when rock concerts were getting bigger and louder, acrylic drums matched that bold energy.
Many famous drummers have used acrylic drums over the years. John Bonham of Led Zeppelin played a clear Ludwig kit that became iconic. Billy Cobham and Keith Moon also used acrylic drums, helping them become a symbol of classic rock and fusion music. Even today, modern drummers still use acrylic kits for their unique look and powerful sound.
Acrylic drums sound different from wood drums. They are louder, brighter, and have more attack, meaning the hit feels sharp and clear. Wood drums often sound warmer and softer, while acrylic drums cut through the mix easily, especially in live shows. Add in their see-through look, and acrylic drums are as much a visual statement as they are a musical one.
Drum Spotlight: Heel Down vs. Toe Down (Heel Up)
Heel-down and toe-down (heel-up) are two ways drummers use their feet on the bass drum pedal. Heel-down means your heel stays on the pedal while you press with the front of your foot. This gives you more control and helps you play soft and steady notes. It is great for beginners, jazz, and slower music. The downside is that it can be harder to play loud or fast. Toe-down means your heel is lifted, and you use more of your leg to push the pedal. This makes it easier to play louder and faster, but it takes more strength and control.
Each style works better for different music. Heel-down is often used in jazz, lighter rock, and practice situations where control matters most. Toe-down is common in rock, metal, and pop where power and speed are needed. Many great drummers use both styles, sometimes even switching between them in the same song. There is no “right” way—just the way that fits the music and feels good to your body.
If you’re new, start with heel-down to build control and balance. Sit so your foot can rest flat on the pedal without reaching. Try slow quarter notes and focus on even sound. When trying toe-down, lift your heel slightly and let your leg help with the motion—don’t stomp. Take breaks, stay relaxed, and remember: good technique should feel smooth, not painful.
Heel Down
Toe Down
Creativity In Music
Creativity is important because it helps reorganize your brain. When you try new ideas, your brain makes new connections. This makes learning music easier and more fun. It also helps you think in new ways, not just in music, but in life too.
One easy way to be more creative is to make something simple. Try writing a short beat or a basic chord progression. It does not have to be perfect. Even four chords or a simple rhythm is enough. The goal is to practice creating, not to impress anyone.
Another great way to build creativity is by improvising. This could be a short lead, a solo, or even just playing around with a scale. You might play a few wrong notes, and that is okay. Improvising teaches you to trust your ears and take chances. Many great musical ideas start as experiments.
You can also be creative by changing music you already know. Try adding more flair to a song you are learning. Change the rhythm, add a fill, or play it louder or softer. Small changes help you understand the music better and make it feel more like your own.
Songwriting is another powerful way to be creative. You can write lyrics, melodies, or both. Your song can be happy, sad, or silly. There are no rules. The more you create, the stronger your musical brain becomes. Creativity grows when you use it, so keep trying new ideas every time you play.
Student Milestones
3 Months
Collin M.
Caia J.
Jayden T.
Jude H.
6 Months
Yaelly P.
Emillio C.
9 Months
Jason L.
Bill C.
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