30 Days to Better Shime
I am pleased to announce immediate availability of the updated, 30 Days to Better Shime (v2) program! This free program provides one month of daily exercises for small drum practice. You simply download the workbook and companion CD, get out your practice pad and batchi, and follow the daily instructions!
Originally created for the 2008 Collegiate Taiko Invitational, over 350 taiko players in 14 different countries gave the 30 Days to Better Shime program a try! I received very helpful feedback from the participants. With version 2 of the program, I’ve tried to implement these suggestions, making the program easier to print and share, improving drill explanations, and fine-tuning the drills themselves.
At the request of many participants, I am also now offering printed workbook/CD sets for sale, along with month-long email and phone support!
Whether you print it yourself or order a copy, the program makes a great stocking stuffer for yourself or a friend! Make your New Year’s resolution to practice more! Read on for how to get started!
Contents
Download the workbook and audio files
All the materials necessary for participating in the program are below. Everything is released under the Free Art License 1.3, meaning you are free to make copies and share the program with others. I have a blog post with more info about my use of the license.
Step 1) Download the 30 Days to Better Shime workbook
Step 2) Download the 30 Days to Better Shime MP3 or OGG audio files (the .zip files contain all 46 tracks of the program, and are large files. Downloading may take a while. You can also download the individual files below.)
Step 3) Unzip the audio files (on most computers you can simply double-click the icon)
Step 4) Burn the audio files to CD (if you don’t have CD-burning software on Windows, try the Free Software program, Infra Recorder)
Step 5) Start practicing!
How to order a printed set
To order a printed set (workbook, CD, Bubble Calendar, and support), contact Kris at kris (at) OnEnsemble (dot) org or 310-350-8825. Sets are $30 and checks are made payable to “Kristofer Bergstrom”. Please send checks to the following address.
Kristofer Bergstrom
2000 W 162nd St Apt 100
Torrance CA 90504
Individual audio files
MP3 format:
30days_t01_speed_test_single_stroke_rolls.mp3
30days_t02_speed_test_ten_tsuku.mp3
30days_t03_rhythmic_dexterity_test.mp3
30days_t04_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t05_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t06_16s_drill_w_commentary.mp3
30days_t07_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t08_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t09_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t10_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t11_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t12_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t13_ice_skater.mp3
30days_t14_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t15_eol_test.mp3
30days_t16_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t17_diminishing_clicks_80bpm.mp3
30days_t18_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t19_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t20_hard_starts.mp3
30days_t21_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t22_call_and_answer.mp3
30days_t23_1234_drill.mp3
30days_t24_uncertain_soloist_matsuri.mp3
30days_t25_kris_new_sound.mp3
30days_t26_new_sound_into_1234.mp3
30days_t27_kris_new_jiuchi_and_variation.mp3
30days_t28_more_melodic_version.mp3
30days_t29_uncertain_soloist_tekke.mp3
30days_t30_fast_click_slow_pattern.mp3
30days_t31_kris_goofy.mp3
30days_t32_kris_jiuchi_groove.mp3
30days_t33_40bpm.mp3
30days_t34_50bpm.mp3
30days_t35_60bpm.mp3
30days_t36_72bpm.mp3
30days_t37_80bpm.mp3
30days_t38_92bpm.mp3
30days_t39_104bpm.mp3
30days_t40_112bpm.mp3
30days_t41_120bpm.mp3
30days_t42_132bpm.mp3
30days_t43_144bpm.mp3
30days_t44_160bpm.mp3
30days_t45_184bpm.mp3
30days_t46_208bpm.mp3
OGG format:
30days_t01_speed_test_single_stroke_rolls.ogg
30days_t02_speed_test_ten_tsuku.ogg
30days_t03_rhythmic_dexterity_test.ogg
30days_t04_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t05_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t06_16s_drill_w_commentary.ogg
30days_t07_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t08_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t09_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t10_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t11_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t12_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t13_ice_skater.ogg
30days_t14_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t15_eol_test.ogg
30days_t16_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t17_diminishing_clicks_80bpm.ogg
30days_t18_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t19_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t20_hard_starts.ogg
30days_t21_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t22_call_and_answer.ogg
30days_t23_1234_drill.ogg
30days_t24_uncertain_soloist_matsuri.ogg
30days_t25_kris_new_sound.ogg
30days_t26_new_sound_into_1234.ogg
30days_t27_kris_new_jiuchi_and_variation.ogg
30days_t28_more_melodic_version.ogg
30days_t29_uncertain_soloist_tekke.ogg
30days_t30_fast_click_slow_pattern.ogg
30days_t31_kris_goofy.ogg
30days_t32_kris_jiuchi_groove.ogg
30days_t33_40bpm.ogg
30days_t34_50bpm.ogg
30days_t35_60bpm.ogg
30days_t36_72bpm.ogg
30days_t37_80bpm.ogg
30days_t38_92bpm.ogg
30days_t39_104bpm.ogg
30days_t40_112bpm.ogg
30days_t41_120bpm.ogg
30days_t42_132bpm.ogg
30days_t43_144bpm.ogg
30days_t44_160bpm.ogg
30days_t45_184bpm.ogg
30days_t46_208bpm.ogg
Source files
The PDF workbook was generated by the LaTeX typesetting system, with graphics created using the Inkscape vector graphics program. The source files for the 30 Days to Better Shime workbook are provided below so that you can change the program to improve it and to suit your needs. All modifications must be made under the terms of the Free Art License 1.3. More information about sharing and modifying is available here.
Illustrations in Inkscape (SVG) format
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - I am little afraid that I can’t keep up with the schedule… should I start now or later, when I’m less busy?
A - Definitely start now! It’s no big deal if you take longer than 30 days to complete the program. But get day 1 out of the way today!
Q - What is the CD player for?
A - The program includes listening and call and response drills.
Q - Can I use my iPod?
A - Yes! Although I can’t provide iPod-specific support, the iPod should work very well for the course. You can download the MP3 audio files above and load them onto the iPod (through the iTunes application, I assume). If you have the audio files on CD, you should be able to import them to iTunes similarly, and from there, transfer them to the iPod.
Q - What is OGG and why do you offer it in addition to MP3?
A - I want users of the 30 Days to Better Shime program to be able to participate with entirely Free Software. The mp3 format is not technically free. Please see my blog post about ogg for more information.
Q - I downloaded the ogg files but they don’t work. What do I do?
A - Thank you for trying to use the ogg format. I have written a howto to help users enable ogg support. If after reading that you still are not able to use the ogg files, you might want to stick to the mp3 files for now. I can help others using the gnu/linux operating system but I’m not much help with Windows or MacOS.
Q - Where do I sign up?
A - To join the next round of Group Shime Practice, visit this page to sign up and receive daily emails. Note, however that you do not have to sign up to do the program at your own pace. Simply download the workbook and audio files, and begin! You can also purchase the printed workbook/CD set, or contact me directly (kris at OnEnesmble dot org).
Q - You really should charge money for this. Why is it free?
A - Please feel free to make a donation to me or another cause of your choosing. I make the program free because I do not want finances to be a barrier to participation. There are taiko players in countries whose currency is far, far weaker than the US dollar. And even for the rest of us, it’s hard enough to practice already without having to worry about paying for it!
Q - My track numbers don’t match the workbook numbers…
A - In v2 of the program, I removed track 3. If you have the original versions of the tracks, track 4 is now track 3, track 5 is track 4, etc. I made minor changes to track 3 and all of the call and answer tracks, so it might be worthwhile to download the new versions above.
Q - Do you sell shime batchi?
A - I have a number of extra pairs that I brought back from Japan for my personal use. I will be happy to sell you a pair if you promise to put them to use. Contact me at kris at OnEnsemble dot org.
Q - Can you explain the words, “ten”, “tekke”, “ka”, “tsu”, and “ku”?
A - Japanese music is generally taught orally and uses words for each of the sounds that the instruments make, a system we call kuchishouka. For the shime-daiko, “ten” represents a strong hit to the center of the drum, “ka” is a hit to the rim, and “tsu” is a quiet hit. When we combine multiple hits of the same type, we often change the pronunciation slightly to make it easier to say; so “ten, ten” might be “tekke” or “tere”, “ka, ka” might be “kara”, “tsu, tsu” becomes “tsuku”.
Q - I did about half of version 1 of the program. Should I continue with version 1 or download version 2?
A - The meat of the drills and listening challenges is essentially the same in versions 1 and 2. In version 2, the information is presented more clearly and many of the drills have been polished. The PDF format should also be much easier to print. I recommend switching to version 2 wherever you are in the program.
Q - Is there a ‘way’ to be listening to the patterns in order to retain them? For instance, I have listened to the ka’s in the whole pattern to try and retain the pattern, then I’ve listened to the ten or tsuku (dons)……but I still struggle ( I know there’s a few of us over 50, hence the memory issue - haha). I’ve also just listened to the pattern as a whole and tried to just relax with it and replicate it…… Is there a concept or strategy that would help with that section of the lessons?
A - To be honest, I don’t know the answer. I don’t remember any conceptual breakthroughs I had along the way, but for what it’s worth, when I hear a rhythm and am able to remember it now, it’s because I’m able to translate the rhythm into to the sense of actually playing it (splitting it between right and left hands where it makes sense) while I’m listening to it. To a large degree, I think the ability to remember a rhythm you’ve just heard comes with familiarity with that rhythm’s basic parts. As I understand it, the brain is able to remember a certain number of “chunks” of information (perhaps 7 chunks at a time?) If we’re comfortable with “don kara ka ka”, for example, that becomes one chunk, as opposed to 5 or more chunks in the brain of someone new to the rhythm.
If you happen to find a “way” that helps you, I’ll be very interested in trying it! Until then, I think one’s ability to remember a rhythm is determined mainly by their comfort level with a wide variety of patterns. My hope with the call and answer exercises is to expose participants to a wide range of rhythms so that by the end of the course, there is noticeable improvement.
Q - What should I practice on if I don’t have (or can’t use) an actual shime?
A - I’d definitely get or make a practice pad. You need something bouncy. You can buy a practice pad at a music shop or on eBay for very little money. Or you can make one yourself. If you have a bit of rubber (perhaps from an old mouse pad or something), you can glue that to a plywood or solid wood base of some sort and you’re done. Drum pad makers will try and convince you that they have some sort of magic, proprietary substance “that perfectly mimics the feel of a real drum!”, but it’s bogus. Any firm, rubbery material glued to a solid base works great!
Q - How do I hold my batchi? Do you have any pointers on the basic strike?
A - I use a “German grip” for most of my shime playing. My goal when practicing is to be relaxed, in control, and to be training my hands to know where the sticks are at all times. I try to maintain a loose grip with all my fingers touching the whole time, without letting the batchi slide around. I try to train my wrists and fingers to move properly so that my grip can be relaxed and light. Basic technique is best explained in person so if you’re ever in the LA/Torrance area, please come over for a lesson or joint practice session! kris at OnEnsemble dot org
Tags: taiko practice
December 16th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I highly recommend 30 Days to Better Shime. On Ensemble are amazing for offering this for free. If you can, purchase the Book/CD. Think about it: only $1/day for an invaluable training program that will make your shime playing the most awe-inspiring in the world. Thanks Kris.
December 16th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
[...] On Ensemble offers the workbook and audio files for free on their website. You can also order the comprehensive guide and CD for $30. That’s only $1/day to become the [...]
December 17th, 2008 at 5:36 am
Thanks for doing this, Kris! I tried it last summer and made it to day 10. I want to try again. Even the 10 days made me much better. Great course!
December 18th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hey Kris — you wanted blog fodder and I am here to oblige.
1) For those of you finding it hard to get practice in due to equipment issues: I’m totally in love with a pair of rubber tipped western drumsticks. pro-mark XB1 drumsticks feel a bit like a shime bachi, and have a generous rubber tip that doesn’t seem to mar anything I hit it on. The net point, no practice pad required, and suuuper portable. I’m on the road right now in fact, and still (pretty much) keeping up with the program.
2) Question, so what’s the deal with the metronome speeds you selected? Do they have specific meanings? Forgive my lack of musical knowledge, I’m a visual artist by day.
December 19th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Hiya Wendy! Thanks for the input and the question. The XB1 drumsticks look fun! I’ll try and pick up a pair and let you know my thoughts.
As for the metronome speeds, I tried to suggest tempos that fit the goals of particular exercises. When warming up, for example, I want to make sure players are going slowly. In the hand coordination exercises, I felt 90bpm was moderately challenging, and suited to the player who’s had some taiko experience but is relatively new to small drum stuff. I chose the metronome speeds by trial and error, trying the drills on myself and on some of my students.
All of the tempos are loose suggestions, and players should feel free to adjust the them to suit their own level.
December 19th, 2008 at 9:25 am
K- As for the metronome speeds, I tried to suggest tempos that fit the goals of particular exercises.
W- So it’s not a special “music notation” thing, just feel, and I’m reading too much into the number “meaning”?
December 19th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
This is a rare instance where I’m not using numbers to embed a secret code in the music. No literal composition happening here.
January 1st, 2009 at 1:52 am
Hi Kris - Finished Day 30 in the wee hours of Dec 31…terrific course, thanks much! Tons of great learning moments, and measurable improvement in several areas, although I haven’t quite got the hang of doubles yet. Looking forward to repeating the course in a while and maybe trying faster tempi as the month goes along; warm-up time estimates for the later sessions seem a tad optimistic. (Definition of eternity: 16’s drill at slow tempo
- my metronome always nodded off partway.) Loved the Rhythm Maker (nostalgia trip) but couldn’t remember/figure out how to make it work. Also loved the “uncertain soloist” exercise. So - two thumbs up for the course overall, and happy new year to you and yours!
January 1st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Hi Kris ~
I did it! I stuck with the program and finished. I find it easy to practive daily if someone is telling me what to practice. Being a novice musician I found the program informational on several different levels. I have never used a metronome before so this was challenging to get the hang of hitting everyother metronome beat etc. I’m not sure I have become a better shime player but I deffinetly have a better understanding of the music side. Several light bulds went off during the program. Thanks for all you work and sharing of your talents. I plan to repeat the program starting and finishing with version 2. You ROCK!!!
January 27th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Hey Kris,
I finished 30 days a week ago. My hands came a good ways and I am really happy about that. Especially for my left hand. I haven’t played with a match grip in so long all I can play is using traditional. The bachi felt like a stranger in my left hand. But, 30 days started making the bachi feel more comfortable in my hand in match grip. So, definitely I showed real progress each day but what I have found to be most beneficial is that it kind of reenergized me. It pointed out so many areas where I have regressed since my drumline days and it has just inspired me to practice more. You did an excellent job of mixing so many different aspects of small drum in I was never bored. I’m a big fan of ice skater, I’ve played versions of it before. It is really fun with flams. Anyway, thanks for all the hard work and help along the way. You really have winner with this program and I am so thankful to have been able to experience it. Keep up the good work. I’ll talk to you soon.
January 27th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Yo Margaret, Cathie, and Colin! Thank you so much for the feedback! It means a lot to me to hear the program was useful and helped you all too. Great work!!!