1 Introduction to Bucket Drumming

This is a video introduction to bucket drumming.

2 Find something at home to use for drumsticks

Find something at home to use for drumsticks. You could use two wooden spoons, chopsticks, dowels, or metal spoons

3 Find something to use for a bucket

You could use a 5 gallon bucket, ice cream bucket or even a cardboard box.

4 How to hold drumsticks

To hold drumsticks, (or wooden spoons) pinch the stick between your thumb and the knuckle of your pointer finger. Loosely wrap the other three fingers around the stick.

Don’t use a fist grip. Don’t use a pointer grip.

5 Exercise 1 and 2

Exercise 1: Tap each stick on the top of the bucket 8 times with each hand. Repeat 4x

Exercise 2: Tap each stick on the top of the bucket 4 times with each hand. Repeat 4x

R= right hand L=left hand

Try these exercises with the music in the next step.

Repeat the exercises until the music stops.

6 Play Exercise 1 and 2 with music

Play Exercise 1 and 2 with music

7 Exercise 3 and 4

Exercise 3: Practice alternating hands. Repeat 4x

Notice that you start each measure with the right hand.

Exercise 4: Practice a rhythm with 8th notes. Repeat 4x

Continue to start each measure with the right hand.

Try these exercises with the music in the next step. Repeat each exercise 4x.

Repeat each exercise as needed until the music ends.

8 Play Exercise 3 and 4 with music

Play Exercise 3 and 4 with music.

Repeat each exercise 4x.

Repeat each exercise as needed until the music ends.

9 Play your buckets along with the rhythm patterns

Play your buckets along with the rhythm patterns

10 Create your own pattern

Create your own pattern or patterns.

Remember to start each measure with the right hand.

Try out your pattern with the music in the next step.

11 Play the patterns you've created with the music

Play the patterns you've created with the music

Repeat each pattern 4x.

If you can remember exercises 1-2-3-4 play them with the music too!

12 Try the exercises and your patterns with a song you know

This link takes you to the Kidzbop recording of Old Town Road.

Try the exercises and your patterns with this song or with a song you like.

13 Assessment Suggestions

Assessment may not be required for your school or district.

Your teacher may ask you to email the bucket patterns that you created.

14 Music IS Literacy

Parents, Teachers and Administration:

Music education is important for children.

Whether in class or at home, keep our children singing, playing, moving, listening and creating music!