Chops Aren’t Teaching: Why Great Players Don’t Always Make Great Instructors

03/11/2025 10 min

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Episode Synopsis

Too many percussion programs fall apart not because kids can’t play—but because nobody taught them how to play.In this episode of the SoundstageEDU Podcast, we tackle the myth that “chops” equal “teaching.”Just because you can play fast doesn’t mean you can build percussionists, fix technique, or elevate an ensemble.We dig into:Why performance skills don’t automatically translate to instructionThe difference between motivating students and actually teaching themWhy negative reinforcement and “sink or swim” teaching fails modern ensemblesHow to build confident players with fundamentals that LASTHow great educators raise the floor, not just the ceilingThis is for percussion instructors, band directors, battery techs, front ensemble techs, and young educators who want to level up a program—not just perform at kids.If you want stronger lines, cleaner shows, and better musicians, this episode is a game-changer.Add this to the bottom of the description:Want more episodes like this?Follow the show, leave a review, and share with another percussion instructor who needs it.For consulting, clinics, or program support:[email protected] educationmarching percussiondrumline techniquedrum corps teachingteaching percussionpercussion instructor trainingband director resourcesWGI percussionbattery percussion pedagogyfront ensemble techniquemusic educationpercussion pedagogySoundstageEDU podcasthow to teach percussionchops aren’t teaching

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