Originally Posted by
pastor_bob
The problem that I am having is that my current teacher wants me to hold my sticks just as he does (I prefer matched grip, although I do practice traditional from time to time). My teacher prefers German grip - palm down - with all finger tightly wrapped, and empahsizing the wrist action. I prefer the Ammerican grip - matching grip with palms at 45 degree angle to the drums - with a loose grip and finger action.
I am frustrated that my teacher is not allowing me to play what is most comfortable to me, but I am wondering if this is just normal teaching strategy for beginners. Do most teachers start students out with a specific technique to develop specific muscles, or am I justified in being frustrated. I do want to say that I feel most free on the kit when I use the "American grip." I am a very intuitive drummer, and I am already doing things that lessons are beginning to name. The lessons are filling in gaps for me, which is what I wanted, and I want to be technically good, but I also don't want the lessons to hold me back.
AM I BEING UNREASONABLE???