The Beat Beginner
Lessons
Songs Beats & Fills Technique Rudiments Drummers Gear

Win a Pearl Drum Set + A Trip to Spain

to jam with El Estepario

Over $10,000 in prizes. Enter by November 16th.

I want to win

How To Be A Composer And Not Just A Drummer

Dali Mraz  /  UPDATED Aug 20, 2022

As drummers, our end goal is playing and making music with other musicians… So how do we break away from being “just the drummer”? In this lesson, Dali Mraz will teach you how to approach songs from a more melodic perspective rather than a percussive one. This includes being more sensitive to the other instruments, learning when to add embellishments without taking away from the main melody, and other tips to help you be more hands-on in the writing process.

Lesson Index:
0:18 – SONG: “32nd Notes To Mraz”
3:50 – Introduction
6:27 – Why should drummers care about becoming a composer?
10:07 – How to become more of a composer
22:37 – How to approach a song you’ve never played before
28:30 – SONG: “Poland Madness”
32:11 – How important is technique?
37:15 – Recap and closing thoughts
47:12 – Jared makes a special appearance
49:30 – SONG: “21st Day”
53:14 – SONG: “Trip To G”

Dali Plays:
DW Drums
Zildjian Cymbals
Remo Drumheads
Vic Firth Sticks


Jared Falk is a lifelong drummer, drum teacher, and the co-founder of Drumeo. For over 18 years, Jared has been a leader in the online music education industry, publishing his first online video lessons in 2003 and founding Musora in 2005.

Improve your speed on the drums with El Estepario Siberiano’s FREE course.
Enter your email to get all 10 exercises sent to your inbox.

By signing up you’ll also receive our ongoing free lessons and special offers. Don’t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Win a Pearl drum set + a trip to Spain to jam with El Estepario El Estepario, a Pearl drum set and a trip to Valencia, Spain

We’re giving away a stunning Pearl Masters drum kit played and signed by El Estepario, plus a trip to Valencia, Spain, to jam with him in person.

Drop your email address below by Nov 16th, 2026, for your chance to win.

I want to win

The winners will be announced on November 17.