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Music Technology
Week 2: Beat Making
Day 6: Introduction to Drums

Day 6: Introduction to Drums

Monday, August 10th, 2026

Objectives

  • I can identify the main parts of a drum kit: kick, snare, and hi-hat.
  • I can describe how kick, snare, and hi-hat work together to form a basic beat.
  • I can use individual drum loops in Soundtrap’s Sound library to build a complete beat.

Warmup

Levels of Complexity on the Drums

We will watch the video where drummer Larnell Lewis breaks down the levels of complexity of the drum kit together. Pay attention to the order he adds each part and how the beat builds.

As you watch, think about these questions:

  1. What is the first instrument he starts with? Why do you think he starts there?
  2. What does “backbeat” mean? Which drum plays the backbeat?
  3. What is a groove? What pieces come together to make one?
  4. What is the difference between an open and closed hi-hat?

After the video, open Soundtrap and explore the Sound library. Search for “drums” and listen to a few drum loops. Try to hear the kick, snare, and hi-hat in each one.

Checkpoint: Warmup

  • I watched the video and can describe how a beat is built layer by layer.
  • I browsed drum loops in the Soundtrap Sound library.

Work Session

Parts of the Drum Set

Mr. Willingham will walk through the parts of the drum set. Here are the main parts we will focus on:

  • Kick (Bass Drum) — The deep, low sound that anchors the beat. Usually played on beats 1 and 3.
  • Snare — The sharp, cracking sound that provides the backbeat. Usually played on beats 2 and 4.
  • Hi-Hat — A pair of cymbals that keep a steady rhythm. Can be open (sloshy, sustained) or closed (tight, crisp).

We will also introduce:

  • Crash Cymbal — Used for accents, often at the start of a new section.
  • Ride Cymbal — Similar role to the hi-hat but with a different tone.
  • Toms — Pitched drums.
  • Other accessories — Cowbell, tambourine, claps, and more.

Building a Beat from Loops

Instead of using a single pre-made drum loop, we are going to build a beat from scratch using individual loops for each part of the kit. Mr. Willingham will walk you through this process step by step.

In Soundtrap, click the music-note icon on the right side of the screen to open the Sound library. Search for individual drum sounds — try keywords like “hi-hat,” “kick,” “snare,” or “cymbal.”

Ideas to Try

  • Swap the closed hi-hat for an open hi-hat loop — how does the energy change?
  • Try a different kick pattern — what happens if the kick hits on every beat?
  • Add a crash cymbal at the very beginning of your loop to mark the downbeat.
  • Layer a shaker or tambourine on top of the hi-hat for extra texture.

Checkpoint: Work Session

  • I can name the three main parts of a basic drum beat (kick, snare, hi-hat).
  • I built a beat using at least three separate drum loops in Soundtrap.
  • I experimented with swapping or adjusting at least one loop.

Closing

What Did You Hear?

The next time you listen to a song, try to pick out the kick, snare, and hi-hat individually. Once you start hearing them, you won’t be able to stop.

If time allows, we’ll share out some of the beats we built today. You can also continue experimenting with your beat at home.

Tomorrow we will learn what MIDI is and start programming a beat of our own using Soundtrap’s Patterns Beatmaker.

Standards

  • MSMTC8.CR.1 — Generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts (exploring drum loops and identifying drum kit components).
  • MSMTC8.CR.2 — Select and develop musical ideas for defined purposes and contexts (choosing and layering individual drum loops to build a complete beat).
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Day 7: MIDI & the Beat Grid