Sometimes all students need is more time with a certain concept. You may have tips and notes for them, but until they feel at least comfortable with the part, they won't be able to apply any of it. So what's the fastest way to learn new material? Well, you'll have to play it more than once, but just counting off again and again can get pretty boring. So here are some ways to get the class to run itself, so you can be free to roam and help where needed.
One thing I like to do is make a game of it.
Elimination - Play the exercise once at a comfortable tempo, then pick up the pace and ask students to step out and observe once they can no longer play at the new speed. No one wants to be the first one out, but everyone wants to be the last man standing.
Drill - Find a way to repeat the part seamlessly and rotate students around the drums. Make sure to include at least one "rest" spot so they'll be ready to jump back in with full energy for another round. Students have a lot of patience with this structure.
Call it! - Can your exercise be broken down into different sections? Can you give each section names? Keep the beat going, but allow one or two counts where each student can call out these names for everyone to play. Students will gladly play the exercise patiently waiting for their turn to direct the class.
In all of these examples you'll find that you can get away with dozens of repetitions without having to stop and start again, which frees you to roam around and give notes only when they are needed. Stop and go rehearsals tend to feel long, but finding a way to hide your reps can be a fun way to get in the much needed drum time!
-Blaine O'Brien