Use a practice pad to kick out the fundamentals of drum kit patterns from around the world, starting with basics like blues, marches, and Cajun and zydeco, then expanding into rock, salsa, Irish, and Brazilian samba for style. In each class meeting, work up new patterns for your hands and feet and then practice them with your class. This is a perfect introduction for beginners interested in the dominant percussion instrument of this country, and will give you both basic patterns to practice for your technique and a survey of some important contributions so you can develop your own voice.