Okay guys and gals...
Just another little add to this post about "Groovy ways to learn"
This really only applies to a drumming point of view (but I guess could apply to other instruments)..but here is some stuff that I came across on my path to becoming a failed musician :)...
1 - The 25 best drumming books as voted by modern drummer magazine
This covers every area of drumming from rudiments, to 4 way independance, to jazz to afro cuban etc etc etc...Carmine Appice - Realistic Rock, Joe Morello - Master Studies, David Garibaldis Future Sounds, and Gary Chesters The New Breed which incorporates your vocal as a 5th limb and gives endless possibilities...get the whole bunch and work through them!!
2 - Learn African, Latin and Indian drumming methods, which use odd time, different rhythms and feels to European music. Indian music theory is completely different to western music and utilises your voice to form the notation. I learnt the tabla and have a set which isn't easy to play, but again expands your musical options. African drumming is often polyrhythmic and learning this which again challenging further adds to your creative options and horizons. Then check out various albums on Youtube to understand it further, like Ravi Shankars The Three Ragas, or Antonio Carlos Jobims Wave (wonderful) etc etc etc.
3 - for drummers who dont play any percussion, do so! grab a tambourine, claves, shakers and learn some patterns - this really is another step and fun way to understand rhythm more deeply in my view. Its surprising how much a tambourine can lift a chorus on a track.
4 - Buy a load of dvds, Jojos Modern Techniques, Tommy Igoes Groove Essentials, or Rick Lathams Advanced funk studies..for the sake of what is cheaper than one drum lesson, your getting about 20 drum lessons for £15! Lots of fun, lots of advice - a must for any drummer!
And lastly..
5 - explore other genres! Don't just stick to tired old rock music! get out the box and try something new! We all love rock and roll, but why not have a dabble in something new - like some of the crap I've done! Electronica? Write a silly movie track! Never tried Dub before? why not?? Its been proven by scientific research that the brain has a reward system and rewards you when it hears new sounds.
6 - Yeh ok, jam on wikiloops! Amazing what you can learn from people on here - and its Groovy Baby! :)
Peace :W