Keith Capsuto

I have been playing drums for 43 years, and teaching for 20 years. I'm proud to say that the stretching exercises that I teach, I have used with beginning and advanced level students during my career. I certainly hope that they are helpful to you too. A special "Thank You" to Samantha Capsuto for being my model.

	The "Front Shake" is done by holding your sticks about mid-shank. Move (shake), both sticks side to side counting to 12 out loud as if keeping a slow to medium temp.

	This exercise is the same as the above "Front Shake", with the exception that as you keep tempo, raise your legs to come up on the balls of your feet. You may also repeat this exercise with the drum sticks at each side of your body. (Remember to count to 12.)

	This is the back stretch. Simply raise your drum sticks with both arms. Push your stomach forward, and push your arms backwards just past your scalp. (Count to 12.) Use caution not to over stretch.

	This is the wrist ligament and joint warm up. Notice how the top arm is pulling the bottom wrist slightly towards the chest. Again, count to 12 as you motion toward your chest.

	Finger warm up: In this exercise notice how each finger touch's the thumb. Both hands fingers can be stretched at the same time. From the thumb, go back and forth to each finger 5 times.

	Inverted arm exercise: Out of all the stretches that I teach, this is typically the toughest. You want to start by holding the sticks in your palms about equal to your belly button. Make certain your palms are facing upward. You *do not* want to grip the sticks, hold them enough not allowing the sticks to get away from you. With your right hand, make a scooping motion towards the left side of your chest, staying inside your left arm. Completely scoop your sticks so that your hands become totally inverted. Your thumbs should be pointing away from each other. Count to 12 while holding this stance. You should feel a slight burning running across your bicep area. This is normal.

Keith Capsuto Drum & Photography, Oxnard, CA (805) 485-9117
keithcap@roadrunner.com