Award winning Trinity College Drum Kit instructor weekly in Parklands, and now Burgundy Estate, Cape Town. Aje Pelser can teach and demonstrate multiple genres including Latin, Jazz, Metal and Hip Hop

Learn more about Aje

• When did you develop an interest in music and/or your favourite instrument?

  When did you develop an interest in music and/or your favourite instrument?
  We have music in our family and my folks allowed me to tour with them through our country when I was three with a little guitar in my hand. They would place me on the drums as a baby and let me go for it. Having music in your home is a tremendous advantage.

• Is there a particular type of music or an artist that you could happily listen to on a loop?

  Is there a particular type of music or an artist that you could happily listen to on a loop?
  Hard rock and heavy metal got my attention early on. The. I learnt that some of those drummers had roots in R&B and Latin clave patterns and I explored more genres. I met Dom Famularo at a drum clinic and it changed my drumming life not to mention my technique and approach to stick control and rhythmic movement. I love what Benny Greb has done with drum clinics and how he expresses himself as a drummer. Mark Temperato in NY state has the worlds biggest drum kit and I visited him as a kid where he showed me how to play. His drum solos inspired me to think in concepts and piece solos together versus just playing licks.
  Vinnie Colaiuta is a favourite drummer of mine that I have followed partly because of his approach to odd time signatures with Sting.

• Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.

  Explain to us the most difficult or 'riveting' lesson you could personally give to one of your students.
  Strength under control expressed in slower grooves might be harder to impart than complicated polyrhythms. While there is mental and musical stimulation in complication, there is wisdom and genius in simplicity.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?
  Probably violin! Piano is easy to play harder to master. But playing lead guitar has become my new challenge! I often play along with my Fender guitar laying down riffs for the drum students to play over.

• What are your keys to success (aside from do re mi fa sol ...)?

  What are your keys to success (aside from do re mi fa sol ...)?
  Keith Coxen was my drum instructor from Jazz Workshop in Cape Town. He always divided a session into "gym, groove and session." When it comes to playing in a band "serve the music. When it comes to growing as a drummer Benny Greb says "be gentle with yourself."

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting, and explain why.

  Name three musicians you dream of meeting, and explain why. Some individuals and some partnerships to mention here:
  Just three? Benny Greb, who is developing drummers globally. Vinnie and Sting and how they worked out tricky musical loops that sound so easy but are difficult to play. Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield of Metallica who have such a synergy in fast thrash metal rhythms. And I always loved Koononia - Justo Almario and Abe Laborial taught me so much just by listening to their music and fun.

• Could you share an anecdote related to your musical journey or your student days?

  Could you share an anecdote related to your musical journey or your student days?
  My great uncle Rob Bailey did the sound for a Sting concert and got me tickets - I got to see the set up and it was the first time I saw Vinnie play. My uncle Rob also told me my snare drum sounded like wet socks one day and then gave me a tuning master class! Once I toured to Nigeria with my Dad's blues Band and we played in a sports arena with thousands of people. I started the first song way too fast because I was so pumped up! Dad helped me calm down by playing a ballad next!

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?
  I like to make drummers relax into their music and flow more than just learning chops. We use backtracks for formal curriculum work with Trinity College for instance. But I'll take out the electric guitar and turn on the amp and jam with drummers too! Music is a lifestyle not just a performance.