Beginner Steelpan Course
Course outline · Read online

BEGINNER
STEELPAN COURSE
Presented By: Mr. Lemuel Patterson
Page 1 of 8

‘INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS’
TEL: +1(868)277-4874/ +1(868)335-5578
EMAIL: lmnopmusiccompany@gmail.com
BIOGRAPHY:
From a young age, Lemuel was always attracted to music and as he grew, his passion did also.
From sitting in a stroller, watching gospel artiste such as Alvin Slaughter and Ron Kenoly, to
being the competent musician he is today, it is evident that Lemuel is deeply submerged into the
Art they call Music.
In his lifetime, Lemuel has been teaching Music for over 10 years. Currently he works as a Music
Instructor with the Primary School Music Programme Unit. He is currently the holder of two
Bachelor Degrees, one in Management Studies and the other in Performing Arts with
Specialization in Music. Lemuel also holds certificates up to grade 6 Practical and up to grade 7
theory from Trinity Guildhall in London. Not only does he have the papers to prove it, but had the
pleasure to play alongside some of the greatest musicians in Trinidad and Tobago. Names such as
Tony Paul, Jason Bishop, Rodney Alexander, Jill Ann Walters-Morris, just to name a few. In
addition, he had the privilege of playing with the All Star Cast at Jazz on the Greens (2018) and
accompanied Quinton Neckles at Shangri-La in Tobago (2019). The highlight of his music career
was playing bass guitar for Cuban Jazz Pianist, Janysett McPherson at Kaiso Blues, Port of Spain
(2018). He calls it an unforgettable experience; one that will be forever etched in his memory.
Lemuel Patterson loves the idea of inspiring people through his music. His theory is this: “You
must never leave a music concert the same way you came; something in the music must change
you.” This concept never left his thoughts. Whether teaching, composing, arranging, performing
or music directing, the goal for him will always be “To inspire.”
At present, Lemuel is currently the owner of ‘LmnoP Music Company’ where the motto is
“INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS.” All of this, is a result of his passion for music,
helping upcoming musicians acquire the skills needed to inspire others.
Page 2 of 8

‘INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS’
TEL: +1(868)277-4874/ +1(868)335-5578
EMAIL: lmnopmusiccompany@gmail.com
Lecturer: Mr. Lemuel Patterson (Mr. LmnoP)
Course Description:
This beginner-friendly six-month steelpan course is designed for students with little or no prior
experience. Students will learn proper stick holding, striking techniques, dynamics, rolling, note
recognition, rhythm, timing, scales, sight reading and performance skills. Through carefully
selected beginner pieces, learners will develop confidence, coordination and musical expression
while building a strong foundation for future steelpan studies.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Become familiar with the layout and basic components of the steelpan.
Demonstrate correct posture and proper stick-holding techniques.
Produce a clear and consistent tone using correct striking techniques.
Identify and locate the natural notes on the steelpan.
Read and perform basic music notation, including simple rhythms and note values.
Develop a steady sense of pulse and timing while playing with and without a metronome.
Perform simple major scales and basic technical exercises.
Apply fundamental steelpan techniques such as single strokes, controlled striking, and
basic rolling.
Play a variety of beginner-level songs with correct rhythm, pitch, and technique.
Develop confidence in playing individually and alongside other musicians.
Build effective practice habits to encourage steady musical growth and improvement.
Perform a selection of beginner pieces in a final recital with confidence and musicality.
.
Course Delivery:
This course will be delivered once per week at a day and time agreed upon by lecturer and
customer. The duration of these sessions is 50 minutes -1 hour unless stated otherwise by the
lecturer. These sessions are to be administered in person unless stated otherwise.
Course Etiquette:
-
Students are expected to arrive and set up their instrument before the start of sessions, at
least 10mins before. This is important as it will help you to prepare your ‘field of study’
before playing a single song. N.B(for some fields, the time may vary)
Mutual respect for teacher and student is crucial to the learning process.
Please be well attired.
Feel free to ask any questions during the course. Each student will have my number to call
or message directly. My normal hours are from 9am to 8pm. Any messages or calls outside
those hours will be taken up the next day.
Page 3 of 8

‘INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS’
TEL: +1(868)277-4874/ +1(868)335-5578
EMAIL: lmnopmusiccompany@gmail.com
Course Outline:
Month 1 – Steelpan Foundations
Week 1
Introduction to the Steelpan, posture, holding sticks, note layout. Introduction of the Music
alphabet and the chromatic Scale.
Homework Assignment: Identify all notes and practice stick grip 10 mins daily.
Week 2
Producing a good tone, striking zones, loud and soft playing.
Music Piece: Mary Had a Little Lamb
Homework Assignment: Tone exercises and dynamic control.
Week 3
Rhythm basics: quarter, half and whole notes. Introduction of C major scale.
Music Piece(s): Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary had a little lamb.
Homework Assignment: Clap and count rhythms daily.
Week 4
What will be done: Reading simple notation and combining skills.
Music Pieces: Ode to Joy
Homework Assignment: Practice all Month 1 songs.
Month 2 – Timing & Accuracy
Week 1
Playing with a metronome.
Music Piece: Ode Joy and Jingle Bells.
Homework Assignment: Practice at 60 BPM.
Week 2
Stepwise melodies and interval jumps.
Music Piece: London Bridge is Falling down/Twinkle Twinkle Little star.
Homework Assignment: Accuracy drills.
Page 4 of 8

‘INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS’
TEL: +1(868)277-4874/ +1(868)335-5578
EMAIL: lmnopmusiccompany@gmail.com
Week 3
Dynamic markings (p, mf, f).
Music Piece: Row Row Row Your Boat/ T
Homework Assignment: Play songs at different volumes.
Week 4
What will be done: Combining rhythm, pitch and dynamics.
Music Piece(s): When the Saints Go Marching In
Homework Assignment: Full review.
Month 3 – Scales & Rolls
Week 1
Practicing C, G, D, A, E and B major scales.
Music Piece: Scale Study (Joining all scales together)
Homework Assignment: Practice scale 5 times daily.
Week 2
What will be done: F, Bb, Eb, Ab and Db, Gb major scales.
Music Piece: Scale Study (Joining all scales together)
Homework Assignment: Scale review.
Week 3
All Major scales: Rolling and Striking.
Music Piece: Scale Study (Joining all scales together)
Homework Assignment: 30-second roll exercises.
Week 4
What will be done: Using rolls in melodies.
Music Piece: Ode Joy/ Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Mary had a little Lamb.
Homework Assignment: Apply rolls to long notes.
Page 5 of 8

‘INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS’
TEL: +1(868)277-4874/ +1(868)335-5578
EMAIL: lmnopmusiccompany@gmail.com
Month 4 – Expression
Week 1
What will be done: Phrasing and articulation.
Music Piece(s): You raise me up. (Chorus)
Homework Assignment: Phrase shaping exercises.
Week 2
Sight-reading exercises.
Music Piece: Short melodic motiffs to read.
Homework Assignment: Read one new example daily.
Week 3
What will be done: Accents and dynamic contrast.
Music Piece: Sweet Tand T - Natasha. (Chorus Only)/ You raise me up (Chorus only)
Homework Assignment: Accent studies.
Week 4
What will be done: Playing with accompaniment tracks.
Music Piece: Sweet T and T - Natasha. (Chorus only)/ (Chorus only)
Homework Assignment: Practice with backing track.
Month 5 – Repertoire Building
Week 1
Technique review.
Music Piece: Sweet T and T. You raise me up.
Homework Assignment: Practice these Pieces.
Week 2
What will be done: Performance preparation.
Music Piece(s): All songs done before. Preparing for a performance.
Homework Assignment: Perform for family members at home.
Page 6 of 8

‘INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS’
TEL: +1(868)277-4874/ +1(868)335-5578
EMAIL: lmnopmusiccompany@gmail.com
Week 3
What will be done: Refining rolls and tone.
Music Piece(s): All pieces done in the course.
Homework Assignment: Record and assess practice.
Week 4
What will be done: Mock recital.
Music Piece: All pieces done in the course.
Homework Assignment: Complete run-through.
Month 6 – Recital Preparation
Week 1
What will be done: Select recital pieces.
Music Piece(s): We choose as a collective class and we begin practicing those pieces.
Homework Assignment: Daily performance practice.
Week 2
What will be done: Memorization techniques.
Music Piece(s): All pieces for recital.
Homework Assignment: Perform from memory.
Week 3
What will be done: Dress rehearsal.
Music Piece(s): All pieces for recital.
Homework Assignment: Full recital programme.
Week 4
What will be done: Final recital and evaluation.
Music Piece(s): Final Performance
Homework Assignment: Reflection and goal setting.
Page 7 of 8

‘INSPIRING YOU TO INSPIRE OTHERS’
TEL: +1(868)277-4874/ +1(868)335-5578
EMAIL: lmnopmusiccompany@gmail.com
Materials needed for the course:
-
A notebook for taking notes.
Pen and pencil
All other material will be given online via a google classroom. PDF’s, presentations, and
Audio files will be included.
Payment:
The cost of this course per month is Five Hundred dollars ($500.00) per student, per month. I take
payments upfront to safeguard both clientele and myself. You will receive an invoice each month
via email and payments must be made on or before the first of every month. If you are unable to
do so, you can talk to the teacher, letting him know when payment would be made. Failure to do
so, will result in the cancellation of lessons for that month. Payments can be made via cash or
bank transfers. Here is my banking information.
Name on Account: Lemuel Patterson
Bank: FCB
A/c #: 2613561
When payment is made, please send a screenshot which provides proof of payment. Upon
receiving payment, your receipt will be sent via email.
Feel free to ask any questions regarding the course. You can reach me at 277-4874.
THE END.
Page 8 of 8