The more I play and teach, the more I am drawn to the drumming basics. There is nothing more rewarding to me than spending time on my single stroke roll, e.g. Basically (pun intended), it’s the foundation of so many other things that I do. My arm...
Read moreDrumming Influences
Over the years, I have been influenced by many different musicians. The first drummer that I really noticed was Ringo Starr with The Beatles. A bit later, I listened to Bobby Colomby with Blood, Sweat & Tears and also (in the same vein)...
Read moreColorado Rains and Flooding
It’s Monday, September 16, 2013 and I’m thinking about all of the people that have been affected by the flooding in Colorado. We’re lucky here at my studio and I wish the same could be said for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and...
Read moreTeaching the Drumming Basics
Without a doubt, I end up teaching the same material to different students. For some teachers, this is not fun or pleasurable. I find, however, that it’s better for everyone (including me) the more I teach the same drumming basics. I find joy in...
Read moreKeep Learning
I was asked recently who I thought are (or were) the best blues drummers. My list included some of my favorites: Fred Below, Jim Keltner, Steve Gadd, and Al Jackson Jr. Jabo Starks, Stanton Moore and Steve Jordan are there, as well. There are...
Read moreBeing Humble
It seems that the better a musician gets, the more humble they get. This is not always the case, and I’m sure everyone knows of some exceptions. In my life, I’ve tried to always be humble. I may think that I sounded good on a particular night and...
Read moreThe Band Leader
As drummers, it’s our job to give our best to the band leader. Sometimes, it’s clear what someone wants and other times it’s not as clear. If you’re working for a band leader who is new to you, ask questions before the gig. Listen to recordings...
Read moreThe Drum Rudiments
Growing up, my drum teacher taught me the drum rudiments. I use them to this day. However, there are some that have gone by the wayside in my day-to-day playing and practicing. I’m a firm believer in trying to keep things fresh, so I’m changing...
Read moreCymbals
Recently, I was looking for some cymbals to take to jam sessions where I’m the host drummer. Some drummers hit much harder than I do, and I want to start leaving the K Zildjian cymbals at home. I wanted something a bit better than student cymbals...
Read moreAddressing the Drummer’s Weaker Side
Many of my drum students have problems when leading with their non-dominant hand. This occurs when attempting drum fills as well as when starting rudiments with their left hand (e.g.) if they are right-handed. There are nice exercises that deal...
Read moreWhat Are The Most Overlooked Aspects of Drumming?
I think that this is a great question, and one that I was asked recently. From my experience, two things come to mind: (1) not enough time is spent on basic hand technique; and (2) not enough time is spent listening to the masters. Some people...
Read moreShould You Go To Music School?
Some musicians want to further their education by attending a college or university whereas others simply like learning “on the job.” If the resources are there, I see no reason not to do both. I learned so much at Berklee College of Music and I...
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