You got a good beat, man!
Read moreRonnie Fruge
Your beat is fat!
Read moreIn the Studio
I spent this past weekend at Colorado Sound Studios laying down tracks with Bad Brad and The Fat Cats! It’s always fun for me to get to play with good musicians and get recorded in a professional environment, too! Up until recently my own...
Read moreThe Art of Practice
Steve Smith’s two disk DVD set, Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat, contains a great segment entitled, The Art of Practice. In this portion of the first DVD, Steve talks about some very important points about how to practice. I...
Read moreSound Panels!
I recently installed sound panels in my studio. The difference is beyond words. I now really hear the instruments the way they should sound without hearing the room, as well. I’m very happy!
Read moreInspiration
As a drum teacher, I try to inspire my students. It’s been my experience that one of the most effective ways to inspire someone, is to be inspiring. I ask questions, I share my experiences, I continue to try to learn new things, but mostly...
Read moreCommunication
I don’t always say things in the best way possible. If I’m not careful, I can take things personally and end up feeling hurt. I am human and I embrace that, yet I continue the process of trying to always be better. To the best of my...
Read moreListening to Your Body
There have been times when I’ve come away from a gig and I’ve been in pain. My arm was sore and fatigued. The music was fun and all, but my body was telling me a different story. Gradually, I’m learning to listen to my body and...
Read moreMore on Studio Upgrade
I’m starting to get the hang of ProTools (a little) and have recorded a few things for fun. My Toft mixer, Lynx Aurora converters and ProTools all seem happy together. What seemed like a daunting task (understanding all this new gear) is...
Read moreRemember
I lived in NYC back in September of 2001 and will always remember that day when everything changed. My heart goes out to all who are no longer with us. My deepest thanks and gratitude to the first responders and the countless others who helped...
Read moreLearning Tunes and The Gig
When I learn new tunes for a gig, I notate anything that will help me: tempo; feel (including brushes or sticks); specific rhythms (chart out any tricky stuff); and the form (or road map). To me, these things will help me get close to the essence...
Read morePatience
My newly updated studio has lots of new gear. I am trying to be patient with myself in learning the possibilities. For some reason, this is fairly easy sometimes and then not as easy other times. It’s all a part of the process and I try to...
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