I have found that when communicating with fellow musicians/bandmates that my ideas have a good chance of being heard when I put them in the form of a request. Instead of telling someone what to play, I’ll try saying, “hey, I have a request —...
Read moreUpdate on Studio Upgrade
My studio upgrade installation is basically done. Yay!!! I’m still in need of a few cables and the acoustical treatment, but otherwise I’m in business. The new Toft mixer sounds amazing. I can already hear a huge difference and I haven’t even...
Read moreJoy in Repitition
It seems that my blog has quite a few posts that talk about making music. I’ve labeled them with different headings, but I’ve noticed that perhaps I’m repeating myself a bit. I’ll try to organize the posts at some point. In the meantime, if...
Read moreLive Sound and the Monitor Mix
There are some gigs where I get a great monitor mix from the person running the sound. One question I ask as I’m setting up is: “how many different mixes are possible?” This helps me to understand what I can and cannot ask for from them...
Read moreArm Motion
I love seeing accomplished drummers move. Their entire body seems to get involved AND everything seems to be effortless. I have spent countless hours examining my own movements, especially my arm motion. No matter the style of music (or volume)...
Read morePlay The Gig
Play the gig you’re currently doing — not the one for which you’re practicing. I believe it’s important to always remember my role on my current gig. If it’s a “commercial” thing, then play it that way. Listen to the music, learn the style, and...
Read moreThe Multiple Bounce Roll
One thing that appeals to me is when the name of something (a drum rudiment, in this case) completely describes what it is at the same time! The multiple bounce roll falls into this category. Yes, it does go by other names — the “buzz roll”...
Read moreMy Studio Is Changing
As stated on my home page, Gregory Tech Drum Center is a state-of-the-art facility that features professional drum sets and the latest recording, sound, and video technology. Cameras surround both the instructor’s drum set and the student’s, and...
Read moreKeep Groovin’
My number one priority at any gig is to provide a solid foundation for the band. Period. The style of music will not change this for me. I always want to lay down a groove from which the other musicians can jump on (or off) with their ideas. Yes...
Read moreLearning Tunes and Student Recitals
I just had the pleasure of performing in the rhythm section for a guitar recital. There were many different groups that the instructor put together for this and it was big fun! The bassist and I had CDs sent to us as well as sheet music. Needless...
Read moreVocal Jazz in High School
I had the pleasure of being in the rhythm section for four different high school vocal jazz groups today. These students are not only talented, but full of enthusiasm. What a joy to be around that energy! It’s always fun for me to be with people...
Read moreSight Reading and Mistakes
Some gigs go better than others. That just seems to happen from time-to-time. When sight reading music, things can really get funny quickly when the charts are difficult (especially without a rehearsal), and/or when the musicianship in the band...
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