I have written in the past about being able to play the drums at different dynamic levels, and I feel that that’s an important part of learning the drums. I try very hard to know my limit as to how hard to hit. I don’t hit hard to...
Read moreFun in the Recording Studio
I recorded yesterday with a 10-piece band called What’s Cookin’. We laid down the tracks at Mile High Music Recording Studio just outside of Denver – in Wheat Ridge. Some tunes were straight ahead jazz and others were more...
Read moreThe Flat Ride Cymbal
I first heard a flat ride cymbal many years ago while listening to a Chick Corea album entitled Return to Forever. The great Brazilian percussionist, Airto Moreira, played drum set on this recording. His feel and groove on the drum set still...
Read moreHybrid Drum Set Set-Up
I’m doing a recording soon and I’m really looking forward to it! Some tunes are very much in the jazz tradition, while others require more of a pocket-oriented drumming approach. So, bring two drum sets? Well, if I was paying for the...
Read moreChanging Drum Heads
It’s time for my toms to sing a bit more, so it’s time for new drum heads. For some reason, I somewhat dread changing drum heads. It’s almost like saying goodbye to a friend. However, I love hearing the difference after changing...
Read moreThat First Drum Lesson
I always enjoy the first get together with a prospective new student. Like many teachers, I offer a complimentary first lesson. At the end of the lesson, students will have a good idea of my approach to the instrument, and I should have a good...
Read moreFelt Rather Than Heard
In general, when I play jazz (bebop or “straight ahead”) I like approaching the bass drum with the “felt rather than heard” approach. I play quarter notes very lightly on every beat when playing time. This technique is...
Read moreBeing Prepared for the Studio
I’ll be recording with a 10-piece band near the end of the month and want to be as prepared as possible. Today, I learned which charts we’ll be doing which is really helpful. There will be one rehearsal before the recording, but I...
Read morePlaying Music
Recently, after a sound check at a fun gig, the bass player approached me and commented how nice it was to simply play music together. He talked about how neither of us were trying to impress the other — that we were both there to play music...
Read moreHappy New Year
Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope everyone gets a chance to play some fun music this year. Follow your heart, have fun, and practice those drums!
Read moreBass Drum Technique
Some people call it the “kick drum” and others call it the “bass drum.” Call me old school, but I like calling it the bass drum. Regardless of the name you use, how you use it is what’s important. Different styles of...
Read morePractice Routine
I like having a practice routine, but it does get interuppted on many days. There are distractions, but also commitments. This time of year, it seems to get even harder for me and my routine. The same goes for students of mine. That’s OK. I...
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