I’ve tried to become more in tune with my body over the years. This has included looking at and evaluating my drum grip (or hand position). One thing I like about both hands being “matched” is that I feel that I can experiment more with playing...
Read moreTraditional Grip vs. Matched Grip
Within the drumming world, there are people who like the traditional grip and others who prefer the matched grip. Some drummers switch back and forth between the two. I tend to play mainly palms down these days, with a few exceptions. There is no...
Read moreStaying Excited
There have been times while playing music that I have felt inspired, and then other times when I’ve felt less so. My goal is always to perform to the best of my ability on any given day. If a certain night seems lacking in energy and/or...
Read moreStaying Relaxed
When practicing, I focus on staying relaxed, getting a nice sound and groove. I find that when I’m at the gig, there are times when the sound is out of my control. This could be due to playing on a “house” drum set and/or a louder than usual band...
Read moreHappy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone! I have some pretty big plans for the coming year, and will try to keep people posted on my drumming activities as much as possible. Be well and keep playing the music that lifts your spirit.
Read moreLocking In With the Bass Player
It has been my experience when playing in any musical situation that if the bass player and I can lock in and play well together, then the rest of the group will feel our groove. I’m always listening to the other players, but I’m also aware that...
Read moreDave Weckl Drum Clinic
On December 5, 2013 I had the pleasure of attending a Dave Weckl drum clinic at The Toad Tavern in Littleton, CO presented by Rupp’s Drums. Here were the main things Mr. Weckl talked about: Stick position: middle of hand — not the front. This...
Read moreDrummers Are Musicians
Yes — Drummers are musicians. This is not always reflected in other people’s attitudes towards us. I was preparing for subbing for a gig and the leader put lyric/chord charts into a cloud folder for me (along with mp3’s, as well). The charts had...
Read moreBreaking Sticks (Not Breaking Bad)!
It’s not very often that I break drum sticks. I find that if I go back to my old ways and hold my sticks too tightly, then the sound gets choked and the greater the chance of me breaking something. By relaxing and focusing on fluid motions, my...
Read moreThe Practicing Mind in Drumming and Beyond
I am almost done reading The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life – Master Any Skill or Challenge by Learning to Love the Process by Thomas M. Sterner. I highly recommend checking this out. While the concepts in this book...
Read moreNew Orleans Drumming
I have been drawn to the music and drumming from New Orleans for quite a while now. It’s really at the heart of so many things — including being the birthplace of jazz. The various cultures that came together created the one place where it all...
Read moreDrum Fills and Listening
Most drummers like to play drum fills. Some drummers really like to play these fills — sometimes to the point of being too much. My main piece of advice to my students is to learn to listen. Listen to the song and stay out of the way of the...
Read more