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 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 moreMore Practicing!
It’s not rocket science, but I need to say it so that I can hear it — the more I practice, the more comfortable I am on my instrument. It’s not always the amount of time spent practicing (yet that is a factor), but it seems to be important that I...
Read morePracticing on the Practice Pad
I like practicing on drums instead of on a practice pad — usually. Drums are fun and there’s a great feeling that comes from hitting a drum. However, the pad has its place and recently I’ve been working on some specific exercises that work well...
Read moreExtended Practicing
Lately, I have been able to get in some extended hours practicing on my drum set. All I can say is WOW. I love the feeling that comes from this. I do take breaks, but I’m trying to get to the point during the practice session where I can feel a...
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 called “feathering” the...
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 music call out for different...
Read moreArm Position
I have recently started making a minute adjustment in my arm position, especially when playing the ride cymbal. This came about after watching Jack DeJohnette’s “Musical Expression On The Drum Set.” Jack references Tony Williams and Elvin Jones...
Read moreThe Four Stick Strokes
In order to play with ease on the snare drum, let alone the drum set, I find it very useful to use the four stick strokes. There has been much written about them, so I will not attempt to re-write this material. Suffice it to say, the four stick...
Read moreDynamics
It’s been my experience that when playing music, it’s important to have a sense of dynamics. Not everything is meant to played as loud as possible. This is true whether you’re at a jam session (“sitting in”) or whether this is a group that you...
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