Fairly frequently, I am asked how to improve one’s internal clock. Here are some of my thoughts: Developing a strong internal clock is something that I continue to work on every day. I use a metronome/click more often than not. I attempt to keep...
Read moreDifferent Venue | Different Band | Different Day | Different Gig
Different Venue | Different Band | Different Day | Different Gig — something for everyone! I have written before in this space stressing the importance for drummers to play the gig you’re currently on at any given moment. I hope to reach out...
Read morePlay the Gig (Again)
I have posted before about the notion of playing the gig you’re on — not the one that you may be dreaming of. You can search for that post — it’s only slightly different than this one. The theme is the same, and bears repeating. I always...
Read moreWhat We Do Here
I have been asked what we do at Gregory Tech Drum Center. There are a few things going on over here: High-tech drum lessons — two pro drum sets side-by-side, video cameras, flat screen monitors, headphones — all recorded live into Final Cut Pro...
Read moreThe 10 Best Drummers and Other Useless Lists
I recently read an article about the ten most overrated drummers. The author and the link will not be published here for the following reasons: I prefer to look for traits in drummers, musicians, and people (in general) that draw me to them. What...
Read moreDrumming Influences and More
I have had many drummers whom have influenced me over the years. One, in particular, is Tony Williams. I’ve talked about Tony before, however, today I want to specifically talk about his recording entitled, “Believe It,” and the guitarist on that...
Read moreDrum Stick Selection
Over the years, I have used many different makes and models of drum sticks. It’s been a fun process, and I now enjoy looking back at this. At one point, I used round tipped sticks with nylon tips for heavier rock gigs that I was doing. Then, I...
Read moreDrumming and Taking Lessons
Some musicians stop taking lessons at a certain point. I want to keep learning, so I buy DVD’s, books, and listen to lots of music. I also brush up (pun intended) on things with drummers and drum teachers. Recently, I heard a classical trained...
Read moreTake Time to Breathe
As drummers, it can be far too easy to play without considering our breathing. Contrary to a saxophone or trumpet, e.g., the drum set does not require that we use our lungs to produce the sound. I have listened to many recordings and live...
Read moreBe Prepared
I recently subbed on a funk gig where I had to learn a fair amount of the group’s original material. They shared a dropbox folder with me that included the horn charts along with mp3’s of their songs. I took the time to listen to the songs and...
Read moreGetting Lost in the Music
Getting lost in the music has at least two connotations. The first one is pretty great and the second one is not as nice. There have been times when I have been so into the music, that I transcend that moment in time. It can seem as if the drums...
Read moreMaster Drummer
I recently watched Master Series — Antonio Sanchez. This is a great DVD from Hudson Music. One important concept Antonio talks about is learning the “language” of any musical genre. He said that he had worked on and had developed pretty good...
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