When I’m working on new material on the drums, I want to develop a level of fluency with it before test driving it at a gig. I want it to be fluid and not sounding as if I’m struggling. That being said, I’m not always successful in this. There...
Read moreSetting Drumming Goals
It’s a new year — 2018 — a time for new beginnings, taking stock of where I am, where I want to be, and setting drumming goals. I’ve been having so much fun running jazz workshops at my studio that one goal of mine is to learn more jazz...
Read moreRock ‘N’ Roll
In this youtube clip, Steve Jordan talks about the push and pull that creates the feel of rock ’n’ roll. I think this is the best three minutes of info out there! Since there’s a lot of information in this video, here are my notes: “There’s a...
Read moreA Child’s Mind
Every so often I meet someone who reminds me of why I do what I do — play music and teach drum set! This happened recently while I was at a jam, listening to music and talking with someone who was so excited that it almost hurt. This guitarist...
Read moreKeep Listening to Music
I really love music, and I really love listening to music. Not only do I enjoy putting on a favorite recording (or discovering a new one), I particularly enjoy hearing a live band doing their thing. You don’t have to be famous or on some big...
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 The author and the link will not be published here for the following reasons: I prefer to look for traits in drummers, musicians, and people (in general) that draw me to them.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 moreImportant Traits of a Good Drummer
Many drummers are familiar with Tommy Igoe these days. (If not, please google him.) Tommy’s father was Sonny Igoe — maybe not a household name, but very influential back in the day. Tommy has credited his father’s method of teaching as the basis...
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 moreStay Active
It’s been my experience that if I stay active, then I have a much healthier attitude and outlook. This can take on many different forms from being physically active (working out at a gym, getting out in nature, etc.), being socially active (going...
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 moreKeep Learning
The more I know, the more I know that I don’t know — or something like that. Drumming (and music more generally), is so broad and there is so much out there that I haven’t mastered. This can get frustrating, daunting and downright depressing...
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...
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