One skill that I like to work on is creating musical transitions from one section of a song to the next. This may a song with vocals or an instrumental tune. There are times when a very simple drum fill seems like the right thing and then other...
Read moreTranscribing Drum Parts
Transcribing music is the process of writing down (in musical notation) something that has been played – either by you or someone else. I have found that transcribing my own drum parts greatly benefits me in a few ways. The first cool thing...
Read moreReading Music and Counting
When I was first learning how to read music, my drum teacher made sure that I could count while playing. I got used to playing snare drum rhythms and counting at the same time. This started with fairly simple rhythms and also with the drum...
Read moreSight Reading Drum Music
I had the benefit of a good high school band program and also a private teacher. My teacher, Ted Fulte, and the various ensembles in school exposed me to music that was outside of my comfort level. I was required to start to understand what swing...
Read moreLearning Tunes – More Thoughts
OK – So, learning tunes is a great idea and all. However, there are plenty of times when I simply do not have the extra time to go through charts for an upcoming gig. There are also times when I don’t see the music until right before...
Read moreLearning Tunes and Being Prepared
I’m working on learning some tunes today. Over the next few days, I have three very different gigs. I get to play some jazz, some blues & rock, and then play with a 10-piece big band playing just about everything! There are charts for...
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