If you're reading this then obviously you are checking out the site. In order for me to make it as productive as possible I always welcome constructive feedback. As you peruse the pages and see things that could be better, or if there is something missing that you think could make the site better, PLEASE add your two cents here. I would certainly appreciate your time and thoughtful remarks!
The Drum Book: means to an end.
There are many benefits from practicing materials in drum books: They will help you improve your reading skills, you will be able to build your data base of rhythmic knowledge, and many doors will be opened to techniques and concepts that are difficult to demonstrate alone. However, books are only useful if they are understood to be a means to an end, not the end. The end goal is to be an improvisational musician. The books are supposed to be springboards into your own ideas. Any beat or exercise should be…Read more
Pianississimo...
Arguably dynamics are in the same category of importance as are timing and skill for soulful drumming. Dynamics give the beat a topographical groove in which to maneuver. Playing at the correct volume creates anticipation, excitement, and interest. Without dynamics, it's monotone. Monotone = headaches.
The point here is to practice your dynamics as a regular part of your daily routine. Especially pianissimo; Very soft. WHY?
Playing loud is not a general problem for most drummers. It's fairly easy to swing…Read more
The point here is to practice your dynamics as a regular part of your daily routine. Especially pianissimo; Very soft. WHY?
Playing loud is not a general problem for most drummers. It's fairly easy to swing…Read more
Traditional vs matched grip
The debate has raged on with divides wider than congress. Traditional grip in one corner and matched grip in the other. What is best for you? That depends...Let's back up for a second before we answer the all-important question.
Traditional grip was invented out of necessity. The snare drummers of the marching bands had to figure out how to play with the snare at a steep angle. The solution was to hold the stick almost chop stick style to match the angle of the drum. This lead to the traditional grip. When…Read more
Traditional grip was invented out of necessity. The snare drummers of the marching bands had to figure out how to play with the snare at a steep angle. The solution was to hold the stick almost chop stick style to match the angle of the drum. This lead to the traditional grip. When…Read more
DRUM SET DEBATE...100 BUCKS OR 3K?
There are many drum sets out there. Rugged diamonds to works of art. What is right for you? Lucky for us, we can get decent drum sets for much less then comparable quality violins, pianos, guitars, etc...
A used off-brand drum set can be purchased via Craigslist and other ads for an average range of $100-$300. Pop a few new heads on, polish it up, do a little muffling magic, and you have a great set for beginners or as an extra practice set for pros and teachers.
In the long run, when the budget allows, you…Read more
A used off-brand drum set can be purchased via Craigslist and other ads for an average range of $100-$300. Pop a few new heads on, polish it up, do a little muffling magic, and you have a great set for beginners or as an extra practice set for pros and teachers.
In the long run, when the budget allows, you…Read more
THREE STAGES OF LEARNING MUSIC
From what I recollect of my college days studying about business and marketing, there are three distinct stages of learning. The first stage is acknowledgement, the second is comprehension, and the third is retention. This can relate to learning music as well. I've always practiced specific concepts, techniques, and complete books by sight-reading through them first. I wasn't concerned with getting it all perfect, or even remembering what I had played. It was primarily to test my skills against the…Read more
Why The Progressive Drummer Method Books?
There is no shortage of drum books, videos, podcasts, websites, teachers, and so on... If you're an aspiring drummer you have so much more educational materials at your disposal then were available years ago. The drawback from this is that with so much stuff, how do you know which is the best to use, and which is the right path for your interests?
My response is that you need an organized system that takes you step-by-step through all the necessary techniques in a clear and easy to read manner. The system…Read more
My response is that you need an organized system that takes you step-by-step through all the necessary techniques in a clear and easy to read manner. The system…Read more
THOSE REDS
I love football...I mean futeball...I mean soccer. Played it as a youngster as I emulated Pele on the playground. Played club ball and traveled to England and Canada and all around the country. Played college for U of Md. Then got badly injured and continued my career as a coach for my kids, and as a fan.
My team???
When I was in England in 1978, I went to Wembley stadium and saw Liverpool play. I was already a Beatles fan and really liked Liverpool's red kits. There began my lifelong alone-less walk with…
STICKING WITH IT
Having taught hundreds of students over the years, patterns emerge in student progressions. Learning the basics of an instrument are easy, fun, and exciting. Moving to higher levels, on the other hand, takes work...and can be frustrating at times. These new skill hurdles are the downfall of many aspiring musicians. Some quit, some stay at the same level for as long as they play the instrument, and some stick with it as they work towards new heights. The bad news is that these skill plateaus will always be…Read more