Most right-handed drum set players have been taught to play the snare drum with their left hand while crossing their right arm over their left arm to play their hi-hat. This works quite well and I play like this — most of the time. For a...
Read moreCounting Out Loud – Part Four
This is the last part (for now) on my thoughts about counting and playing drum fills. Why play a drum fill anyway? It’s important to play for the music first and foremost. Drum fills are great when done musically. There should be a reason for...
Read moreCounting Out Loud – Part Three
If the drum fill doesn’t get played correctly, then that’s OK. Make sure to start slowly and try again. That’s what practice is about. The main goal is keep playing and counting without changing the counting. Once that is achieved, practice the...
Read moreCounting Out Loud – Part Two
My prior post talked about counting out loud – first on the snare drum and then moved on to talk about counting while playing the drum set. I left off talking about drum fills and counting. Please see that post and then continue here. At...
Read moreCounting Out Loud When Practicing
I have found that many students have trouble counting out loud while playing the drums. It is one more thing to think about, but at the same time, its benefits far outweigh the obstacles involved. I practice and use this technique to this day...
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...
Read moreDrumming “Tricks”
Recently, I was describing and notating a 3/4 jazz drum pattern for a student. He completely understood it, but at one point he asked if there was a “trick” involved in playing in odd times such as 3/4. (We can talk about...
Read moreBeing Grateful
I play and teach drums for a living. I am grateful for that. I get the opportunity to play music with great musicians. When teaching, I am blessed to be able to pass on my experiences and knowledge in an effort to help other drummers/musicians...
Read moreStriking a Balance
I have found that it’s not always easy for me to find a balance in life: between the day-to-day stuff; staying healthy (working out); having fun; practicing the drums; teaching; gigging; and whatever else may come along. I always say that...
Read moreRecording in the Studio – Live!
Today, I had the pleasure of playing and recording some fun fusion music! We recorded live and even though it took a little while to find a good level for the entire band, I think that it was well worth the effort. I really enjoy creating and...
Read moreTuning Drums
I moved two drum kits in my teaching studio yesterday and neither one of them sounded quite the same as they did before I swapped their positions. Granted, they are now in different places in the same room so the different acoustics account for...
Read moreDrum Solos!
I tend to like playing for the music regardless of the style. Most of the time, that means that I get the opportunity to groove hard while interacting with the other musicians. I like the moments that are not planned the best. To me, this is when...
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