I paid my way through university by playing, teaching and working at a friend’s music store.
Read moreSo Call Me A Control Freak
I'm usually pretty laid back, but when it comes to the drums I'm all about control. That's because control is how we, uh, control things.
Read moreName The Percussion Instrument Quiz
If you like doing crossword puzzles and other word games hopefully you’ll enjoy trying to figure out the answers to the following 15 brain teasers
Read moreTHE SABIAN EDUCATION NETWORK
I had been a Sabian endorser for about 20 years before Sabian approached me to create and direct SEN.
Read moreThe Drum Yoda's Totally Awesome Dictionary of Drum Terms
The book contains more than 1100 entries on drumming, music, and professional development plus dozens of interesting and helpful images and personal insights.
Read moreSeven Days – How Vinnie Colaiuta Made a 5/8 Groove Breathe
The fact that “Seven Days” not only avoids that risk but transforms it into musical strength is due above all to Vinnie Colaiuta’s drumming. His groove does not sound “odd.” It sounds natural—almost as if the meter were not unusual at all.
Read moreMy Latest Blog Articles #250
I’ve been posting my ‘personal drum philosophy’ since March of 2012. At the time, I was convinced that I wouldn't have enough material for more than a couple of years. Here we are, 13 years later, and I’m posting article number 250!
Read moreCymbal/snare rock grooves in odd times
Cymbal/snare rock grooves in odd times
Read moreFatherly Advice From A Well Seasoned Drummer
I’ve been posting my ‘personal drum philosophy’ since March of 2012. At the time, I was convinced that I wouldn't have enough material for more than a couple of years. Here we are, 13 years later, and I’m posting article number 250!
Read moreOil’s Well That Moves Well
You see, while drums need a bit of lubrication in certain areas, the lubricant you use must match the need. Grease is rarely good for a snare drum.
Read moreWhy so many articles about Tony Williams?
I encourage all rock drummers, in particular, to explore Tony’s playing to learn how he influenced much of what we play.
Read moreLosing My Dream ... or When one door closes
It took a long time for my ears to settle down and to find ways of coping with a pretty debilitating condition (tinnitus, hyperacusis, recruitment). Today I can do a bit of playing and that has enabled me to teach again, and that’s where I think I’m really meant to be.
Read moreTranscribing – Listening Beyond the Notes: A Call for Analytical Listening
One of the most important but often overlooked steps in the transcription process is playing what you have written down.
Read moreMissing Rudiments: Ruffs
In researching for my Missing Rudiments book, I found many alternate stickings for ruffs.
Read moreWWSGD? (What Would Steve Gadd Do?)
It’s an old joke: How many drummers does it take to change a light bulb? The standard answer is three: one to change the bulb and two more to discuss how Steve Gadd would have done it.
Read moreEight Missing Paradiddles - an excerpt from "The Missing Rudiments" book by George Lawrence
There are eight “missing” diddle (paradiddle) fundamental stickings in the list below: The tap diddle, right paradiddle, left paradiddle, five-a diddle, triplet diddle, ruff-a diddle, seven-a-diddle, and the paradiddle-diddle-diddle.
Read moreBasic Coordination for the Drum Set - Mat Marucci
Here is an excerpt from Mat’s new book. It looks simple at first glance, but it’s not. Several of the exercises tripped me up.
Read moreDirty Little Cymbal Tricks
A highly rated technique is pickle juice. The process calls for covering the cymbal with the juice and a dash of salt. Then you just watch the magic happen -- seriously, this will turn your cymbal green pretty fast. Apparently pickled onion juice works best.
Read moreBest Practices (Please No Jokes About The Name)
We are all individuals, and what works best for one may not work for another. But in general, you can assume that the techniques you see the better players using are some of best practices available. You just need to find the ones that work best for you.
Read moreMy First True Love - A poem about a drum from Joel Rothman
“My first true love was a love at first sight.”
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