Education
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Rock Perspectives - Coordination Development
How many of you like a challenge? In this Rock Perspectives series, I'm going to challenge not only your ability to play, but your ability to think as well. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Feet First
We have all heard drummers with terrific hands but with a bass drum foot that could best be described as concrete. We look at the problem. The hands are playing off of the drums using rebound and the control of…
Pataflafla Builder - Exercises for Developing a Challenging Yet Musical Rudiment
One of the most beneficial of the forty PAS rudiments is the pataflafla. It’s one of the few where each hand plays a totally different part. The leading hand uses what I call the Moeller whip-and-stop technique, and the secondary…
Driver's Seat - Big Band Basics
In my last article, I gave nine rules for better big band drumming. As you may recall, they were: (1) Support, (2) Don't get in the way, (3) Cue (or Direct) the band, (4) Don't overplay (simplify), (5) Keep the…
South Of The Border - Afro-Cuban
The African influence in Latin music is evident to the point where certain rhythms and instruments, including those from the Caribbean and Brazil, can be directly traced to a specific African region or tribe. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Drummer/Percussionist - Larry Bunker: L.A. Studio Pro
Drummer/Percussionist Larry Bunker: L.A. Studio Pro by David Levine Larry Bunker is one of those Los Angeles studio musicians whose playing is constantly heard on TV, movies, and records. Though his name is seldom mentioned, Bunker’s experience, knowledge and musicianship…
Rock Perspectives - Theme And Variations
People ask me how I keep my ideas flowing and how I keep from getting stale and bored. This is a problem many drummers seem to have in common; a lack of ideas or concepts to use in their everyday…
South of the Border - The Cha-Cha
Today's drummer must be prepared to handle diverse musical situations. Knowing many different rhythms, and having the ability to play them musically, is one prerequisite to a successful career. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Solving Technical Problems
All instruments have several approaches to a foundational technique. These techniques are determined by the physical nature of the instrument, the styles of music to be played on that instrument, and the physical limitations and advantages of the musician. TO…
Rock Perspectives Rock 'N' Time
The basic role of the drummer has always been that of a timekeeper. Today's music is no exception. I believe that basic role has become clouded in the minds of many due to the high technical level contemporary music has…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Reading And Jazz Interpretation
A drummer's interpretive powers grow once he has established the foundational techniques of hands and feet. Coordination, which means hearing something and spontaneously reacting to it in a musical manner, develops. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
South Of The Border: The Mambo
Ranking among the most popular Latin rhythms is the mambo. This rhythm, which originated in Cuba, has had much success on the dance floors of the world because of its exciting, driving qualities. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
Driver's Seat: Learning The Chart and Phrasing
Last time, we discussed the value of underplaying and keeping the energy level high. This article deals with two of the most important of all the nine tips I've suggested: learning the chart and phrasing. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
Teachers Forum: The Gladstone Technique
The late William D. Gladstone was a multi-faceted percussionist who for many years worked in the pit orchestra of Radio City Music Hall in New York. Many well known drummers studied technique with him during the 40's and 50's. TO…
