Author Archives: admin
Improve Your Drum Skills Without Practice!
How can I improve my drum skills and technique without practice? Did you know that we continue to learn even when we are not actively engaged in learning or studying? As students of the drums, we are focused on studying … Continue reading
Music Minus Drums – Discover Gems Amid Your Music Collection
What does music minus drums mean? Have you ever found yourself comping against an instrumental track where there are no recorded drums? Whether the track was written without drums in mind, or the drum track was removed, these tracks offer … Continue reading
Kenny Washington – Taking Your Drumming to the Next Level
This page shares the reprinted article by Kenny Washington – “Taking your drumming to the next level.” Not unlike other musicians, I am always looking to take my playing to the next level. And I work everyday at it. What … Continue reading
What Does My Drum Lesson Plan Look Like
What does my drum lesson plan look like? Every drummer needs a drum lesson plan. And we find that every drummer has their own unique approach to practicing but without a drum lesson plan, a roadmap, and some guiderails, a … Continue reading
Traditional or Matched Grip
From the age of 9, I was taught to use a traditional grip. Frankly, I was oblivious to any other type of grip at that stage in my life and thought this was how it’s done. I remember struggling during … Continue reading
Tribute to Drummer Charles Perry
I had the pleasure and the privilege to have studied with Charles Perry in the early to mid 1970’s. This post is a tribute to him. For those of you in the drum community who don’t know Charles Perry, he … Continue reading
Early Memories of an Aspiring Drummer
It was about 1964. I was in the fourth grade orchestra, as percussionist. I wouldn’t necessarily say I was a percussionist at the tender age of 9; I was just learning to play the drums. I didn’t even own a … Continue reading
Cuíca – Samba Drum known for its high squeaky sound
I just purchased my first Cuíca Samba drum, a Brazilian friction drum known for its high squeaky sound resembling a small possum, and is used in Samba music and during Carnival. I can’t wait to master it. The tone a … Continue reading
It’s Not the Notes You Play, It’s the Notes You Don’t Play
Drumming is every bit an instrument of “feel” as it is “technique”, but it’s also an instrument of “complement”. Everything in life complements something else. One thing plays off the other. Laughing and crying. Happiness and sadness. Night and day. … Continue reading
Cowling Exercises – Finger Strengthening and Carpel Tunnel Curative
One of my current drum instructors, Jim Rennier, introduced me to a hand strengthening exercise that has literally transformed my drumming skills and aided in alleviating my carpel tunnel issues. The Cowling exercises, formally known as the ” The Cowling … Continue reading