January Update | 2012

Wow! It has been a very long time since my last blog. So much has been going on and it's been a little tough to find time to get to the "big" blog. I've been microblogging via Twitter, Facebook and Linked In, but have been remiss in blogging here. Let's get caught up!

First of all, the holidays were amazing. It was our first Christmas in our new house and I couldn't have asked for a better time. Since we had all the unexpected issues during the remodel last year, I didn't get a vacation. The two weeks I took off was just what the doctor ordered! I came into 2012 refreshed, revitalized and ready to take on all my new goals.

Over the holidays, my son Michael helped me move my teaching studio over to the new location. The first week of January was my first official week of teaching in the new place. It's absolutely wonderful having the studio at my house again. Even though the old house was only a minute and a half's drive away, I LOVE being able to just walk inside my house when the teaching day is done. The climate is so much nicer as are the aesthetics. I'll be posting pics shortly!

This month also has me attending NAMM. I'm looking forward to seeing all my company contacts and meeting new ones. I'm so grateful to have the support of all the great companies whose products I've used over the years to teach, perform and record. Your support is a dream come true.

Party Jones is still going strong and we are filling up dates for 2012. Remember to check the calendar on my web page to see where we're playing and come drop by for a fun time!

These Things - Buckcherry

My latest drum transcription is "These Things" by Buckcherry. This tune is in 6/8 and is rockin'. It very driven by the pulse of the bass drum. Feel free to download it and check out other transcriptions as well. Click on the link and scroll down as all the tunes are in alphabetical order!

These Things

The Importance of Individuality

A few weeks ago, I was surfing the Internet for live videos of Jim Keltner playing drums. The band I perform in regularly plays some Steely Dan and I wanted to delve into Jim's elusive playing style and feel. In addition to finding some performance videos, I found a real gem of a clip where Jim discusses the importance of developing individual style. Too many of us focus solely on technique or have the goal of being the best or the fastest. Jim poignantly states that developing one's individual style on the instrument is far more important than striving to be the best in the world. Roy Burns once told me to strive to be the best "I can be." In the Old West, there was always a faster gun around the corner. Rather than set unrealistic expectations, have this goal: Be the best YOU can be. Jim points out that each of us are individuals and can bring something no other drummer can bring to the table. Does this mean we should stop practicing technique? No it means practicing technique should be a means to an end. The end goal is to be the best WE can be.

My last blog had some great advice from Roy Burns on developing successful relationships with other drummers. I believe Jim's advice fits hand in glove to Roy's. If we realize that we're all different and at different levels in our development as drummers, there's really no need to criticize, judge, or feel inferior to our fellow drummers.

More Great Advice From Roy Burns

I recently stumbled upon this article from Roy on a drumming forum I frequent. I believe the poster acquired the article from the Concepts column Roy used to write for Modern Drummer Magazine back in the day. Having studied with Roy I credit him for alleviating my hand and arm problems as well as for teaching me about the ways of the business. Here are his wise words regarding his advice for drummers and how they should conduct their relationships with other drummers:

Friendship amongst drummers takes on many curious attitudes.

For example, we have the fair-weather friend. He’s the guy who is super friendly to you if you are with a name group. When you are between groups he loses interest in you and becomes real friendly with someone who is in the limelight. This guy’s slogan is “Everyone loves a winner.” If you are out of work or having a few problems, he suddenly can’t find time for you.

Then there is the name-dropper. He is sort of cousin (mentally, that is) to our first guy. Whenever someone mentions a famous drummer he says, “Oh yeah! We are really good friends. We hang out together.” In real life this guy may not have even met the famous drummer in question.

Another type of guy comes up to you and is very complimentary about your playing, especially if you are in some way well known. The trouble with this type of guy is that he talks differently about you when you are not there. I’ve seen it happen this way: “Hey man, you really sound great.” When the drummer in question leaves, the same guy says, “He can’t play at all. What a drag he is. I don’t like his drumming.”

It also happens is reverse. A number of years ago a very famous drummer had opened the night before at a well-known jazz club. This drummer was introducing his new group. I happened to be in attendance on opening night. The famous drummer in question and his group were really sensational. The following day I was standing in a music store waiting for a student to arrive. Several drummers were standing around openly criticizing the drummer I had heard the night before. They were saying all sorts of uncomplimentary things and I was shocked. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing so I said nothing. Suddenly, the drummer in question walked in and said hello to everyone. To my surprise, these same guys started to compliment this guy like crazy. Now I was really confused.

After I thought about it, I realized that talk is cheap. Also, the same people who criticize you behind your back are too weak to say the same things to your face. Unfortunately, a lot of this still goes on.

When I was at the PAS (Percussive Arts Society) convention in Dallas I ran into an old friend, Ed Shaughnessy. Ed said, “Roy, how are you? I haven’t seen you for at least six years.” While we were talking and laughing a young guy approached Ed to ask him a question; “Are you two guys friends?”

Ed said, “Sure, for many years. We are not competing with each other: we just happen to be in the same business. It gives us something in common.”

We both chatted with this young man and several of his friends. One volunteered, “You guys are so easy to talk to.”

Ed’s response was, “Professional players are usually easy to talk to. It’s the semi-pro who has the ego problem because he isn’t sure of himself. Good players understand what younger guys are going through and enjoy sharing their experiences with them.” Although there are a few exceptions, I heartily agree with Ed’s comments. Most good payers are easy to talk with.

Ed and I used to split a TV show called Saturday Prom years ago. I would do two weeks and Ed would do two weeks, depending on his schedule. It was my first TV show but one of many at that time for Ed. When he was teaching in New York we had many conversations. He was always extremely positive. He would show me things in his studio and we would discuss techniques and ideas.

In all those conversations (and to this day), I never heard Ed say a bad thing about another drummer. He appreciates all players. He understands the dedication and hard work required to play well. Ed is not only an accomplished musician, he is also a gentleman, someone to be respected.

The following ideas are ones that Ed and I have discussed at one time or another over the years:

1. Never say anything about another drummer that you wouldn’t say to his face.

2. If you believe a drummer does something well, don’t keep silent. Let the person know that you respect what he does.

3. Keep learning. It was great to see Ed taking notes at the Steve Gadd clinic so he could share some information with his students.

4. Don’t brag about yourself. If you are really good, others will tell you.

5. Learn and study different styles of drumming. Also, study other forms on music. Ed is quite knowledgeable about Indian drumming and music as well as drumset styles.

6. Be true to your friends. You need friends in the music business and that includes other drummers.

One last thought: If Ed Shaughnessy is giving a clinic, do your best to be there. You will learn something and you will witness a pro and a gentleman in action. In my case I get a plus, I get to see an old friend.

Roy Burns

A Great Lesson Learned

As many of my students know, I had the privilege of studying with the great Roy Burns. Roy helped me in so many ways. He got my hands together as well as my reading. My hour lessons with Roy were so much more than just learning about drums though. Roy taught me about life.

One lesson in particular really resonated with me. At the time, I was working graveyard shift for the Orange County Probation Department. I was assigned to a minimum security youth camp up in the Cleveland National Forest about a 60 mile one-way drive from my home. I absolutely hated the job. At the beginning of every lesson, the first 15 minutes or so was devoted to Roy finding out about my week and my headspace. He was a very caring teacher and took great pride in knowing his students well. On this particular day, he asked how I was and I told him I was depressed about my job and that I would be much happier if I was doing music full-time. I had wanted to transition into a music career but lacked the courage to take the leap of faith. He patiently listened to me complain for several minutes and then simply replied, "You are where you want to be."

I remember being taken aback by this comment at first and I quickly told him, no I'm not. I'd much rather be making a living with my drumming. He then responded, "Well then, do it." This back and forth went on for a few minutes. Roy was giving me enough rope to hang myself! Through his patient and wise remarks, he made me realize that at that time in my life and due to the way I had been raised, as much as I wanted to be a full-time musician, I wanted the stability and job security of my full-time job more. At first I was angry for Roy's seemingly flippant remark. Through his gentle nudging, he allowed me to see for myself that I was my own worst enemy when it came to pursuing my goals. Over the years I've shared this story with many of my students who struggle with the same thing. I think it is important to be smart, get educated, save money and live frugally, but life is short. I think there can be a balance between pursuing one's dreams and being smart about it.

Fast forward 19 years and now I'm living the dream. I've got a full roster of drum students with a waiting list for certain days/times. I perform most weekends with a great corporate/casuals band that occasionally gets to travel. I'm privileged to have endorsements with amazing companies like Remo, Pro-Mark, Onboard Research and Spaun Drums!

Last January at NAMM, I met up with Roy at the Aquarian booth. I re-introduced myself not thinking he would remember me. Not only did he remember me, but he remembered my former occupation and the talks we had about it. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of the impact that Roy had on me both as a drummer and as a human being.

Thanks for everything, Roy.

I'm Back - July Update!

It's been a long time but I'm finally getting back to updating my blog! Most of the big issues with the renovations of the new house (and several unplanned renovations!) are complete. I'm in the process of moving my teaching studio over to the new house. The teaching area is actually looking like a teaching area now and I'm so excited to get it dialed in!

My newest drum transcription is the new single from Rush called "Caravan!" It's typical, Neil Peart madness with odd times, syncopations and crazy fills! I did my best with trying to notate it for a 5 piece set! Feel free to download it and give it a go! I hope to post a video of the student who I transcribed it for playing it when he finishes learning it!

Caravan - Rush

Please Don't Leave Me (Live) Drum Transcription!

Latest drum transcription for a student is Pink's "Please Don't Leave Me." A student asked me to transcribe the live version. Mark Schulman kills on this tune. Lots of great groove and tasty fills! Pink's voice is as outstanding as ever!

Please Don't Leave Me (Live)