Thursday, October 24, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
October Update!
Fall is officially in session and it is my favorite time of the year! I celebrated my 18th wedding anniversary to my awesome wife who is beyond supportive of all that I do (and she puts up with me too!) The holiday season is rapidly approaching which to me means spending some quality time with family!
The biggest news this October is that I'm revamping my YouTube channel. I had some MAJOR issues with my original channel. Long story short, there were lots of technical issues do to me trying to pare down and merge all my social networking sites. In the process, I lost all my teaching videos. Over the last couple of months, I've redone my YouTube channel and have begun uploading new videos as well as a handful of videos I had saved. Be sure to check out the channel as I'll be adding new videos to it as often as possible. Here is the link to the channel:
Hope you all have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
September Update!
Fall is almost here! My family vacation back to Upstate NY was relaxing and allowed me the chance to recharge my batteries. As nice as our trip was, it is good to be back home and back in my routine!
School is back in session many of my elementary, middle and high schoolers are prepping for their symphonic, woodwind, jazz and marching bands. I'm so proud of all my kids that work hard on their pieces and prepare as much as they can. I get such a thrill out of helping kids nail their audition pieces!
On a down note, my YouTube channel has been having serious issues. When YouTube was taken over by Google, I neglected to merge my account. Now that YouTube is 100% Google, my old channel couldn't be chosen as a default channel for new videos. Consequently I had to try and download all my existing videos and re-upload them on a new channel that was tied into my Google + profile. Turns out all my videos somehow got corrupted. Long story short, I created a new channel and will slowly try to add new content as all my previous instructional videos have been lost in cyberspace.
On the plus side, I was invited to attend the 2013 Artist Session sponsored by Zildjian, Vic Firth and Remo. The event was held in Burbank on September 6th. I canceled my students that day and made the trek up north. It was such a treat to meet and see many of the drumming legends I read about in Modern Drummer magazine when I was in high school and college. I was introduced to Vic Firth and Ralph Humphries. I got to see one of my old teachers, Chuck Silverman! Here's a short list of some of the other notable drummers in attendance: Kenny Aronoff, Sheila E, Luis Conte, Clayton Cameron and Ndugu Chancler. Needless to say I was honored to be invited to such an event!
School is back in session many of my elementary, middle and high schoolers are prepping for their symphonic, woodwind, jazz and marching bands. I'm so proud of all my kids that work hard on their pieces and prepare as much as they can. I get such a thrill out of helping kids nail their audition pieces!
On a down note, my YouTube channel has been having serious issues. When YouTube was taken over by Google, I neglected to merge my account. Now that YouTube is 100% Google, my old channel couldn't be chosen as a default channel for new videos. Consequently I had to try and download all my existing videos and re-upload them on a new channel that was tied into my Google + profile. Turns out all my videos somehow got corrupted. Long story short, I created a new channel and will slowly try to add new content as all my previous instructional videos have been lost in cyberspace.
On the plus side, I was invited to attend the 2013 Artist Session sponsored by Zildjian, Vic Firth and Remo. The event was held in Burbank on September 6th. I canceled my students that day and made the trek up north. It was such a treat to meet and see many of the drumming legends I read about in Modern Drummer magazine when I was in high school and college. I was introduced to Vic Firth and Ralph Humphries. I got to see one of my old teachers, Chuck Silverman! Here's a short list of some of the other notable drummers in attendance: Kenny Aronoff, Sheila E, Luis Conte, Clayton Cameron and Ndugu Chancler. Needless to say I was honored to be invited to such an event!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
August Update!
This has to rank up there with one of the quickest summers EVER! I can't believe it's August already! This has been an amazing summer. As I mentioned in my last update, I'm no longer gigging EVERY Friday and Saturday night. I've had some amazing weekends with family and friends. I didn't realize how much I was missing out! I'm finally able to enjoy life a bit and I'm loving it!
I've taken up jump rope training to help me stay fit and healthy. I've been a jump roper since high school, but never have I taken to it as I have now. There are so many correlations between jump roping and drumming and I'm absolutely addicted to it! I enjoy it immensely and I'm loving how it makes me feel! I've been doing it regularly for about 2 years now and have gotten quite proficient in my routines. I plan on doing some videos later on!
I've been subbing here and there and love being able to keep my live playing chops up, make some supplemental income and play some great music without having to sacrifice valuable family time. I'll be subbing this month at Sunsets in Capo Beach on August 11th from 4p-7p. Love the local gigs that are close to home!
Hope you all are having an amazing summer! We all have so much to be grateful for!
I've taken up jump rope training to help me stay fit and healthy. I've been a jump roper since high school, but never have I taken to it as I have now. There are so many correlations between jump roping and drumming and I'm absolutely addicted to it! I enjoy it immensely and I'm loving how it makes me feel! I've been doing it regularly for about 2 years now and have gotten quite proficient in my routines. I plan on doing some videos later on!
I've been subbing here and there and love being able to keep my live playing chops up, make some supplemental income and play some great music without having to sacrifice valuable family time. I'll be subbing this month at Sunsets in Capo Beach on August 11th from 4p-7p. Love the local gigs that are close to home!
Hope you all are having an amazing summer! We all have so much to be grateful for!
Monday, July 8, 2013
June | July Update!
This summer is flying by! I can't believe it's already July and I've not updated my news since May! I'm not complaining though as I love to be busy!
As I said in my post at the beginning of summer, I'm now focusing on my teaching exclusively. That does not mean I'm not performing live anymore. It simply means I'm not performing live on a regular basis. The grind of playing every Friday and Saturday night got to be too much for me. I had been doing it more or less over the course of the last nine years. The weekends off from gigging have proven to be more enjoyable than I could have imagined. The time with my family has been precious and I know I could never go back now that I know what I was missing out on!
The weekend of June 15th was an absolutely amazing weekend. On Friday I taught and was able to spend the evening with my family. On the 15th, I taught in the morning then subbed in my friend's band and had the opportunity to play with Ric Fierabracci! Ric has played with many of my heroes including Chick Corea and Dave Weckl (to name a few!) After the gig, I screamed down to Dana Point for cocktails and Basile the Greek Comedian to celebrate my wife's birthday. Sunday was spent celebrating Father's Day with my family poolside!
Here's a picture of the band from 06/15:
As I said in my post at the beginning of summer, I'm now focusing on my teaching exclusively. That does not mean I'm not performing live anymore. It simply means I'm not performing live on a regular basis. The grind of playing every Friday and Saturday night got to be too much for me. I had been doing it more or less over the course of the last nine years. The weekends off from gigging have proven to be more enjoyable than I could have imagined. The time with my family has been precious and I know I could never go back now that I know what I was missing out on!
The weekend of June 15th was an absolutely amazing weekend. On Friday I taught and was able to spend the evening with my family. On the 15th, I taught in the morning then subbed in my friend's band and had the opportunity to play with Ric Fierabracci! Ric has played with many of my heroes including Chick Corea and Dave Weckl (to name a few!) After the gig, I screamed down to Dana Point for cocktails and Basile the Greek Comedian to celebrate my wife's birthday. Sunday was spent celebrating Father's Day with my family poolside!
Here's a picture of the band from 06/15:
I mistakenly thought that by cutting out my weekend gigs I'd have more time. Although I have more time for my family which I'm beyond grateful for, I'm no less busier than before. I'm teaching six days a week and am blessed with a full roster of students. Unlike the past several years though, I am making sure to take some time off this summer. I took the 4th of July off and spent it with family by the pool, BBQing and watching the Lake Mission Viejo fireworks. I'm also taking two other family trips this summer.
I hope everyone has a healthy, happy and prosperous summer! I know I'm very grateful for my family, my health, my students and my life. Remember to check my website frequently for new transcriptions!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
April / May Update!
Things have been a little bit crazy around the drum studio these past few months. I didn't get the chance to do an April update so I'll combine both months. Lots of positive change is in the air!
The biggest change that happened recently is that I resigned from playing with Party Jones! It was a good 9 year run but it was time for me to step away and focus more on my family and my teaching. I'm not resigning from playing live altogether though. I hope to sub here and there in various bands and seek new and exciting playing opportunities with a less hectic schedule!
My student load is in the low 70s now and I'm teaching 6 days a week and loving every moment of it. Not a day goes by where I'm not grateful for what I do. This summer I plan on going on some trips with the family. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of this year and what it has to offer.
Paul Wertico, multiple Grammy Award winning drummer is now a member of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild! His work with Pat Metheny is incredible.
I plan on sharing either via video or blog some major practice breakthroughs I've had with my own playing that I believe can help others. Stay tuned for more information coming in the future.
The biggest change that happened recently is that I resigned from playing with Party Jones! It was a good 9 year run but it was time for me to step away and focus more on my family and my teaching. I'm not resigning from playing live altogether though. I hope to sub here and there in various bands and seek new and exciting playing opportunities with a less hectic schedule!
My student load is in the low 70s now and I'm teaching 6 days a week and loving every moment of it. Not a day goes by where I'm not grateful for what I do. This summer I plan on going on some trips with the family. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of this year and what it has to offer.
Paul Wertico, multiple Grammy Award winning drummer is now a member of the Professional Drum Teachers Guild! His work with Pat Metheny is incredible.
I plan on sharing either via video or blog some major practice breakthroughs I've had with my own playing that I believe can help others. Stay tuned for more information coming in the future.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March Update - How To Find The Right Drum Teacher For You Or Your Child
This month's update is going to be a little bit different from previous ones. In Orange County where I teach, there is no shortage of qualified drum teachers. Many of these teachers I'm blessed to call my friends. Others aren't so scrupulous and I avoid. The point of this month's blog is that there is room for everyone and it is important to find the teacher that best suits your needs.
When I was a kid, my mom and dad (although they were great) did not support my drumming endeavors. As a result, I had to do everything on my own. I wasn't able to get lessons until I could afford them myself. Two of the teachers I first studied with were frustrated burn-outs who took out their bitterness on their students. They would mock my choice in music/drummers. They did not teach me well. They would speak badly of other teachers/drummers.
The first good teacher I learned from (recommended by two church friends) was a guy named Mike Brucher. Mike had a gentle, encouraging spirit. He taught me the rudiments and got me started reading drum music out of the Funky Primer book. Eventually money became an issue and I had to stop. I did not take lessons for many years after this and tried my best to continue on teaching myself.
The second good teacher I had was Roy Burns. I went to him when I was just out of college. I had developed tons of bad habits and Roy corrected all of them. He picked up right where Mike left off. Rudiments, reading, technique and most importantly he taught me about life. Life as a human AND as a musician. I was playing in a country band at the time and he was my lifeline. It was my first pro gig. Roy's advice was priceless. I had read his column called "Concepts" in Modern Drummer magazine throughout the mid 80s and was so lucky to study with him.
The third good teacher I had was Tony Pia. He was recommended by Gregg Bissonette and a guitarist friend of mine. Tony was instrumental in my development as an all-around drummer. He's a super nice and humble guy. He worked on my coordinated independence and playing different styles. He is also the main reason I teach today! He encouraged me to start teaching more seriously!
The fourth good teacher I studied with was Chuck Silverman. Chuck is an amazing teacher/drummer known for his Afro-Caribbean playing. In addition to working on all the Latin stuff, Chuck hipped me to tons of career-saving techniques taught to him by the inimitable Murray Spivak (middle finger fulcrum on my right hand matched grip, the Free Stroke/Gladstone technique, etc.)
I often find myself getting discouraged in hindsight thinking what I might have been had I the parental support I see so many of my own students benefiting from at such a young age. Then I remind myself that I am truly blessed to have studied with so many amazing drummers who are also amazing human beings.
This brings me to my main point. When looking for a drum teacher, it is critical to find the right one to suit your needs or the needs of your child. I wrote some pointers on my website to help educate those looking for a good instructor:
How To Find The Right Drum Teacher For You
I started my teaching career offering lessons out of my home, one day a week. I began supplementing my home students by offering mobile lessons. The next step in my teaching journey had me teaching out of a Mars Music store. When that store went under, I was fortunate enough to start a co-op music school in Anaheim Hills. That eventually became a corporation and grew very large. In 2006, I sold my shares to my then business partner and came home... literally! I went back to teaching out of my house and I've never looked back!
Each of the above teaching modes has pros and cons. Each drum instructor will base their mode of teaching on what works best for them and their students. When choosing the right instructor for you or your child, educate yourself as much as possible. Nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising. My approach to teaching is more of mentor/coach based approach then the archetypical Russian piano teacher approach. This approach works for me and the students who continue studying with me. Others may need more of a disciplinarian. Others yet might need the environment of a large lesson studio that offers friendly competition and frequent recitals. Still others might learn best in the comfort of their own home on their own set of drums.
Regardless of your preferred learning style, finding the right teacher creates a magical bond. I've never forgotten the influences of my teachers both in drumming and in life. I can only hope my students will feel the same way about me.
When I was a kid, my mom and dad (although they were great) did not support my drumming endeavors. As a result, I had to do everything on my own. I wasn't able to get lessons until I could afford them myself. Two of the teachers I first studied with were frustrated burn-outs who took out their bitterness on their students. They would mock my choice in music/drummers. They did not teach me well. They would speak badly of other teachers/drummers.
The first good teacher I learned from (recommended by two church friends) was a guy named Mike Brucher. Mike had a gentle, encouraging spirit. He taught me the rudiments and got me started reading drum music out of the Funky Primer book. Eventually money became an issue and I had to stop. I did not take lessons for many years after this and tried my best to continue on teaching myself.
The second good teacher I had was Roy Burns. I went to him when I was just out of college. I had developed tons of bad habits and Roy corrected all of them. He picked up right where Mike left off. Rudiments, reading, technique and most importantly he taught me about life. Life as a human AND as a musician. I was playing in a country band at the time and he was my lifeline. It was my first pro gig. Roy's advice was priceless. I had read his column called "Concepts" in Modern Drummer magazine throughout the mid 80s and was so lucky to study with him.
The third good teacher I had was Tony Pia. He was recommended by Gregg Bissonette and a guitarist friend of mine. Tony was instrumental in my development as an all-around drummer. He's a super nice and humble guy. He worked on my coordinated independence and playing different styles. He is also the main reason I teach today! He encouraged me to start teaching more seriously!
The fourth good teacher I studied with was Chuck Silverman. Chuck is an amazing teacher/drummer known for his Afro-Caribbean playing. In addition to working on all the Latin stuff, Chuck hipped me to tons of career-saving techniques taught to him by the inimitable Murray Spivak (middle finger fulcrum on my right hand matched grip, the Free Stroke/Gladstone technique, etc.)
I often find myself getting discouraged in hindsight thinking what I might have been had I the parental support I see so many of my own students benefiting from at such a young age. Then I remind myself that I am truly blessed to have studied with so many amazing drummers who are also amazing human beings.
This brings me to my main point. When looking for a drum teacher, it is critical to find the right one to suit your needs or the needs of your child. I wrote some pointers on my website to help educate those looking for a good instructor:
How To Find The Right Drum Teacher For You
I started my teaching career offering lessons out of my home, one day a week. I began supplementing my home students by offering mobile lessons. The next step in my teaching journey had me teaching out of a Mars Music store. When that store went under, I was fortunate enough to start a co-op music school in Anaheim Hills. That eventually became a corporation and grew very large. In 2006, I sold my shares to my then business partner and came home... literally! I went back to teaching out of my house and I've never looked back!
Each of the above teaching modes has pros and cons. Each drum instructor will base their mode of teaching on what works best for them and their students. When choosing the right instructor for you or your child, educate yourself as much as possible. Nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising. My approach to teaching is more of mentor/coach based approach then the archetypical Russian piano teacher approach. This approach works for me and the students who continue studying with me. Others may need more of a disciplinarian. Others yet might need the environment of a large lesson studio that offers friendly competition and frequent recitals. Still others might learn best in the comfort of their own home on their own set of drums.
Regardless of your preferred learning style, finding the right teacher creates a magical bond. I've never forgotten the influences of my teachers both in drumming and in life. I can only hope my students will feel the same way about me.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February Update!
It's February already! After a whirlwind January with teaching, gigs and NAMM, February is starting off with a bang as well. I've got my usual routine of live performances with Party Jones. Be sure to check my schedule page regularly if you're interested in seeing me perform live. I post all my gigs and include information on venue, hours and location. It gets updated frequently. Here is the link for my performance schedule:
Calendar
I'm very excited to announce that I've revamped my transcriptions page. As most of you know, over the years I've amassed a collection of transcriptions for my students. The list is continually growing. Because I'm not too proficient in website design but too much of a control freak to let someone else do it, the transcriptions page had become a monstrosity of hyperlinks that was very difficult to navigate. One of my goals in 2013 was to make this page easier for people to see if I had a transcription they needed. I was able to figure out a way using CSS to put all the artists I've transcribed in alphabetical order with a separate submenu with their songs in alphabetical order. This was no easy feat for one such as I but I'm very happy with the outcome and have already received positive feedback from others. Every transcription I do for a student will be made available here so check back regularly! Here's the link:
Transcriptions
The transcriptions I do are for the express purpose of teaching my students. They are my own interpretations of what I hear. I use them to teach my students drum set reading, coordinated independence, grooves, fills, phrasing, and time keeping. Most of my students have 5pc kits. If I'm transcribing a Rush song, I'm going to modify it and take liberties as my students don't have Neil's 360 degree set up in their bedrooms! If you like what you find on my page, please share it with others.
Here's to continued health, happiness and prosperity for all of us in 2013!
Calendar
I'm very excited to announce that I've revamped my transcriptions page. As most of you know, over the years I've amassed a collection of transcriptions for my students. The list is continually growing. Because I'm not too proficient in website design but too much of a control freak to let someone else do it, the transcriptions page had become a monstrosity of hyperlinks that was very difficult to navigate. One of my goals in 2013 was to make this page easier for people to see if I had a transcription they needed. I was able to figure out a way using CSS to put all the artists I've transcribed in alphabetical order with a separate submenu with their songs in alphabetical order. This was no easy feat for one such as I but I'm very happy with the outcome and have already received positive feedback from others. Every transcription I do for a student will be made available here so check back regularly! Here's the link:
Transcriptions
The transcriptions I do are for the express purpose of teaching my students. They are my own interpretations of what I hear. I use them to teach my students drum set reading, coordinated independence, grooves, fills, phrasing, and time keeping. Most of my students have 5pc kits. If I'm transcribing a Rush song, I'm going to modify it and take liberties as my students don't have Neil's 360 degree set up in their bedrooms! If you like what you find on my page, please share it with others.
Here's to continued health, happiness and prosperity for all of us in 2013!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
January Update!
January is almost over and I'm just now getting the chance to update! The year has started off with a bang. My student load is very full and I'm so grateful for all my students and their families. The first year of teaching at my new house/studio was an amazing success. I'm very much looking forward to another year of continued success!
January means NAMM! As is my usual practice, I'll be attending on Friday. Looking forward to touching base with the reps from the companies that support me in all I do and seeing some good friends. So thankful for the opportunity to represent the amazing products I use every day both in my teaching studio and during performances.
Party Jones is playing regularly as always! Be sure to check the calendar page on my website to see about upcoming performances. In addition to Party Jones, I've embarked on a side project comprised of some very talented parents of some students. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on the progress of that band. This band will play more locally and will be an ideal opportunity for those students and their families who want to see me perform but don't want to make the trek to North Orange County where Party Jones typically performs.
January means NAMM! As is my usual practice, I'll be attending on Friday. Looking forward to touching base with the reps from the companies that support me in all I do and seeing some good friends. So thankful for the opportunity to represent the amazing products I use every day both in my teaching studio and during performances.
Party Jones is playing regularly as always! Be sure to check the calendar page on my website to see about upcoming performances. In addition to Party Jones, I've embarked on a side project comprised of some very talented parents of some students. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on the progress of that band. This band will play more locally and will be an ideal opportunity for those students and their families who want to see me perform but don't want to make the trek to North Orange County where Party Jones typically performs.
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