Year in Review

It is hard to believe that 2009 is coming to a close. As we approach the end of the year, I thought I would reflect on some of the great things that happened for me in 2009.

At the start of the year, I added online teaching to my list of services. I was able to reconnect with a former student who moved to Japan and teach a good friend's son in Oregon. The technology available to musicians today is absolutely amazing. I also upgraded my notation software and made all the drum charts, drum transcriptions and exercises I use with my students available to anyone who wishes to download them. I've received positive feedback and kudos from many drummers around the world.

I met my 2009 student load goal and am in the process of setting my goals for 2010. I have to say that I have some of the best students a drum teacher could ask for. A former student of mine is finishing up his second year at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I also wrote two letters of recommendation for students wanting to attend Musician's Institute in LA. I've seen my students with disabilities make great leaps and bounds as well as several students perform for their own bar mitzvahs, school concerts and block parties. Having such great students who work so hard make my job such a pleasure!

I was accepted into Hudson Music's Teacher Integration Program (TIP.) TIP is a neat program that focuses on ways to elevate the art of teaching drums and percussion using modern technology. I was already an ardent user of technology in my teaching practice. I've implemented tools such as drum machines and the BeatNik as well as software such as the Amazing Slow Downer, Finale 2009, iChat, Skype, GarageBand and Logic Express. I'm also using instructional DVDs and Internet sites like YouTube and DrummerWorld to expose students to different drummers and drumming techniques. Having such great technology at my disposal really helps me to customize my lessons to fit each student's individual needs.

On the good news/bad news front, I'm happy to report that the Professional Drum Teachers Guild is still growing. The Guild's commitment to helping drum teachers around the world by providing a forum to share ideas and uphold standards has been realized beyond co-founder Martin Fullard's and my own expectations. I am proud to be affiliated with such fine drum educators and couldn't ask for a better friend than Marty. Unfortunately Marty had to relocate to England and I was saddened that such a great friend had to move so far away. We still communicate regularly but I miss our coffee dates.

Party Jones played more city and corporate events this year than ever. We are looking forward to even more in 2010. Despite the economy, several of the companies we regularly work with still hired us to play their functions. We played in Las Vegas, Santa Barbara and Kansas City! This month we are playing our usual stable of corporate Christmas functions for GeoSyntec, Astra Oil, the LAPD's Air Support, PayLess Foods and Disney's Candlelight Christmas Celebration. I'm so happy and thankful to be playing in a band that allows me these opportunities.

Last but definitely not least, I added another endorsement to my resume. In addition to being endorsed by Remo drumheads, I am now an official Pro-Mark drumstick endorser. I owe this to my good friend Marty Fullard who had been gently suggesting I try their sticks for the last two years! I had been playing Vic Firth sticks exclusively since 1986 save for a brief stint with SilverFox in the early 2000s. Although I was accepted as a member of Vic Firth's Education Team, I was simply not receiving the kind of support I felt I needed or deserved. I was BLOWN AWAY by the quality and consistency of Pro-Mark's products! Being affiliated with Pro-Mark is like being a part of a family. I have received such amazing care since joining their artist roster. I'm still pinching myself!

I hope all of you had a wonderful 2009. I'm hoping that 2010 is filled with many great things for all of us.

Happy Holidays everyone!

How To Buy Your First Drum Set!

I frequently get asked for help by my students and their parents when it comes time for them to buy their first drum set. After composing so many emails over the years, I decided to add a how-to on my FAQ page on the intricacies involved in purchasing a drum set. I decided to copy and paste it here on my blog as well.

A drum set should be purchased ONLY when you or your child are serious about the instrument. Buying a drum set is an expensive and daunting task that can be very confusing with all the brands, types, sizes, levels, configurations and accessories. When the time comes to take the leap, I am here to provide advice and offer help.

Much like automobile manufacturers, drum manufacturers offer many makes and models which include different series within the models. The main three series offered from the major drum companies are Beginning, Intermediate and Professional. Beginning kits and Intermediate level kits are mass produced and are therefore cheaper than their handmade, Professional counterparts. Sticking to a reputable company means even their Beginning level series will be of good quality. I've been playing Yamaha drums since 1986 and have never had a problem with their sound or quality. Other reputable companies include: Pearl, Tama, Gretcsh, Sonor, Ludwig, Mapex and PDP. I recommend steering clear of the cheap sets offered for $200-$300. A good Beginning or Intermediate series set should run between $500 and $1000 new.

I recommend buying a 5 piece drum set to start out with. Most of the companies I mentioned above offer their Beginning and Intermediate series sets in a 5 piece configuration. This refers to the number of drums in the set and not the cymbals, hardware or other accessories. A 5 piece drum set includes a bass drum, snare drum, two mounted toms and a floor tom. When purchasing a 5 piece kit, it should include the following hardware: snare stand, hi hat stand, crash cymbal stand, mounted tom holder, ride cymbal stand and bass drum pedals. Drum thrones and cymbals typically are not included when buying a new set. I'll touch on cymbals a little later.

The main two configurations that are available when purchasing a 5 piece set are Standard and Fusion. This refers to the diameter and depths of the drums. Standard sized kits have larger sized toms (12", 13" and 16") whereas Fusion sized kits have smaller toms (10", 12" and 14".) Usually Standard kits have a floor tom with legs and Fusion kits have a mounted floor tom. The bottom line here is personal preference. I recommend going to a large music store like Guitar Center or Sam Ash and playing some of their drums to get a feel for the difference. You can also base your decision on what your favorite drummer plays! One is not better or worse than the other.

Wood type plays a huge role in drum sound. The two most popular wood types are maple and birch. Maple offers a resonant, warm sound and birch provides a more controlled sound with focused attack and low end. Oak and other more exotic woods are also offered but usually not in the Beginning and Intermediate series. Some of the lower series drums offer sets with mixed wood types. If the set is from a reputable manufacturer and provides the desired sound, that is all that matters. Personal preference again is key in the decision making process.

The two types of finishes on drum sets are wraps and lacquers. Wraps are a laminate that are glued to the drum shell whereas lacquered shells are stained and finished with a clear coat. Lacquered sets tend to cost more due to the manufacturer's costs in making them. Wrapped sets can come unglued and warp if left out in the sun but they can resist dings better than a lacquered set. Lacquered sets look beautiful, but can scratch and ding easier. Personal preference plays a huge role in deciding your first drum set's color and finish.

Cymbals also come in different makes, models and series. I recommend a good entery level cymbal pre-pack from a reputable company like Zildjian, Sabian or Paiste. It should include 14" hi hats, a 16" crash cymbal and a 20" ride cymbal. Additonal cymbals and stands can be purchased as add-ons later! Typically a decent cymbal pre-pack runs just under $300.

Many of my students have had great luck purchasing used kits from places like Craigslist. They have been able to get Intermediate series sets with everything included for the price they would have paid for a new Beginning series set. I always have them send me the links to new or used sets for me to check out to see if it is a good deal or not.

The more informed you are when buying your first set, the better your chances of avoiding buyer's regret. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Pro-Mark Website Profile!

I just got word that my profile has been put up on the Pro-Mark website. It looks really cool and I couldn't be happier! I have to thank my good friend Martin Fullard for setting the wheels in motion on my transition from Vic Firth drumsticks to Pro-Mark. I also want to thank Staci Stokes, Director of Education at Pro-Mark for all she's done to make this happen.

Last year at Winter NAMM, I had the opportunity to hang out with my friend and Pro-Mark endorsee, Randy Walker. Randy is good friends with Styx drummer Todd Sucherman who is also a Pro-Mark endorsee. Both these guys use the same word as my friend Marty when referring to Pro-Mark... FAMILY.

I'm very proud to be a part of the Pro-Mark family now!

Pro-Mark Artist profile

Pro-Mark Drumsticks!

I am thrilled to announce that I am now endorsing Pro-Mark drumsticks! After playing Vic Firth drumsticks since the mid 80s (save for a brief stint with SilverFox in the early 2000s) I decided it was time for a change. My good friend and business associate Marty Fullard has been singing the praises of Pro-Mark the entire time I've known him. I finally made the leap and I couldn't be happier.

Their products are amazingly well made and consistent. The people at the company actually care about their endorsees... even guys like me who aren't famous but who still have an impact on the buying trends of their students. My contact at the company is incredibly nice and friendly. I couldn't be happier!

Stay tuned for more updates on this development!

Pro-Mark Drumsticks: The World's Finest Sticks

November Update

Halloween was great this year! Michael and I had a blast decorating the house and my sister came to visit for a couple of days. We carved jack-o-lanterns, went trick or treating and watched scary movies.

I played several private Halloween parties with Party Jones and the band is sounding better than ever! Our new bass player, Bill Horton, has stepped up to the plate and is learning all of our material and playing very consistently. His positive attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to make the band sound good is very refreshing.

November is upon us and with that brings the onset of the holiday season. Michael will be turning 6 years old on November 30th. October was a great month for him as he was Student of the Month at Del Lago Elementary School and received his yellow belt in karate! My father-in-law will be visiting us for the month of November as well. Party Jones has been booked solid for holiday parties so it will be a very busy holiday season as usual.

Stay tuned for more updates this month as I have some exciting irons in the fire!

New Blog/News Format!

Greetings everyone! I've decided to use Blogspot for my monthly updates as it is easier to read and allows me the freedom to post pertinent items more frequently. For my first official blog post, I've copied and pasted the year-to-date monthly updates below. I look forward to being able to post more frequently with this service!

10/1/09 - October is here! This is my favorite month of the year. My wife Bess and I will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary. It seems hard to believe that 14 years have flown by so fast. My student roster is busting at the seams! I'm very thankful to have such awesome students. They teach me so much without even realizing it! Performances this month are plentiful! Party Jones will be playing three private Halloween parties (actually Party Jones is playing 4 but I'm subbing out on the 4th one as it is on Halloween night and I will be trick or treating with my son Michael and watching DVD's with Bess later on!) Party Jones has a big corporate gig on October 16th in Kansas City, MO! We will be living the rock star life on that weekend. We fly out of LAX at 6:15am on the 16th. We play the gig the night of the 16th and spend the night in KC. We fly back to SoCal on the 17th in time for a private party in Huntington Beach that night! Good times! I'd also like to welcome Bill Horton into the Party Jones family. He is our new bass player. He played his first gig with us at Taco Surf in Sunset Beach on 09/26/09 to a packed house! Band friend Jay Milner threw a surprise party for his awesome wife Terri and the turnout was fantastic!

09/01/09 - I survived my trip back east despite debilitating heat and humidity! Fall is around the corner and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was looking forward to cooler weather! My son Michael is going to be starting kindergarten this Fall. It's hard to believe how time flies! Fall is the busiest time of year for me as all my students who took time off for the summer return and many new students enroll for lessons. It's my favorite time of year as well (even though we don't get that much of a season change here in sunny SoCal!) My student load is growing and I'm thinking about opening up another day of teaching. Having sold my shares of the large studio I co-owned in 2006, this is the third time I've had to rebuild my student roster in the last 9 years! I'm very excited about the growth. Party Jones has cut back on several club gigs which I'm grateful for. It allows me more time for my family. The focus has shifted to more corporate and casual work which has always been my preference! This may also allow me the opportunity to play with other groups I normally wouldn't have been able to play with due to scheduling conflicts. I'm very proud to share that one of my former students is now a sophomore at the prestigious Berklee School of Music. He was accepted into the Orange County High School of the Arts and graduated. He's now entering his second year at Berklee! Here is a link to his website: Graham Spillman. Here's a link to a video of him playing with the Ambassador Jazz Orchestra last year at OCHSA!

08/01/09 - The end of summer is rapidly approaching! I hope everyone had a great one! Here's the news update for August: Bess, Michael and I will be taking a big trip to Florida to visit one of her sisters and aunts then we're going to Upstate New York to visit her father. We will be spending one week in Florida and two weeks in Upstate New York. I will be teaching the first week in August, then won't resume until Monday, August 31st. Thanks to Kenny and Danny for subbing for me in the Party Jones drum chair while I'm gone. Speaking of Party Jones, it looks like our goal of playing mostly corporate/casual gigs is being realized. We've cut our club dates down to Taco Surf in Surfside and Mahe's in Seal Beach. These two clubs pay great, have great crowds and spoil us rotten. We will continue playing our regular Metro Pointe gig as well. This is particularly exciting for me as it allows me to spend more time with my family without affecting the pocketbook! My contact at Vic Firth drumsticks, Olin Johannsen, is leaving the company to pursue his Master's degree. Although I'm sad to see him go, I'm happy to see him follow his dreams. My new contact is Michael Moore who has some pretty serious credentials under his belt!

07/01/09 - Happy 4th of July everyone! I celebrated Independence Day by playing the huge Delmer 4th of July party in Huntington Beach for the 6th year in a row. In other news, I will be playing at my good friend Randy Walker's wedding in beautiful San Diego on July 8th. It is such a privliledge to call Randy my friend. He is the sweetest most humble dude I know. He's a fantastic drummer and audio engineer as well. I will also be playing a concert in the park in La Mirada on July 9th. The weekend of July 10-12 I will be taking a short family trip to Las Vegas to relax for a few days. On July 21st I will be traveling to Santa Barbara to play the DaVita corporation's big yearly corporate party. The rest of July has me playing a few club dates here and there. Stay cool everone

06/01/09 - Summer is here! I want to thank all my students for their hard work and dedication over the school year. I know it is challenging trying to balance drum lessons with school and other extra-curricular activities. Party Jones has an extremely busy schedule this summer. We are booked solid every weekend! I will be taking some time off in July and August to travel with my family, but other than that, I will be performing quite frequently. I'm happy to say that we were asked to play at the Taste of Rancho Santa Margarita on June 6th. We will also have our first gig at Peppino's in Foothill Ranch immediately after performing at the TORSM. We are also hoping to get into regular rotation at the Doubletree Hotel's lounge in Dana Point/Doheny.

05/01/09 - It is with a heavy heart that I report that my good friend and founder of the Professional Drum Teacher's Guild, Martin Fullard had to move to England. I will still be in contact with Marty and he'll still be fulfilling all of his duties as founder of the Guild from across the pond, but I will miss him dearly as he's been a source of encouragement and strength for me and a beacon of light in our profession. He has done much for many local drum teachers all around the world. England is lucky to have the likes of him! Summer time is quickly approaching and with it comes news of Party Jones playing locally (finally!) Thanks to my good friend (and student's dad) Paul Todd, Party Jones will be playing regularly at Peppino's in Foothill Ranch. This means all my students and their families as well as local friends can come check us out without having to drive to Sunset Beach, Huntington Beach or Long Beach! I'm very excited about having a gig close to my neighborhood!

04/01/09 - Spring is here and with it comes news! The Professional Drum Teachers Guild has a new website. Guild founder and webmaster Martin Fullard was forced to expand the site because of the growth in membership. I am now a member of Hudson Music's Teacher Integration Program. As a teacher who uses modern technology and various media tools, this is a wonderful opportunity. Thanks to Mike Sorrentino for allowing me to be a part of the TIP program! This month also has Party Jones playing the Long Beach Grand Prix again in addition to a wedding and numerous club dates.

03/01/09 - Happy March everyone! This year is really moving by quickly. I have quite a bit of good news to report. First off, the Professional Drum Teachers Guild celebrated it's one year anniversary last month. It is hard to believe that it has been around for a year now. My good friend Marty Fullard has been working hard and the Guild has grown exponentially. In fact, Marty had to create a whole new website in order to accommodate our growing membership. Be sure to check out the new site! My teaching roster has also grown significantly. I met my 2008 goal (and then some) and am practically at my 2009 goal and the year has just begun! Thanks to all my wonderful students for their hard work and diligence. I'm so thankful to be in the position to teach them and I've met some truly wonderful families. The online lessons are going well. I'm currently teaching a former student in Japan and I've picked up another student in Oregon. I've added quite a few new charts to the charts page, so be sure to check back regularly for updates. Anytime I get a student request for a song and I do a transcription, I make them available to anyone to download for free! Party Jones is performing every weekend. We've never sounded better and are starting to pick up more and more gigs. Be sure to check out my calendar for gig info!

02/01/09 - February is here and I'm happy to report that 2009 is starting off GREAT! NAMM was really fun. I got to meet some of my contacts at the companies I work with like Neil Larrivee at Vic Firth and Bruce Jacoby at Remo. I also got to hang with my good friend Randy Walker, his fiancee' Carol and Todd Sucherman of Styx fame! I also got to see and meet some of my online friends from the House of Drumming board. Needless to say it was a really memorable time. In 2008 I exceeded my student load goal and am setting new goals for 2009. I already have some online students even though I just started providing this service last month. One is a former student who now lives in Japan! Technology is really something these days! Party Jones is sounding better than ever. We are starting to fill up our performance calendar despite the bleak economy. If January is any indication how the rest of '09 plays out, I'm going to be very happy!

01/01/09 - Happy New Year everyone! After a rough end to 2008 with the passing of my mother-in-law and my nose surgery, I'm very much looking forward to starting fresh in '09. I plan on attending the NAMM show later this month (thanks to Neil Larrivee of Vic Firth for the pass!) I'm looking forward to hooking up with some friends I haven't seen in a while and meeting some new ones I made over the Internet. I also hope to get a picture with Steve Gadd, my favorite drummer of all time! Joey Oddo, bassist for Party Jones for the last 2 1/2 years decided to pursue other paths this year. We were very lucky to have found a replacement for him in the form of Donny Goldberg. Donny grew up in a musical family reminiscent of the Cowsills and toured the country performing Beach Boys songs! The Professional Drum Teacher Guild is continuing to grow and flourish under the direction of my good friend Martin Fullard. On the teaching front, I've now started to offer online lessons using AVChat technology. Students can study with me in real-time from the comfort of their own home! Click HERE to learn more about it! Thanks to all my students for a great year and here's to a productive, happy 2009!