Here's a clip improvising some drum and bass on a very small kit...16" bass, 12" snare, 13" hats, and I think just a 10" splash cymbal. I'm playing with a loop from my 202, which starts off a little loose, but the clip gets more interesting several minutes into it! Let me know what you think!
Word
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Avoid Burnout
Over the years I've worked hard to keep playing while avoiding burnout. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
1. Mix up your playing and practice: gigging, jam sessions, rehearsals with the band, and playing with different groups. For practicing, I suggest balancing music reading, rudiment/exercise practice, soloing, groove practice, independence, different styles, and playing along with music and drum machines.
2. Take breaks from time to time: a day off, or a short vacation. And don't worry about your progress when you're off...music is broader than just technique, and everything you experience out there will add to the music.
3. Try playing on different drumsets to mix things up. Also, work with drum machines, practice pads, hand drums and percussion, and electronics as part of your practice.
4. Make sure to spend time listening to music. All music. Any style you can get your hands on. Itunes radio is good for that. So is Pandora. So are cds and mp3s, and the radio, and friends collections. And don't forget about live music. Go out to shows and check out what other cats are doing. It's all part of practicing and adding to your arsenal.
5. Finally, figure out where you want to go with your music. From banging it out in your basement, to playing local shows with your band, to touring the continent or the world, to being a studio musician. Then, practice accordingly. You'll need to put in some serious, uninterrupted hours to be a studio cat, but practicing once or twice a week is fine for your own playing in the basement!
Most of all, have fun with what you're doing. If it's not fun, you may want to reassess where you're going with it. I like to keep music enjoyable and challenging, and constantly learn new things.
Hopefully, these suggestions will help keep you playing for many years to come!
Word
1. Mix up your playing and practice: gigging, jam sessions, rehearsals with the band, and playing with different groups. For practicing, I suggest balancing music reading, rudiment/exercise practice, soloing, groove practice, independence, different styles, and playing along with music and drum machines.
2. Take breaks from time to time: a day off, or a short vacation. And don't worry about your progress when you're off...music is broader than just technique, and everything you experience out there will add to the music.
3. Try playing on different drumsets to mix things up. Also, work with drum machines, practice pads, hand drums and percussion, and electronics as part of your practice.
4. Make sure to spend time listening to music. All music. Any style you can get your hands on. Itunes radio is good for that. So is Pandora. So are cds and mp3s, and the radio, and friends collections. And don't forget about live music. Go out to shows and check out what other cats are doing. It's all part of practicing and adding to your arsenal.
5. Finally, figure out where you want to go with your music. From banging it out in your basement, to playing local shows with your band, to touring the continent or the world, to being a studio musician. Then, practice accordingly. You'll need to put in some serious, uninterrupted hours to be a studio cat, but practicing once or twice a week is fine for your own playing in the basement!
Most of all, have fun with what you're doing. If it's not fun, you may want to reassess where you're going with it. I like to keep music enjoyable and challenging, and constantly learn new things.
Hopefully, these suggestions will help keep you playing for many years to come!
Word
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