How To Have A Successful Online Lesson
Posted inThe Woodshed

How To Have A Successful Online Lesson

These days, it's become more and more commonplace to study with an instructor over the internet remotely. After having taught upwards of 100 remote lessons via Zoom by now, I've come up with some things that will help anyone going into a "remote learning session" to get the most out of the experience. Know Your Gear! There's nothing more unnerving and frustrating than trying to get situated in a "live" setting where there's a time limit ticking, and the darn audio just...won't...work... so spend a little time and practice; call a friend from within the confines of your musical environment,…
January 23, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
SDSM Student on King 5: “8-year-old wants to change state hearing aid laws”
Posted inSDSM News

SDSM Student on King 5: “8-year-old wants to change state hearing aid laws”

Our drum student testified to WA State Legislature yesterday on House Bill 1222, which would require private insurance companies to offer hearing aid benefits. He was such a professional! Hugo’s family would immensely appreciate community support in pursuing this legislation. Please see how to support below the article/video. #thankyou UPDATE 2/3/23 Hello WA friends, Please click below and sign in as pro for HB 1222's public hearing in the Appropriations Committee on 2/8 where only 4 people have been asked to testify and Hugo and I are two of them! If this passes our insurance premium will go up by $0.40/month…
January 19, 2023Posted inSDSM NewsTags: , 1 Comment
The Mental Game Of X
Posted inThe Woodshed

The Mental Game Of X

The activity of picking up and playing a musical instrument opens up many synapses and channels in the human brain, due to all of the concepts being put forth at once. The act of forming a thought in your mind and using whatever technique you've learned to produce a sound from said instrument requires a great deal of focus and practice. Eventually the channels of "thought/action" become easier and at some point, as natural as speaking. It's safe to say that once you get the physical motions and actions mastered, playing said instrument becomes a more cerebral and mental "game".…
January 12, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
It’s All About Showing Up!
Posted inThe Woodshed

It’s All About Showing Up!

Some time back in the 1980s, I read an article in Modern Drummer by Rick Van Horn entitled "Show Up!", hence the similar heading. Nevertheless, the message stands clear and has stood the test of time, as I've used this "one weird trick" to keep myself working as a creative for nearly four decades. Rehearsal is where you go to learn how everyone else's part fits together with yours, not where you go to learn your part...Unknown As a lifer in the music business, one of the most oft-asked questions I hear is "how does one get a gig?" My…
January 11, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
Lake City Way Student Miles Baker Absolutely Slaying “Two Seconds To Midnight”
Posted inOur Wonderful Students!

Lake City Way Student Miles Baker Absolutely Slaying “Two Seconds To Midnight”

My student Miles Baker (12yrs old) is playing some pretty advanced stuff for his age, and it's for this reason I wanted to feature him on the website. He's got a great attitude, is keen on learning and he challenges me to be a better instructor. This tune is by The Alan Blaylock Jazz Orchestra. Way to go, Miles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6mbuMM-WsQ All from memory too. He does read though! For comparison, here's the original, as performed by the Alan Blaylock Jazz Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXFlq-CKB6k&ab_channel=AlanBaylockJazzOrchestra-Topic
January 9, 2023Posted inOur Wonderful Students!Tags: ,
Effective Practicing
Posted inThe Woodshed

Effective Practicing

As an instructor, I hear a lot of excuses for not practicing, and I can certainly see the "dark cloud of shame" that follows in a student whose "dog ate their exercise sheets", or "I had homework all week"...or just "I forgot..." I believe there's a simple solution to it all. When one makes the decision to learn drums and invests in the initial outlay of acquiring proper equipment, there's an expectation placed that "one must practice in a manner congruent to the space that this gear is taking up in the corner," and so the need to "practice an…
January 8, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: , ,
Buying A Drumset- The Abbreviated Ins & Outs
Posted inThe Woodshed

Buying A Drumset- The Abbreviated Ins & Outs

The oft-asked question "Do I need to buy a new drum set, or is used a good option?" The short answer: Used is certainly acceptable, as it's the drums' shells and accompanying hardware/cymbals that are the important things. Drumheads can be replaced rather inexpensively. Purchasing "new" should be for the "second" kit; meaning, it's good to start on a used kit, until the player's ear is developed to be able to discern the difference between various wood. To be totally honest, any player who begins their "walk with the drums" on "kick/snare/hats" (bass drum, snare drum, hihat stand + cymbals) will…
January 7, 2023Posted inThe Woodshed
Posted inSDSM Instructors' Shows

Roz Events

Calendar Roz Performances. Roz Performances JANUARY 16 - Roz REGISTER AT: www.bellevuewa.gov Bellevue City Hall Online MLK Day Celebration 21 - Roz Trio Old Stove Brewing Co. 600 W. Nickerson St. Seattle, WA 6-9pm FEBRUARY 17 - Uncommon Combo Latin/Jazz & Funk Crossroads Market Stage Bellevue, WA 7-9pm APRIL 19 - Uncommon Combo Latin/Jazz & Funk The Spar Tacoma, WA 6-9pm
January 4, 2023Posted inSDSM Instructors' Shows
Posted inOur Wonderful Students!

Co-Composing!

I build melodies and songs with my students by encouraging them to create three notes, then we take turns adding notes ~ and memorizing the melody as it grows. Sometimes we add chords. It's a great way to encourage creativity, strengthen the ear and musical memory, and have fun! My student Simon Englehardt and I came up with a lovely ditty called D. Thing. The Seattle Composers Alliance recently called for new music for string quartet, so I arranged our masterpiece for string quartet! It will premiere at the Chapel Performance Space in Wallingford on February 16, 2023! All ages…
January 4, 2023Posted inOur Wonderful Students!Tags: , ,