New England In The Fall

I have to admit, it's great being home at this time of year. The leaves have changed the air is cooling which is cyclical of life here in New England.
I've been traveling so much I've forgotten the simple pleasures of staring out a window, or meeting up with old friends for a cup of coffee to see how their lives have changed. I feel it puts things in perspective to a degree that travel does not, it makes one feel whole and peaceful.
To watch the sky change within an hour is something I've completely forgotten about, getting so caught up in where the next trip will be and then having to prepare for it takes a lot of the whimsical nature out of perspective.
But coming home always revitalizes the senses and makes me realize how much I've missed out on. I am looking forward to winter and not because it's part of that cycle but because it really drives home the nature of self reliance which is something that cannot be taught.
Like my private instructor Ed Kaspik at Berklee would say " you can't teach natural!" Ed, now there was a drummer of such magnitude I don't think I've ever heard anyone play like him, it's a shame he left us so soon.
He is missed.
I used to ask him what he was going to do with his break between semesters he would always reply " I'm gonna sit in my favorite chair and do nothing"
now keep in mind, our breaks were about 4-5 weeks long. Needless to say, he was my drumming idol.
Well, that's it for now until inspiration strikes again.
I hope you're all well and healthy and by the way...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
BOO
DD

Excerpt from my new Instructional Book

The Logistics of Drumming
Stick Control/Technique

As important as the previously mentioned material the most important aspect of all has to be stick technique and execution of all fundamental aspects of drumming. This includes a very good understanding of the proper execution of all the rudiments, their history and their usable functions.
I can’t stress enough how important it is for the student to not only know intrinsically what a 15-stroke roll is but, how and when it can be used. The time keeping skills will come with time, patience and practice with a metronome, unfortunately the rudimentary side of hand technique is often overlooked or it looked upon as “I don’t really need to know any of this” and I can assure you without a doubt that you will.

Most university and college music program auditions are set up on a base or steps foundation. They will often times have a drum instructor in the room for your audition and that instructor will ask you very forthrightly to play a series of rudiments on the snare drum. There is no “fudging” it with these cats they know what a rudiment is supposed to sound like and they will know if you haven’t given the proper amount of time to learning them. It doesn’t matter how well you play when you reach this level, there is a certain understand that by the time you reach university you are saying to the faculty “I’m here and I am ready for this” if they don’t feel you are ready , you will be denied. It’s that simple!
So go out and get, if you haven’t already, Ted Reed’s book called “Syncopation” and George Lawrence Stone’s “Stick Control” and start digging into all the exercises and if you get confused about what the examples are supposed to sound like, then get yourself to a qualified instructor. You should always go for a drum instructor with a degree if you can, and if you can’t then ask other professional drummer that you see playing live what their recommendations are.
There are no shortcuts regarding hand technique.

A new idea for a logo!

I've been playing around with PS and think I've come up with what I think, could be a great idea for the start page of my upcoming website.  I think the welcome page should reflect emotion as well as lure the curious, I'm still not completely happy with the layout but I am still tweaking so if you have any suggestions by all means, do get in touch.  Thanks.
D

My apologies, I simply haven't had the time!

This will eventually be my home on the web, when I get break from traveling the world.  Watch this spot for updates on my first instructional book and DVD release as well as videos and pictures of my adventures abroad.
If you're a drummer by all means, feel free to leave any questions you have about the instrument and I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.
Rhythmically Yours,
Dan