Here’s how I get better at drumming:
1) play the drums, free flow, whatever I feel like
2) wait for a moment to arise where I try to do something that doesn’t work for some reason
3) move away from that thing and then move back towards it again
4) locate the feeling in my body of awkwardness / discomfort that is activated while I’m trying to do that thing that doesn’t work
5) focus on that feeling in the body very specifically and breathe while I keep going towards and away from the thing I’m trying to do
6) dial in, very specifically, on the technique or figure I’m trying to play, which came from my creativity and got stuck somewhere in my body between the inspiration and the execution
7) create an exercise around that specific figure. Play it with and without a metronome. Play it with deep focused attention and with absent mindedness.
8) repeat until it can be played fluidly, not only on its own but in the greater context of other playing
9) drink water
10) play drums, free flow, whatever I feel like
If you want to study drums with me, hit the link in my bio. Still very gladly offering one free lesson or coaching session per weekday. If you can afford it though, pay up.
(all audio recorded using a @teenageengineering cm15 plugged directly into my phone)
This Wednesday May 6th we’re starting Lullaby live 🎶 @gdfx and friends will be performing live - blending acoustic and electronic sounds with horns, synths, drum machines and more 🎷🍸✨
Fantastic session today and yesterday with this awesome trio: the circular-breathing master of heavy and low saxophones #ColinStetson @colinstetson on bass saxophone and tenor sax (ribbon, condenser, clip on, contact, throat mic and room mic), the rock #TrevorDunn @dunnatov on electric 4 string and 12 string bass through an Ampeg amp (DI, condenser mic and room mic) and the super versatile drummer #GregFox @gdfx on drums and electronics.
Recording new music at AudioConfidential @audioconfidential through the Neve console and such great mics is always lots of fun, but the real privilege is to be able to witness the creative process of such killer musicians and be there while the magic happens. It’s a gift!
