1. Rufus Reid on comping: " when they take a breathe, comp."
2. Jim Finlayson: "the Charleston man, play the Charleston rhythm. Oh, and bass drum on the "and" of 4." 
3. Mark Eisenman: "keep the comping underneath the ride and high-hat patterns. Let it ride drive the band like a Rolls Royce"
4. Mike Whitla: "you are rushing the fills, play behind the beat".

Thank you, fellas. 

David

"Sitting in" is the time-honored tradition of asking to join in and play a song or two with strangers. It is a high stakes gamble. If you are an accomplished drummer, you risk embarrassing the current drummer and vice versa, you under play and embarrass yourself. But there are ways to do it all gracefully and get what you want: musicians to play with.  

It requires some courage and a little hubris. But it in the end, it is how musicians announce themselves into a new scene. It is how musicians find others to play with. So, get ready. 

1. If you can, go hang out for a few weeks before asking to sit in. Be friendly, at your second appearance the musicians will acknowledge you with a friendly smile. At the third appearance you will be one of the family. 
2. Make a note of the repertoire performed by the band. If you know the tunes, great. In a public jam session, the tunes will be standards. I’ve a list here of jazz standards. For Rock and Blues standards try these lists. Blues. Rock. Then go home a learn a few from memory before you ask to sit in. The tune need not be a complicated one, but it you should have it solidly memorized and in your hands. 
3. At home spend half your practice time learning the standard tunes of the genre you want to play. Play with the recordings over and over and over.
4. As a drummer learn the grooves of the genre. 
5. Practice with a metronome to develop your ear for time.
6. Be humble! Nobody wants to play with a jerk.
7. When you decide to get up their, be fully sober. Save the drinks for later!
8. As a drummer you will have to play a drum solo. Be prepared. My advice keep is simple and uncomplicated, save the fireworks for later. 
9. Be fully vaccinated, don't endanger the rest of the band. I know one band personally that spread covid amongst themselves. 
10. When preparation meets opportunity music will be made and magic happens. 

extra tip: Bring your stick bag and ear plugs!

When I moved to Toronto in my fifties, I put all of these into action. I now play regularly in lots of different scenes: Rock, Jazz, Improv, and more.

If I can help you get ready, call me. 

​David

2 Pm to 3:30PM I will be drumming in a jazz quartet. Music will made, tarts and tea will drunk. Come on down and join us. Remember your masks and covid passports. 

​

Tartistrywww.tartistry.ca
1252 the Queensway, Etobicoke ON M8Z1S2

Tomorrow is rock band rehearsal day. I'm on drum kit. Here is the process I follow to prepare, which you may find helpful.

1. I have a set list of the 10 tunes sent to me earlier.
2. I've made a play list of the tunes. I've listened enough times to have internalized the music in a general sense. 
3. I've written out the drum charts by ear and scored them.
4. I practice with to the tracks.
5. I've made a list of the tempos so that I can call them out tomorrow for the band. 
6. I studiously do my pad work with a metronome daily.
7. I will to bed early this evening. 
8. I've tuned the drums, they are ready to Rock! I'm packing a 4 piece Yamaha Club Custom set with 22'' bass drum and a set of Zildjian Custom A cymbals. 
9. I will stretch carefully today and tomorrow. Sixty-two year drummers need to warm-up carefully. 

​If I can help you get ready for your rock band practice, call me. 

​David

A drummer is an accompanist who creates beats, textures, parts, tone, and excitement.

In short, they are a team leader, team player and exhibitionistic showman/woman all wrapped up in one.

Drummers make it feel, sound, and look good.

Drummers make the other musicians glad they came to the session. In short, we bring joy and competence to the stage/studio/jam.

How do you go about this?

1. You need to learn to play your instrument. Our heroes play so well that showing off doesn't throw them off the main task of making it all sound musical. 
2. You will need to practice daily your time feels, sticking etudes, and independence exercises  with your metronome. No time, no gigs or invites to play. 
3. Repertoire development. If you want to be a country drummer, study country music from its inception. Learn about its development, major players, and core repertoire. Learn the repertoire. This will take a lifetime. Get started today. Start listening, watching, and playing along with tracks. 
4. Take lessons. Without direction and accountability, you will just spin your wheels, get bored and quit. Or worse mess never making progress. Or even worse think you've figured it out from watching YouTube, go to a jam and make a jackass of yourself. Then quit. 
5. Find a bunch of people who share your enthusiasm and hang out online and more importantly in person. Attend drum conventions, drum camps, workshops, etc. 

A caveat, the following ideas assume the student comes from a place of privilege with access to time, money, and resources in a supportive family situation. For those lacking these privileges, some societies offer community recourses or school programs. So don't give up. Seek out opportunities in community centres, possibly churches and city/town recreational centres. People want to help. 

​David 

The school bands are returning soon. One of my students, in anticipation of resumption is getting ready. We are working on his rudiments, coordination, and repertoire from his school text. He'll be ready. 

Does your child need the same support and encouragement? Call me. 

David

Boom wacka boom! After this damn pandemic is done, I'm looking forward to playing again in concert band. In anticipation, I'm getting ready. 

​David