Truth had some great drums at their booth. They just released a Matt Greiner signature production model kit that sounds phenomenal! If your interested in hearing what Truth Drums sound like you can check out their new site  that provides high quality audio samples of truth drums.

You can also keep up with Truth by following them on Twitter: @truthcstmdrums

1. Check out the putting green on the side of that snare drum!

2. Adding a 15″ maple ring in between the tube lugs adds a very interesting look.

3. Beautiful Lime Green sparkle with a very inventive X design!

4. This snare looks somewhat like a normal metal snare wrapped in the middle, but if I remember correctly, Geoff told me they were 2 snare shells cut and put together with a middle shell of maple.

5. Coach hand bag snare drum? I wonder if this is a real Coach print!?

6. This is a hybrid kit. Maple with acrylic pinstripes! Genius. Nice detail on wrapping the suspension mount!

7. Here is the complete drum set.

I hope you are inspired by these incredible drums!

What drum stands out to you the most?

Let everyone know by leaving a comment!

I just returned from a 4 day trip to Orange County/Anaheim California and I have a ton of good stuff for you. I’ll be adding blogs pretty frequently in the next week so stay tuned for that. NAMM might have just changed my life.

I went with 2 of my drumming brother’s from Austin – Chuck and Mike!

Philip, Chuck, Mike

Both of these guys are amazing drummers and great friends. We had an incredible time drooling over new drum gear, stalking our favorite drummers, and living it up at NAMM!

I got to meet some of my favorite custom drum builders including:

• Bill and Jake Cardwell of C&C Drums
• Mike Ciprari of SJC Custom Drums
• JR Frondelli of Frondelli Drums
• Truth Custom Drums
• Craviotto Drum Company
• Joyful Noise Drum Company
• Brady Drums
• Eric Soy From Dynamicx Drums, Drum Foundry, and Black Swamp Percussion

And of course I saw lots and lots of drumming legends, and was able to snag some photos with them!

While I’m working on some of the blog updates, I would highly suggest that you “Like” the Makedrums.com Facebook page, and also subscribe to my Youtube Channel. I have already put lots of pictures and videos on both of those pages!

Check back tomorrow for some more NAMM related content!

What was your favorite drum booth at the 2012 NAMM show? Leave a comment and join the conversation!

I recently had a chance to talk with Ed Francis aka “The Drummer on the Round Rock” to ask him to share some of his drumming wisdom with the community here at Makedrums. Ed shared some really incredible insights on attaining your goals as a drummer, but don’t be fooled! These tips can help you achieve goals in all areas of your life – not just drumming!

MD: Could you share specific examples – some “drum nuggets” of wisdom – that you have held on to, and have seen as instrumental in helping you achieve your personal drumming goals?

Francis: Humility is always a good place to start. When I first began playing [the drums] I knew that I didn’t know it all and I wanted to learn as much as I could about drumming. And I continue to remind myself of that way of thinking – that I still don’t know it all.

MD: A sense of knowing your own limitations has helped you…what else?

Francis: Let me try to create a list of things…

I don’t consider there to be any “hard and fast rules” to drumming success. Everyone’s path will be different. These are merely some examples of what I have done, and ways of thinking, which have assisted me well with my drumming career. I‘m sure there are a few missing that are helpful, but here it goes:

• Practice.

It’s amazing how much more someone will listen to you if you are already doing what it is you are asking of them – and this is most certainly true for teachers. Whether we’re playing for a band, teaching or giving drum clinics, people will first take notice if we’ve put in the required time and effort. As a friend of mine used to say, “the proof is in the pudding.”

The level of consistency we put into practicing our craft is a reflection of its importance in our lives.

•  No matter what I needed to do for a “real job,” I’ve always had drumming as part of my life.

I’ve bumped into many people over the years who have said “I wish I could do (insert passion here), but I just don’t have the time.” They made many excuses for their inability to make their wish a priority. I never understood this way of thinking. While growing up as a young adult I held on to my dream of being a drummer and practiced, played and performed as much as I could around my work schedule.

We make time for the things that are really significant to us.

• Find out what is most important to you.

When it comes to drums there are so many areas of interest. Are you a novice seeking to increase your drumming abilities? Do you have a level of competency on your instrument and looking to develop a stronger presence in the community? What is it that you hope to accomplish with your musicianship? Answer these questions and you will begin to understand what it is that you want to accomplish.

Knowing who you are – and what is most important to you – will help you to reach your goals.

• Do not let anyone else (including me) dictate the terms of what is most important to you.

There are so many distractions out there! People trying to tell us what’s most important. Others trying to sell you things or concepts which are truly not necessary for what it is that you see as most valuable. Knowing yourself and feeling confident about what it is you are doing will aid in your ability to distinguish what is beneficial from what is a drain to your efforts.

Be your own drummer!

• Stay focused on your goals – but be willing to look around.

Once you get a feel for who you are as a drummer, and what you wish to accomplish, it’s always a great idea to look around at what other successful people are doing in the areas which are most important to you. I like to be inspired by those around me who are great at what they do – and this includes my students. Some of the very best ideas and influences may very well come from unexpected sources.

Take the “blinders” off and be sure to learn from others.

• Just because something is good to do doesn’t mean it’s beneficial.

I can’t begin to tell you the number of missed opportunities I’m glad that I missed! We’ve had shows fall into our lap (last minute) – huge media events on big stages with lots of free media coverage – where it practically killed me to decline. When not prepared, it’s far better to miss a great opportunity than to seize that same opportunity only to gain an unfavorable impression in the community.

Making a strong first impression is always the best thing.

• A good name is better than being “right.”

There have been a few situations where people neglected to pay for services I have provided. In the past I sought to collect on these past due amounts only to walk away with the money and the potential for a not-so-flattering story to be told. I’ve learned that I actually make more money by not worrying about a few small payments.

It doesn’t feel good to lose money, but gaining a great reputation is worth much more than any amount of money.

• Be confident with your ability to fulfill what you promise.

Ask yourself: “Is what I say I can do actually what I am capable of providing?” I try to balance my advertising to accurately match what it is that I’m able to accomplish. There is something to be said about doing what you said you can do. People respect that and will highly recommend you to others.

People are always going to gossip – give them something great to gossip about!

• Always have something nice to say, or say nothing at all (at least keep it constructive).

Be careful what you say. People are connected now more that ever before. Our relationships with others may very well be the bridge that allows us to capitalize on future business. And – to be honest – it’s just common courtesy to be nice to others.

If your heart and mouth are in alignment with your passion – and you care about the people you are working for – the money will eventually follow.

• Care about what you are doing and who you are doing it for.

People are smart. They know if you are invested in them or not. Get to know your band-mates, students (their parents), club owners, music store owners, (etc…), and truly seek to add value through what you do with your drumming. It’s about relationships not money.

Investing yourself into the lives of others is investing into yourself.

• Whatever you do – give it your ALL.

Whenever performing (a small daycare facility with only 20 little kids or a huge stadium filled with 5,000 adults) I put my heart and soul into that moment of performance. This is also true for any projects connected to my drum business. Remember, what you do in that brief moment may be the one thing where people base their entire opinion of who you are and your abilities. Always provide your very best at everything you do.

No matter how big or small give it your all.

MD: We always enjoy a chance to hear from you. Would you like to add anything else?

Francis: Thank you for providing this platform. I think what Makedrums.com is doing for the drumming community is great. And a HUGE thank you to all my family, friends and students who have helped to make my drumming career a reality.

MD: We look forward to hearing from you again.

You may find out more about Ed Francis and Round Rock Drums at: www.roundrockdrums.com

P.S. – Check out this awesome drum solo from ED!!!

 What are some of your drumming goals for the year 2012? What do you think of Ed’s solo?  Leave a comment here!

It’s been amazing year for Makedrums.com and I wanted to recap some of the most visited blog posts and pages of the site for the year 2011. If you are brand new to the site, this is a great place to start! Enjoy, and please join in the conversations and leave some feedback in the comments area! HERE’S to an even better 2012!

Makedrums.com Top Posts of 2011 (according to Google Analytics)

Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System Review

Disclosure: Since I spent a LOT of time reviewing Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System, I would appreciate your support in buying lessons through a link on this page. You won’t pay a cent more, but I’ll receive a commission for my time writing this in-depth review, which helps fund this website (and my drum building obsession!). Thanks!

Check out my experience in a Video Blog:

Overview:

• 20 DVDS
• 15 Play Along CDS
• 5 Work Books
• This system is the culmination of 21 months of research and planning by Mike and the Railroad Media.
• Their goal “Create a truly revolutionary system that will teach absolutely anybody how to master the drums. Use cutting-edge technology to simplify the process into step-by-step lessons that make learning fun and easy. The content should be comprehensive, but flexible enough that the student can pick and choose exactly what they want to learn at any time.”

My Notes on The Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System: DVD 1

• When you practice something new you have to be patient.
• If you can’t get it today, put it down and come back to it tomorrow.
• On Setting up your drum set; there is no “right” way, you have to be comfortable.
• I love that Mike talks about the way you set up your drums, and your posture when playing drums. This is an important part of drumming, especially if you want to save your back in the long run!
• Stick grip technique: Matched grip – this is exactly the way I was taught…what the heck is Germanic grip, French Grip, and American Grip? Guess I better watch the rest of the dvd!
• Mike explains how to get different sounds out of your bass drum and hi-hat by using different striking techniques…this is pretty in depth stuff that most drummers may already do, but don’t know how to explain what they are doing.
• So far the first 1/4 of the 1st DVD has been about the equivelant to 2 beginner drum lessons. Extremely basic drum playing information, perfect for someone just starting to play drums.
• The DVD Package comes with 5 work books that are to be used with the DVD. This is extremely helpful for teaching drum patterns and learning how to read music all at the same time.
• I love that Mike actually teaches you 22 easy drum beats BEFORE he starts explaining drum notation and theory. For the beginning drummer, you just wanna rock and he allows you to do just that!
• THANK YOU for talking about the importance of using a metronome! – You are a drummer, you keep time, a metronome is a  no brainer!
• You should expect to pay any where from $100-$200 for a good metronome. Don’t buy a cheap one. You’ll need it to have a head phone jack. Mike uses a Boss Dr. Rhythm.
• By the end of the first DVD you should be able to play along with a few of the included play along songs!
• The credits are proof that you’ll be able to play to the play along songs – As the credits scroll you see each person involved in the making of this DVD playing the drum beats they learned from the first DVD! Including video editors, graphic designers, executive producers and more!

Check out the trailer for the Drumming System by clicking the image below!

Other Drumming System Highlights:

• I never have had a very clear understanding of rudiments, and the rudiment section is one of my favorites so far. Clear explanations of each rudiment and the work book to show me the notation and sticking has been incredible for me to easily understand these rudiments.
• Rudiments are amazing. Why has it taken me 16 years to realize this!???
• The 7 stroke roll….that’s when it starts getting hard for me. My left hand hates me.
• Double Paradiddle – Has a triplet feel, and its played by adding an extra “Para”
• Triple Paradiddle – Triple the “Para”
• My mind is blow by all of these rudiments. Very in depth stuff!
• The Triple Ratamacue actually is so hard after all!
• I am a sucker for learning how to play Latin and afro-cuban beats…and this is like a one on one lesson with Mike. I love this.
• Although this isn’t as in depth as Mike’s Latin Drumming System DVD, he basically teaches you how to play and be versilatle in a Lain drumming situation.

Conclusion:

Overall, I’m very impressed with this package of Drum Lessons. Mike has been teaching drums for over 20 years, and his Drumming System is the culmination of years of gigging, teaching and being taught. I have confidence that even non-drummer could become a GREAT drummer if they were to systematically practice exactly what Mike teaches in these lessons. I will definitely be re-watching parts of these DVDs from time to time.

If you want to become a drummer, or become an even better drummer, I highly recommend getting Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System!

Click here to learn more about the Drumming System!

What are you thoughts on Mike’s Drumming System after hearing my review? Leave a comment to join the conversation!

Disclosure: Since I spent a LOT of time reviewing The Cobus Method, I would appreciate your support in buying lessons through a link on this page. You won’t pay a cent more, but I’ll receive a commission for my time writing this in-depth review, which helps fund this website (and my drum building obsession!). Thanks!

Cobus  Potgieter (don’t worry, I can’t pronounce it either) came upon the drumming scene in 2006 when he posted his first Youtube video drum cover of “Pop” by  N’sync. This video quickly became a top viewed video on Youtube and now has over 3 million plays.

I recently got my hands on his new DVD instructional package called The Cobus Method, my first impressions from just opening the package are:

1. There are 15 DVD’s and 5 CD’s!!! That’s soo much content!
2. I wonder how long it will take me to watch all of these DVD’s… hehe.

Here is my experience in a Video blog:

My notes from watching The Cobus Method -

• Cobus’s use of the word “redonk-ulous” is pretty hilarious. EDIT: Cobus has lots of interesting/funny sounding words he likes to use. Crazy South-Africans.
• The way Cobus explains theory is incredibly simple, I’ve been playing drums for 16 years and felt like his explanation of time signatures,  and note values was easier for me to understand than ever before.
• This dude is totally self taught, and really good.
• The Cobus Method really is a method. Cobus has a specific way of learning drum songs, and a specific way of teaching them, and he is very well spoken and knows what he is talking about.
• Similar to my post about how to chart out drum music, Cobus likes to understand the structure of a song
• Appetizer, Drink Pairing, Main Course, Pudding, Cup of Coffee, Chef Fishing for Compliments, Breathe Mint – Really great analogies that Cobus uses to describe song structure.
• The way Cobus explains how to listen to other instruments for melodic cues during a song is right on.
• Yuca sounds like a band I might like.
• As long as you get the feel of the song you don’t necessarily have to play ever fill verbatim.
• It’s pretty cool watching Cobus learn a song and play through perfectly 10 minutes later.
• The Udrum kit that Cobus plays in the videos sound really good, as well as his TRX cymbals.
• The “Grid” is a great way to explain creating drum beats and fills, and extremely easy to understand.
• “Writing a drum beat is a creative process, and creative processes are ALWAYS subjective. It is art. There are no rules to creating art. You may love your drum beat, but again, your emotions toward your drum beat are totally subjective. Your bass player may hate your kick pattern. Don’t get too attached to your beat because creating a song is a collabrative process.” – Cobus, paraphrased
• These words of wisdom from Cobus about writing with a band will save you lots of time and heart ache. Leave you ego at home, serve the song.
• One of my favorite parts so far: Cobus sharing some of his “signature beats”.
• Getting to see a band writing session with Cobus and the other musicians playing off of each other and collaborating is inspiring, and really shows how a drummer should approach writing with a band.
• The “Herta” is an awesome hybrid rudiment to throw into fills.
• I might have a new favorite part of the DVD’s: Cobus sharing and explaining some of his “signature fills”. He uses lots of these in his Youtube videos. I actually played one of Cobus’s signature fills without even knowing it…but he actually knows how to use it! Check out the video of me playing this fill!

After watching all of the DVD’s I can honestly say that this really is an incredible product. I will need to actually re-watch some of the lessons when I am sitting next to my drum set and can try out some of his signature fills and beats. Overall, this DVD would be good for begging drummers and advanced drummers. Cobus starts from the very simple things of drumming, and ends with some ideas/beats/fills that will challenge the seasoned drummer.

Well. That is my take on the Cobus Method. I love this drum lesson package. I will be re-watching the videos over and over again soon. That’s the great thing about these drum lessons; you pay for them once and you can watch them whenever you want to, over and over again!

If your interested in learning more about The Cobus Method, check out the site by CLICKING HERE. – There are lots video clips from the actually DVD’s on his site that let you see the drum lesson package before you buy! Check it out!

I would love your feedback, and as always your comments are welcome. How about a conversation starter:

What do you think about Cobus?

Leave a comment to join the conversation!

Disclosure: Since I spent a LOT of time reviewing The Cobus Method, I would appreciate your support in buying lessons through a link on this page. You won’t pay a cent more, but I’ll receive a commission for my time writing this in-depth review, which helps fund this website (and my drum building obsession!). Thanks!

Drum Key – All Drummers should have at least 5…because you never know when we are going to lose them!

Speedy Drum Key – A little faster than your standard drum key.

Drill Bit Drum Key- The fastest way to change your drum heads! (You would also need a drill)

Metronome – One of the best gifts you could ever give a drummer.

L-Rod For Mounting Your Rhythm Watch – Easy way to keep your metronome close!

Music Stand – You can pack this baby up in your hardware case and take it to all your chart reading gigs!

Drum Heads – Check out my post describing my preference in drum heads – My preference in drum heads (Blog Post)

Mono Cases Drum Stick Bag – This stick bag is by far one of the coolest stick bags I’ve ever seen!

Mono Cases Cymbal Bag – To match your stick bag of course!

Pork Pie Drum Throne – Trust me… don’t go cheap on a drum throne.  This is what the drummer lives on top of. Skimp on this and you could be paying for it in visits to the back/neck/spine doctor! I have used a Pork Pie Drum throne for about 10 years now, they are amazing.

Roland Spd-s – Because it’s one of the cheaper ways to add some out of the box electronics to your set-up (Check out some of my Roland SPD-S Videos)

Roland Octapad SPD-30 Digital Percussion Pad – Because it’s a step up from the Spd-S. Much better sounds, and functionality.

Roland SPD-SX Percussion Controller, Sampling Pad – Honestly, I just can’t get enough of all of the Roland drum pads…This one seems to have just come out, would you like to buy it for me?

Drum! Magazine Subscription – A great drum magazine.

Modern Drummer Magazine Subscription – The world’s most widely read drum magazine.

In Ear Monitors – Chances are, if you keep drumming, you’ll need a pair of these. There are some great options out there: Shure SE-425 (I use these) (They also have one of the best warranties), Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10, Shure SE535-V, Westone 4 are among some of the better models.

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Sunglasses – Because you’ll need them at all the outdoor festivals you play at. Plus, you’ll look just like Guy “Shades” Patterson!

Drum T-Shirt That You Can Play! – Because there will always be “that guy” that wants to play the drums on your shirt, but when you wear this shirt you’ll give them a very nice surprise…it really plays!

Drum Lessons with a Pro – There lots of drummers that will actually give drum lessons over Skype. Paul Wandtke is just one of them, and he has great prices!

Coffee Drum Table that you can play! – How awesome would it be to have a drum circle in your living room using your coffee table!

Zildjian Black Classic T-Shirt – Let people know what you like to play!

Got Drums? Mens Hoodie – Everyone needs a hoodie!

I’d Rather Be Playing Drums Metal License Plate Frame Tag Holder- Now everyone behind your car will know the truth…

Zildjian 24 Inch Bar Stool 2-Pack  - Obviously for the bachelor pad or drum room.

SKB Drum Cases with Padded Interiors – I have used SKB Cases for about 10 years and absolutely love them. Did I mention they have a lifetime warranty?

Sabian HHX Super Cymbal Pack – I am positive that any drummer who got this as a gift would indeed be grateful.

Sabian 24″ Symphonic Gong – Even though most drummers will admit it, they secretly wish you would buy them a gong!

Quick Set Cymbal Mate – I started using these a couple of years ago when I got tired of the cymbal wing nuts falling off the stand in a dark venue when I was changing cymbals. See my video review of the product.

The Making of a Drum Company : The Autobiography of William E. Ludwig II – This is a great book on the history of Ludwig drums told from the perspective of William Ludwig himself! I own it and think it should be required reading for all drummers who want to start a drum company! I also wrote a blog post on the History of Ludwig Drum Company a while back you might want to check out!

Neil Peart Taking Center Stage: Lifetime of Live Performances – This is Neil Peart’s latest DVD. One of the most famous drummers in the world. Know for playing drums for the band RUSH.

Blue Man Group: How to Be a Megastar Live! – I own the first Blue Man Group DVD and really want this one. If you need inspiration for drumming, just pop this in the dvd player! Incredible engaging live show.

STOMP Live – Again, I own the first Stomp DVD and I really want this one. More drumming inspiration!

Audix DP7 Drum Microphone KIt Dynamic Mic Package – This is a really great set of drum mics that can get you started in the pro audio/drummer world!

Feel free to email this post to your friends and family and let them know which items are on your list!

Is there something on your list that I’ve missed? Tell me by leaving a comment below!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Most great ideas and inventions are birthed from people seeing a need that is not currently met in society and then creating a method or product that meets that previously unmet need. I started using drum charts when I found myself getting confused with song structure, and drum parts for the multiple bands that I played drums for at my church while I was in college. I was one of many volunteers’ drummers that rotated around the church playing in the Kidstuff band, the youth band, the celebrate recovery band, and the main service band. Up until that point I had played primarily with one main band or leader, who had always set aside at least 1 day a week to rehearse.  I was able to have lots of practice time with those bands, and in the rehearsal time we were able to work on song structure and each instrument crafted their own part for the song. By the end of our rehearsals, each band member would have the song ingrained in our head from the repetition of playing, critiquing, changing, and replaying each song until it was near perfect.

When I was thrown into playing with 4 different bands at my church, I no longer had the luxury (I thought it was a luxury at the time) of rehearsing 1 song for an hour until it was perfect. I was expected to come to 1 rehearsal a week that was 1 hour BEFORE we played on Sunday (or Tuesday or Wednesday). At first I was frustrated because it was extremely difficult for me to actually learn the set list in an hour and attempt to play it well…but this was honestly one of the greatest things that could have ever happened to me. I quickly found out that if I wanted to keep up my A game with each band I had to be able to learn and play new songs within an hour of hearing the song for the first time. (This was before church’s used web based worship planning applications like Planning Center, which now makes it easy for worship leaders to upload mp3’s for their musicians to learn songs). I had been in school band since the 5th grade, so I had some experience writing and reading rhythmic patterns. I knew it wasn’t very efficient to actually write out every single bar of music that I would be playing for a given song, so I created my own method of charting out drum parts for songs.

Like I said earlier, this method is not for writing out every single beat down to the 32nd note. It is not a piece of sheet music. It is a road map for the song, and a tool that will help you play each song accurately every time, even if it is your first time playing the song.

Materials Needed to Write a Drum Chart

• Pencil or Pen
• Paper
• Click Track Capable of finding tempos (I just the Tama Rhythm Watch)
• Audio file of the song you want to chart (I usually use Itunes)
• Headphones (or speakers, but I find I focus better with headphones)

When you have multiple gigs a week playing with different bands, you’ll need to be organized. I recommend buying a couple of manila folders. You’ll need one folder for each person you play with. On each folder, write the name of each band or worship leader you play with, and in each band folder, arrange the charts for the tunes in alphabetical order. You’ll put all of the artist’s manilla folders in a master folder to all of your gigs. At the gig, if you know the set list, you can arrange the charts for each set.

DRUMMER TIP

You should also create a “Master Click List” with the name of each some and tempo listed in alphabetical order. Put this next to your charts to reference just in case your band leader starts a song not in the set list.

Writing the Chart

To write a drum chart you’ll need to be somewhat familiar with how songs are structured. To help you identify song structures take a look at these common parts of a song:

• Intro – Beginning of a song. Most are instrumental.
• Verse – Where the writer tells the story. There are usually multiple verses that don’t repeat. Verses are a great place to lay a dynamic foundation for the rest of the song to build on. Verses tend to have a softer dynamic to allow the story to capture the listener’s attention.
• Pre-Chorus – Part of the song directly before the chorus. Pre-choruses tend to have a natural build into the chorus.
• Chorus – The central idea of the song that is usually repeated several times. Choruses tend to make you want to sing along.
• Turn Around – Usually an instrumental part of the song that allows the song to flow into the next verse or section.
• Solo – A section of the song where an instrumentalist improvises on their instrument.
• Bridge – A part of the song that introduces a new idea and melody that hasn’t been visited yet. Sounds completely different than the verse and the chorus. Bridges may be the high point of the song, or they may be completely broken down.
• Tag – A repeated section of the end of a chorus, verse or bridge. It could be a few a few words, or a whole line.
• Outro/Ending – A section that is usually instrumental and can tie back to the intro to make the song a complete thought.

Steps in Writing the Chart

• Play the song one time through just listening to it to become familiar with the song. While listening write the name of the song at the top of the chart, determine and write the time signature next to the name, and use your metronome to tap out the tempo and write it at the top of the chart. Also write the feel of the song (straight rock, shuffle, waltz, etc…) So far the top of the chart should look something like this:

Hallelujah What A Savior ?Time Sig:  4/4     BPM:  73      Feel: Straight Rock

• Listen to the song again, and write out the song form. Count the measures for each section and write them below the form. It should look something like this:

Intro – 4 (bars, measures…)
TA (Turn Around) – 4
Verse –  8
TA – 4
Verse 2 – 8 + 1
Chorus – 8
TA – 4
Verse 3 – 8
Verse 4 – 8 +3
Chorus –  8
Bridge – 8
Chorus – 6 + 2
Chorus – 8
Tag -  1

• Next write down what your part does. You may write in lyrical que’s to help you remember accents and tags. Basically this section is the area where you write anything that will help you remember what your drum part is. For example:

Intro – 4 w/drums only
TA – 4 w/full band
Verse –  8 closed hat
TA – 4
Verse 2 – 8 + 1 bar of build
Chorus – 8
TA – 4 bars
Verse 3 – 8 OUT
Verse 4 – 8 swell into, Keep time on ride + 3 bars of buildish tom beat
Chorus –  8 huge
Bridge – 8 huge
Chorus – 6 bars out, 2 bars build
Chorus – 8 bars huge w/pulsing kick
Tag -  1 “your love has rescued me” Out on “Me”

• You can also write any specific drumbeats that are used in the song. For example:

• Listen one last time to the song while checking your chart for errors and making sure that it all makes sense to you.

The finished chart should be able to get you through the song perfectly ever time you play it!

Check out www.austinstoneworship.com to find chord charts, video lessons, and more about the December 6th release of the first live record from The Austin Stone!

Take Advantage of Your Warranty NOW!

About 10 years ago after cracking countless cymbals (yes, I know that I had bad technique for striking the cymbals, and I was really into Metal) I finally decided to try out this warranty thing. The reason I had never used the warranty before was because I thought that it would be a huge hassle or I had already lost the receipt. When I started making a living as a musician I realized that I could save all my receipts and use them as a deduction on my taxes, which encouraged me to keep all of my music “business” receipts in a safe place. Since then I’ve probably gotten about 6 free cymbals from sending them in because they cracked while they were still under warranty.

In order to use most warranties you must:

• Have original purchase receipt
• Purchase date must be within warranty coverage period.
• Item under warranty must have only been subjected to normal conditions

My Personal Warranty Interactions

Sabian Cymbals

I primarily play Sabian Cymbals, and have used the warranty about 5 times. Each time it took about 1-2 weeks to get a replacement cymbal back in the mail, and at no cost to me what-so-ever! All SABIAN cymbal series are guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 2 years from original date of purchase. Using the Sabian warranty is easy:

• Call to request a RMA # (Return Merchandise Authorization) – Ask them any other questions you might have while you have them on the phone.
• Ship your cracked cymbal and original purchase receipt to the address they give you, with the RMA # on the side of the box.
• Wait for your new cymbal!

Every interaction I have ever had with Sabian has been very pleasant and easy. I highly recommend them.

For more info on Sabian’s warranty visit Sabian Cymbals FAQ.

Zildjian Cymbals

Before I started using Sabian I dabbled with Zildjian cymbals, and used their warranty a time or two. Zildjian cymbals carry a two year warranty, from date of purchase, against manufacturing flaws. The process to replace your cymbal is very similar to that of Sabian’s.

Zildjian will not replace a cymbal if:

“A cymbal returned without a receipt will be evaluated by the serial number on each cymbal, which tells the evaluator how old the cymbal is. A cymbal will not be replaced if it has been: misplayed, dropped, played with excessive force or treated abusively; bought second hand or used in a lease program; if it has been previously replaced by Zildjian; or if more than two years have passed since the purchase of the cymbal” – Zildjian.com

For more info on Zildjian’s Warranty check out the Zildjian Warranty Infomation Page.

SKB Hardware Cases

For most gigs I use SKB hard cases for my drums. They have a Million Mile Guaranty, which basically means it is covered for life. This is why I love SKB so much:

“SKB brand hard shell cases are fully warranted against defects in materials and craftsmanship for the life of the case to the original owner. That means, if your case breaks, SKB will either supply replacement parts, repair the case, or replace the case at no cost to you for as long as you own the case. Most locks, handles and wheels have been made field replaceable and will be supplied to you at no charge.” – SKBcases.com

First off…I’ve never had an SKB case break on me…They are hard plastic, and unless you are really being rough on them, they will be just fine. I have however had one of the plastic snap buckles break, and one of the metal latches break on my hardware case after about 10 years of using it!!! All I had to do was email customerservice@skbcases.com and explain what happened, and they supplied me with the replacement parts to essentially make it a brand new case! Brilliant!

Trust me, spend the money and get SKB hard cases, you won’t regret it.

For more info on the SKB Warranty check out the SKB Warranties and Guaranties page.

Shure In-Ear Monitors

I can’t say much about any of the other fine products that Shure offers since I don’t own them, but I have used Shure In-Ear Monitors for about 10 years. I recently had one of the drivers go out in my left ear bud. I contacted Shure about it and ended up sending the ears to them to repair. The standard repair fee for my model of ears was $97, but they actually gave me a brand new pair of the newer model. Another time I had a pair of ears that had a driver go out while they were still under warranty.
Shure has a great warranty:

“Every Shure® product comes with a Limited Warranty that in normal use the product will be free of any defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one or two years from its original date of purchase.” -Shure.com

They sent a replacement pair within 2 weeks!  For more info about the Shure Warranty check out Shure Americas | Warranty

What’s Your Experience With Warranties?

So you’ve heard my side of the story, now I would love to hear yours! Please leave a comment and tell me about your experience with any warranties you’ve used before!

The Importance of Reading Music for Drummers

Rhythm and drumming has been a part of society dating back thousands of years. Something so primitive and natural is simply engrained in our being. We, the individual, need nothing but to harness the rhythm and express it.

When learning a new instrument, be it guitar, piano, drums or any other, the student has the option of learning to read the notation or playing solely by ear. Although learning by ear may be easiest or quickest for a beginner, I am a strong believer that learning to read the notation leads to a more holistic understanding of the instrument. Some music teachers focus solely on the basics of how to play; in my lessons I focus not only on the basics of drumming, but I also place emphasis on sight reading drum set and rhythmic notation along with proper counting and steady breathing techniques to make the student a more well-rounded drummer.

Throughout my years of teaching I have come to understand that being able to read drum set notation paves the way for enhanced productivity in drumming lessons and personal advancement with the instrument.

• Understanding drum set notation can help the student control the count, increase muscle memory, and it can be instrumental in developing multi-limb independence.

Although drum set notation is not standardized, the beats and patterns that make up drumming music are still organized in a very manageable way. Using quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes and so on, any beat can be broken down into simple parts or sections. Being able to visualize the beats allows the student to see where the count is happening and control it better. Without being able to understand the count, it is much more difficult to play in time at a constant tempo.

• Difficult tasks such as drumming are made easier by the body’s use of muscle memory.

Muscle memory assists drummers in playing complex patterns by relieving the brain of performing certain tasks. By freeing up space, focus can be placed on other actions. For example: any simple eighth note beat has a constant pattern on the hi-hat; if this steady pattern is committed to memory, the brain only has to focus on the bass and snare drum notes. Being able to read the beat rather than trying to remember it helps the student perform the same correct beat each time. The correct repetition of patterns is significant in building up this muscle memory.

As drum beats and patterns gain complexity they may require the use of more limbs, such as a hi-hat count or a left foot clavé.  Seeing beats written out allows the student to break the pattern down and focus on each note separately. After understanding how each note works on their own and in relation to one another they can once again be brought together. Through repetition the beat can be sped up to a reasonable tempo where multi-limb independence is improved. Without being able to read drum set notation complex rhythms may be more difficult to piece together coherently.

• Taking the time to learn to read music right away will aid you in becoming a more advanced player, faster.

You will still come across sticking patterns that confuse you, but your knowledge of sight-reading will allow you to take baby steps through them. You will develop new limb independence and coordination to eventually master each and every pattern you may find. Lastly: so, you’ve decided you want to learn the drums and now you have my book (or any other) in front of you; how are you going to remember all the patterns, beats and exercises on your own, if you don’t learn to read it!

Start your reading now by trying to learn how to read and play this Sixteen Bar Pattern

About the Author

David Milwain is a young, energetic, professional drumming instructor and session artist with over fifteen years of experience on the drums. Currently residing in Kamloops, B.C., David focuses his energy on a diverse teaching schedule including private in-home drumming lessons, preschool rhythm classes and a one-of-a-kind music program for elementary school students. David’s drumming manual designed to assist new drummers; “David Milwain’s Drum Book”, is now available on-line and in select Long and McQuade music retailers. For more information check out davidmilwaindrumschool.com