Reflecting on ancient music, Plato once said, "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." During the holiday season, may your hearts be full, and your spirits steadfast. May our hearts resonate with harmony, and may gratitude be the melody that guides us forward. With grace and resilience

EXERCISES BASED ON QUARTER NOTE FIGURES The Rhythm & Meter Patterns, book pages 16 & 17, have 28 exercises. The exercises focus on various combinations of quarter-note-based figures. I recommend using a medium (MF) stick height while practicing along with a metronome at approximately 60 BPM. This approach will help develop control, consistency, and independence between hands.

As we gather in gratitude, let us remember the Stoic truth that happiness resides not in external circumstances, but within our own minds and hearts. Embrace this moment with humility and strength, knowing that true fulfillment comes from virtue, resilience, and mindfulness. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts." Let us choose thoughts of gratitude, compassion, and wisdom that enrich our lives and those around us. Reflecting o

I will either discover the path, or forge it myself, for in perseverance and purpose, the way is made."

When you move to music, sing, and play along, you can feel its energy—it becomes a part of you. This is the musician's paradise, a world where the music and spirit truly connect. You are inside the song. **The Spiritual Uplift of Being Inside Music** Music has a profound way of touching our souls, elevating our spirits, and creating a sense of unity within ourselves and with others. When you move to music, sing along, or play an instrument, you're not just engaging with sound

Festina Lente is a Latin phrase that translates to "make haste slowly." True speed comes from careful, deliberate practice. When you habitually rush through your music practice, your ears become dulled, and your playing becomes sloppy. It's fine to test your progress with a quick, intense effort occasionally . However, allowing speed to develop naturally through careful, consistent nurturing—much like meticulously building a finely crafted racing car—is far more effective. Un

WRITE THREE GOALS FOR THE NEXT WEEK, MONTH, AND YEAR. Developing and Articulating Clear goals for Personal and Professional Growth. An essential aspect of achieving meaningful progress involves the strategic setting of well-defined goals. Engage in a Collaborative Dialogue: Initiate a conversation with a trusted friend, mentor, or partner to discuss potential goals. This dialogue provides valuable perspective, accountability, and clarity. Define Specific Goals: Upon establish

To all my students and friends, heed this counsel: Study diligently, for mastery transforms you into a force to be reckoned with. Yet...

THREE CAMPS WITH A TRIPLET OSTINATO ON MY BASS DRUMS. Tapping into the versatility of classic method books and applying them to other...

By Ed Shaughnessy - Drummer on the Tonight Show The word had gotten out from The New York grapevine, that Buddy Rich had been playing...

GENE KRUPA Louis Bellson recounted a memorable moment in New York City. He was standing on a corner with Gene Krupa, deep in conversation, when suddenly a parade marched by. Among the performers was a snare drummer with an unbelievable left-hand technique, captivating everyone’s attention. Gene Krupa, known for his own incredible drumming, eagerly followed the parade. As the parade came to a stop, Gene approached one of the snare drummers and offered him five dollars in excha

In his haunting book Ghost Rider, drummer Neil Peart writes after the loss of his wife and daughter. He has been devastated by these...

DRUM EMPOWERMENT! We have our habits. We have our practices. We have the way we like to do things, the things we like to eat, and the way...

"Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind, but mankind cannot comprehend"...

We need to maintain faith and confidence in our path, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties. We must understand that every...

When we face obstacles, we must be like a metaphorical fire that transforms everything into fuel. To achieve this, we need to be...

Practice - work that may begin in unseen or humble ways, but can lead to magnificent outcomes.

Debt is usually a word that is associated with credit cards, loans, or some sort of bills paid on a monthly basis. However , there is a...

In 1717, Johann Sebastian Bach participated in a musical duel with French organist and composer Louis Marchand. Marchand had initially...