Introducing the Groove Performance Lab

The Groove Performance Lab is a concept that provides our students with a way to hone their performance skills, and increase their understanding of what working professionals look for when hiring a drummer or percussionist. This is the educational series that I wish I had when I was just starting out!

The GPL is going to accomplish these objectives in a few different ways:

1. Small ensemble workshops such as the Jazz Trio Workshop and others like it;

2. Workshops led by working professional singer-songwriters; and

3. Student led bands coached by studio faculty or other working professional musicians.

The GPL will follow the academic year, with a Fall Session, a winter break over the holidays, a Spring Session, followed by a summer break.

Our next GPL experience will be Sunday, October 13th from 5pm - 7pm. There will be a separate announcement as to the guest instructor coming tomorrow!

Jazz Trio Workshop Recap!

Yesterday’s Jazz Trio Workshop was a GREAT afternoon. We were joined by Kyle Hancock (guitar) and Sarah Renz (bass), who gave the students their perspectives on small ensemble playing and specifically what they look for in drummers.

There is no faster way to improve than by playing with working professionals.

Be sure to subscribe to the studio’s YouTube channel as the videos from this event will be posted this week. Below is a quick video featuring longtime member Thomas Linderman working out a version of John Coltrane’s Giant Steps with a 5/4 twist on it.

All About the May grooveKSQ Schedule...

For a teaching studio and live events producer, the current crisis has presented some real challenges. Lessons have transitioned to an online format temporarily, as have some of our other events. Around this time of year, we are typically preparing for the student grooveFEST performances. Of course, these are tough decisions to make, but everyone’s safety comes first.

For the month of May, here is what is happening:

Rhythm & Words is postponed. This event was designed to be live, in front of an audience. To move this particular event online would do a disservice to the performers and to the audience. I absolutely LOVE this performance concept and it will happen, but it will be presented in its optimal format when the conditions allow.

grooveFEST is postponed. For the same reasons. The educational benefit to the students is from the experience of live performance. Moving that event online would likewise not serve its chief purpose - to educate (and celebrate) the students. As soon as we can hold that event live, we will. Stay tuned.

Tuesday Night Vinyl has become Virtual Vinyl. This is an example of an event that can be transitioned online and still accomplish most of its mission. There is no real substitute for having everyone in the same room, BUT, I think that going forward when live events can resume, we will keep a component of this where people can participate remotely. This month’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 24th, 7:00pm via Zoom. Please email me for the login information. Good headphones highly recommended!!!

Thank you for your continued support, we will all get through this situation together.

A Thank You to Woodland Percussion

We want to thank our event sponsor, Woodland Percussion, for their support in making the June Student Recital possible. 

Woodland Percussion specializes in creating handcrafted percussion instruments. From basic hand percussion to custom stave snares and drum kits, each instrument is individually crafted, ensuring every piece is as unique as the musicians that play them. In addition to our own products, we are delighted to offer a number of unique percussion accessories from brands such as Evans, Vic Firth, Promark, Zildjian, Puresound, Lowboy Beaters, Keplinger Drums, Spinbal, Drumkubes, Big Fat Snare Drum, Latin Percussion, Tackle Instrument Supply Co. and many more! 

For more information, please visit http://www.woodlandpercussion.com to learn more.