community

Introducing Groove Central

Members Only!

This is the next step in the studio’s evolution: Groove Central - an online collection of video lessons, the new online home of Virtual Vinyl, production tutorials, and a whole lot more. This content will only appear in Groove Central and nowhere else. PLUS, GC members will be able to read my upcoming book The Way of the Drum, as it is being written and evolving over time.

For $5/month, GC Members get access to the online content, PLUS deep discounts on live events (i.e our djembe workshops and guest drum clinics).

CURRENT STUDENTS: Join GC, and you will get a $5 credit on your monthly lesson invoices so this is no additional cost to you.

Groove Central
$5.00
Every month

Groove Central is the studio's members-only online space which features written and video content that does not appear anywhere else.

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Nate Smith Drum Clinic Recap

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There is nothing more gratifying than when a plan comes together and things run smoothly. This afternoon, a very enthusiastic group of drummers got a front row seat to a true professional operating at the highest level of the percussion activity - Nate Smith.

Nate was gracious with his time and answered as many questions as time would allow. He performed several solo pieces he wrote for drumset, all of which had clearly defined song structures and conceptual progressions. He played with expert dynamic control and precision. He imparted some very practical, actionable advice about being a professional. It was a GREAT day.

Nate Smith takes the audience on a rhythmic journey….

Special thanks to Zildjian Cymbals, Evans drumheads, Vic Firth drumsticks for their awesome promotional support. Also special thanks to James Boruch for lending the drums from his personal collection for today’s event, and Dan Ciccone and Logan Ritterbeck for helping on the set up and sound engineering.

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GrooveFEST Recap

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Yesterday was one of the best events the studio has ever had. All of the performers were terrific and the turnout and support from the students’ families and friends was incredible as well.

We heard many different musical genres, from classic rock to country, from jazz to funk and an original composition on drumset to cap off the afternoon.

Video content will follow this week, and below is a gallery of photos from the event. Congratulations to all of our student performers!

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When Preparation Meets Opportunity

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When Preparation Meets Opportunity

All the students come with slightly different goals. Some want to be in a rock band with their friends. Some want to audition for a music program at the college or university level. Some come to the studio just to have fun. Some put the work in to be professional players. ALL of these goals are legitimate, and I’ll help you move towards your goals - whatever those may be. The important thing here is that the teaching objectives are defined by the students.

The students undertake all this preparation: hand speed workouts, ear training, repertoire work, etc., so that when an opportunity presents itself, they are ready to step in and do a professional job.

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Audition Prep @ groove; My Favorite Kind of Email

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One of the key services the studio provides is audition prep. It could be for your student’s school band, for district or regional orchestra or band, college or university music school, or marching percussion at the DCA, WGI or DCI level. It is all about preparation and hard work.

Below is a screen shot of one of my favorite kinds of emails:

Preparation and hard work does indeed pay off.

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Dennis Chambers Clinic Roundup

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The Dennis Chambers clinic was a terrific experience for our students and a lot of new friends who got a rare chance to see one of the best in the business up close.

Dennis talked a lot about the importance of playing with feel and groove versus showcasing your shops (i.e. playing as many notes as you can all the time).

Dennis performed with Oz Noy Trio later that evening to a sold out crowd and brought the house down.