Improvisational Exercise, long form

Routine in our practice is a valuable thing. There is value in staying organized and focused in our quest to improve. However, too much routine can be detrimental to your growth as a drumset artist. This is an example of a long form improvisational exercise that I use with my students - I'll hold down a pattern (this one happens to be in 12/8), and the student's job is to not think - just create. It takes some time to free oneself from your own headspace. I recommend trying this for at least 15 - 20 minutes. Once you can spend a hour continuously in this headspace, some interesting things can result.

In this video, David Robinson comes up with some interesting ideas over the 12/8. Spend some time with this video and you will see what I mean.

If you are interested in studying with me, please click here.

The Odd Time Playlist

In my discussions with many of you throughout the last few weeks, we have addressed quite a few songs that are in odd time signatures (i.e. not in 4/4 or 2/4 time). I started a playlist of songs that I think are worth your time. One of the characteristics of these songs is that they don’t feel like they are in 5 or 7 or 13. That is the mark of skillful songwriting and arranging.

What songs would YOU add to this list? I want to hear from you. Email me here.

New Video Lesson: 7/8 Punctuation

This is an exercise in 7/8 time signature that is designed to build dexterity in both hands, and enhance the ability to create some interesting “big endings” using a rudimentary base and some advanced hand speed. As with everything, start this slowly and build your speed up until you can play this with some fluidity. Good luck!

7/8 Punctuation Exercise by Bryan Tuk Drums on Scribd

The Pat Metheny Interview

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Pat Metheny, he is a legendary jazz guitarist who has won 20 Grammys. He is a bridge to the past, but is a very contemporary composer and player. I saw this interview - which is absolutely packed with wisdom. Not knowledge - musical wisdom.

This is worth your time, but it is a longer piece (about 90 minutes). I listened to it in three sittings, a half hour at a time. Enjoy:

Documentary: Count Me In

We are not in the business of reviewing movies here, but this documentary really was an uplifting look at a wide range of professional drummers and the reasons why they started drumming in the first place.

The one thing in particular I found enjoyable was that the interview subjects weren’t all the usual characters:

• Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction)

• Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden)

• Cindy Blackman Sanata (Lenny Kravitz, Santana)

• Roger Taylor (Queen)

  (there were many, many more).

The filmmakers really took time to put together a unique group of pros for this. It is on Netflix, and parents - there is some strong language in the film here and there. Rated TV-MA.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

Jazz Trio Workshop Spotlight: Alex Zurl

The next spotlight from our recent Jazz Trio Workshop is on Alex Zurl.

Earlier this month, I brought in two professionals: Jeff Knoettner (Piano) and Rob Swanson (Bass) to perform with some of the studio's members. Total immersion in playing at a professional level - there is no way to simulate it - so we learn by DOING. Education by action.

Here, Alex Zurl performs the classic "My Girl", staying deep in the pocket and serving the song.