The DrumMantra Podcast

Sometimes we get frustrated because all we do is practice and we really want to be playing gigs.

Sometimes we are playing so many gigs that we don't have time to practice.

Is there a middle ground?

Can we figure out a way to benefit from everything we do regardless of what it is?

What is Practice? Everything is Practice.

Let's investigate.

DrumMantra Podcast was named  "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot

In this episode, we look at the 1 to 8 to 1 polymetric time table as a hand warm-up, but then we add a couple of different foot ostinatos to crank up the coordination game a little.

Please enjoy!

DrumMantra Podcast was named  "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot

Principal Percussionist of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Josh Jones, was trained from an early age to be one of the greatest percussionists in the world. 

He is a dedicated practitioner and an extremely thoughtful, intentional musician.

We discuss some very deep and insightful topics in this excellent conversation.

DrumMantra Podcast was named  "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot

In part 2 of this series on the rhythm of the Toronto Airport, more commonly known as YYZ (and more popularly known as the intro to the iconic tune from Rush's Moving Pictures album, also called YYZ.)

I hope you enjoy my tribute to Mr. Neil Peart.

DrumMantra Podcast was named  "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot

In honor of the great Neil Peart, I present to you Part 1 of a two-part series of coordination based on the iconic intro to the famed song, YYZ by Rush (which happens to be the Morse Code for the Toronto Airport!).

DrumMantra Podcast was named  "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot

In honor of the great Neil Peart, I put together a lesson pack that is based on the intro to Rush's epic song, YYZ, from their album Moving Pictures. The rhythm to the intro is morse code for the Toronto Airport.

Please pardon the unexpected emotional response to the untimely passing of Neil on January 7, 2020. He was an inspiration to countless drummers from around the world. Regardless of genre, all drummers knew, loved, and respected Neil. He part on Tom Sawyer was the very first song I learned on drums and he was without a doubt the biggest inspiration and reason for me becoming a professional musician.

This video is the Lesson of the Month at DrumMantra.com and can be seen & heard there, as well as the 25 streaming audio play-alongs, and the downloadable/printable pdf.

Learn more about the Lesson of the Month Club & the DrumMantra membership: https://www.drummantra.com/pricing

DrumMantra Podcast was named  "Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts in 2020" by Feedspot

The great Mark Walker visited DrumMantra Studios for a podcast interview and when I asked him for three grooves everyone should know, we filmed and recorded an impromptu drum lesson. 

Enjoy Mark as he demonstrates & explains a ton of great information.

In this episode, I discuss my takeaways from the time I spent with Mark Walker last week. I take a look at what it's like to marvel at another's playing up close, what it feels like to be intimidated by it, and what I am doing to find common ground by building a bridge.

One of the greatest drummers in the world stopped by DrumMantra studios during a visit to Chicago. What started out as an afternoon podcast recording turned into an epic 4-day hang. Here is some of the footage from that hang & conversation.

The 6th Century B.C. sage, Lao Tzu wrote a series of verses known as the Tao Te Ching. This book of wisdom is just as relevant today as it was 2500 years ago, and we can use his ideas to help us with how we practice, play, and interact with others.