ACADEMY MEMBERS

LEARNING TIME

with

Gig Bags vs Hard Cases: How do you protect your gear on the road?

As a professional musician and educator with over 35 years of touring experience, I know firsthand how crucial it is to protect your gear while on the road. The debate between gig bags and hard cases ... ...more

Tips & Tricks

January 16, 2025•2 min read

Sheet Music vs By Ear: How do you prefer to learn new songs?

As a seasoned musician and educator with over 35 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless methods for learning new songs. The debate between using sheet music and learning by ear is one that ma... ...more

Tips & Tricks

January 09, 2025•2 min read

Coated Heads vs Clear Heads: Which Drumhead Do You Prefer for Recording?

When it comes to recording drums, the choice of drumheads can significantly shape your sound. As a professional musician and educator with over 35 years of experience, I’ve dedicated countless hours t... ...more

Tips & Tricks

January 02, 2025•2 min read

Groovin' with Creativity: My Foot-Tapping Billie Jean Drum Cover

I'm excited to share a recent video where I took on Michael Jackson's iconic "Billie Jean" groove with a unique twist – using my feet! ...more

Education

December 10, 2024•2 min read

Single Pedal vs. Double Pedal: Finding Your Drumming Footing

Today we're diving into a classic gear debate: single pedal versus double pedal. As a professional drummer and educator, I've seen countless students grapple with this question. ...more

Tips & Tricks

November 17, 2024•2 min read

10 tips to avoid common drum practice mistakes

Let's talk about what to avoid so that you can get in the best practice session possible. ...more

Education

October 29, 2024•3 min read

Toms: Two Sides of the Story - Regular vs. Concert Toms

Today we're diving into the world of toms, those versatile drums that add color and punch to your grooves. But within the realm of toms lies a debate: regular toms versus concert toms. Understanding t... ...more

Tips & Tricks

October 22, 2024•3 min read

The Stick Struggle is Real: My Journey to the Grant Collins Signature

Have you ever blamed a technique hurdle on the wrong drumstick? Raises hand sheepishly Yeah, me too. For years, I chased the mythical "perfect stick" that would magically unlock my drumming woes. But... ...more

Drummer Questions

October 20, 2024•2 min read

My Metronome Matchmaker: A Drummer's Love Affair with Tempo Advanced

What apps or software have become your drumming buddies? For me, the search for the perfect practice partner led me to Tempo Advanced, and it's been a game-changer. Here's why this app isn't just anot... ...more

Drummer Questions

October 13, 2024•2 min read

Building Your Dream Kit: Custom vs. Stock Kits

As a professional drummer and educator, I've seen countless students grapple with a crucial gear decision: custom drum kits vs. stock kits. Both have their merits, and the best choice depends on your ... ...more

Tips & Tricks

October 08, 2024•3 min read

5 Reasons Why It's Good To Have a Practice Buddy

There are several benefits to having a practice buddy when you are learning the drums. Let's look at why. ...more

Education

October 01, 2024•3 min read

The Pursuit of Groove: My Journey with Daily Drumming Practice

How long is your longest drumming session? For me, the answer depends on the stage of my career. When I set out to become a professional musician, dedication became my mantra. Here's how daily practic... ...more

Drummer Questions

September 29, 2024•2 min read

The Tonewood Showdown: Maple vs. Birch Drum Shells

The sound of your kit starts with the shells themselves. Wood choice plays a significant role in shaping your drum's tone, sustain, and projection. Today, we'll delve into two popular shell woods: map... ...more

Tips & Tricks

September 24, 2024•3 min read

The Power of Many: Balancing Solo Practice and Group Sessions for Drumming Nirvana

Do you prefer solo practice or group sessions? The answer, for me, is a resounding both! While dedicated solo practice is essential, the magic of group drumming can't be replicated. Let me explain why... ...more

Drummer Questions

September 22, 2024•2 min read

Focus Fire: Achieve More with One Big Thing

Ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of drumming knowledge out there? New techniques, hot licks, endless paradiddles – it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. ...more

Video Shorts

September 21, 2024•1 min read

In-Ear Monitors vs. Overhead Headphones: Striking the Right Chord for Your Listening Needs

Choosing the perfect headphones for your needs. Today, we'll be comparing two popular options – in-ear monitors (IEMs) and overhead headphones – to help you pick the right tool for your listening expe... ...more

Tips & Tricks

September 17, 2024•3 min read

The All-Encompassing Arsenal: Why I Love My Monster Drum Set

What's your dream drum kit that surrounds you? For me, having played on countless drum sets throughout my career, there's one setup that truly ignites my creative fire: the large solo drum set. ...more

Drummer Questions

September 15, 2024•2 min read

Stuck on the Drums? Chart Your Course to Success!

Are you feeling stagnant on your drumming journey? Maybe you're passionate about playing, but unsure how to translate that passion into progress. In this post, we'll tackle a common roadblock: the lac... ...more

Video Shorts

September 14, 2024•1 min read

Flat Ride vs. Ping Ride: Finding Your Cymbal Voice

Cymbals are the voices of our kits, each offering a unique palette of sound. Today, we'll delve into the world of rides, focusing specifically on flat rides and ping rides. ...more

Tips & Tricks

September 10, 2024•2 min read

The Mighty Paradiddle: A Drummer's Swiss Army Knife

What's your go-to drumming rudiment? For me, the answer is a no-brainer: the single paradiddle. This seemingly simple pattern – RLRR LRLL – packs a powerful punch when it comes to versatility and tech... ...more

Drummer Questions

September 08, 2024•2 min read

Can You Really Over-Practice Drums? Busted Myths!

Drummers, ever come across advice limiting your practice time? Maybe you've read on forums that two hours is the magic maximum. Well, I'm here to debunk that myth! ...more

Video Shorts

September 07, 2024•2 min read

10 Tips for Better Drum Practicing

We’re all busy so I’ve got my 10 top tips to help you maximize your practice time and advance your playing. ...more

Education

September 03, 2024•10 min read

Brick Walls and Breakthroughs: Conquering Plateaus on Your Drumming Journey

How do you smash through those dreaded practice plateaus? Let's face it, hitting a brick wall mid-practice is no fun. But for all drummers, myself included, it's an inevitable part of the drumming jou... ...more

Drummer Questions

September 01, 2024•2 min read

Practice Makes Progress, Even Without a Kit!

Feeling discouraged because you can't get to your kit? Don't let that stop you! In this post, we'll explore the many ways to effectively practice drumming, even when away from your precious set. ...more

Video Shorts

August 31, 2024•2 min read

The Books That Shaped My Groove: A Drummer's Resource Revelation

What drumming books or resources have had a profound impact on your playing? For me, the journey to becoming a well-rounded drummer wasn't just about countless hours behind the kit; it was fueled by t... ...more

Drummer Questions

August 25, 2024•2 min read

Tighten Up Your Timing: The Power of Counting on Drums

Have you ever felt like you're guessing your way through a beat? Struggling to lock in with the groove? In this post, we'll explore a fundamental skill that can revolutionize your drumming: counting. ...more

Video Shorts

August 24, 2024•2 min read

Maximise your drum practice - Part 2

Be Set Up & Ready to Go! Maximise your drum practice - Part 2 ...more

Education

August 20, 2024•3 min read

Maximise your Drum Practice - Part 1

Make it as easy as possible to get into your practice, and I mean EASY! ...more

Education

August 19, 2024•2 min read

The Never Ending Groove: How I Stay Motivated on My Drumming Journey

How do you stay fired up and keep those sticks moving? For me, the answer lies in the never ending journey of learning and exploration that drumming offers. It's a constant cycle of challenge, reward,... ...more

Drummer Questions

August 18, 2024•2 min read

Making the Most of Your Mini-Practice Sessions: Drumming on the Run!

Life can get hectic, leaving precious little time for practice. But fear not! Even short practice sessions can be incredibly valuable – the key is maximizing your limited time. Here are some tips to g... ...more

Video Shorts

August 11, 2024•1 min read