The Drummer’s Connection Between Sight and Sound

I recently had a very interesting conversation with a student that led me to some shocking conclusions about the drumming process. This student had focused so much on reading music and understanding note values that she was not actually hearing the notes she was playing. I then realized that some drummers are quite lucky to haveContinue reading “The Drummer’s Connection Between Sight and Sound”

#DrumStudentTabloids: John Lavin

Teaching adults is very enjoyable for me. With years of experience behind them and an insightful world view, drum lessons become more than simply learning an instrument. In the case of John Lavin, it’s an exploration of culture and self-identity. John teaches English at Kensington Business High School and orchestrates a drum circle for the students, encouragingContinue reading “#DrumStudentTabloids: John Lavin”

4 Steps to Strengthening Your Practice Routine

It would take every finger on the cast of Whiplash to tally up the number of reasons my students have claimed they were unable to practice between lessons. OK, fine… I get it. Drums aren’t the end all be all for EVERYONE. Sometimes I guess the geometry homework or taxes take priority. However, I think this goes beyond notContinue reading “4 Steps to Strengthening Your Practice Routine”

#DrumStudentTabloids: Neil Humphreys Goldenthal

It’s rare to come across a 14 year old that wants to learn Snarky Puppy songs and drum grooves in odd time signatures but rare is AWESOME at The Jon Ardito Drum School. Neil has been with me just over a month and we are having a blast. If you asked him, he’d call himselfContinue reading “#DrumStudentTabloids: Neil Humphreys Goldenthal”