Major: Becoming the Bluesman with the Beat
Each class will focus on different styles of Blues drumming. We will begin with listening to some drumming masters, break down their grooves, discuss what is being achieved and explore how to bring some of their feels and subtleties into your own personal drumming. We will cover all aspects of Blues drumming, including: (1) What makes a shuffle shuffle, (2) Laying down that fat Blues feel, and (3) Supporting soloists and leading and following volume and intensity builds, while also being ready for softer dynamics in a song. We will also practice being able to recognize when a song is ending and understanding bandleader cutoff and song ending cues. (As it is good to all stop at the same time!!! Some other topics of discussion each day, will be:
• Fitting in with your fellow musicians on a musical and personal level.
• Approaching a song from behind your kit.
• Tuning drums, Dynamics and Practice Practice Practice !!!
• How to turn the infamous 'Drum Solo' into more of a musical and style-appropriate part of any song.