Drum Set Therapy

Why Creative Limitations Make You a Better Musician Most musicians dream of unlimited options: every instrument at our fingertips, every rhythm under control, endless time to practice. But here’s the truth— too much freedom can actually paralyze creativity . Some of the most powerful breakthroughs happen when we embrace  creative limitations . Have you ever sat at the kit and thought:  I can play...

Playing vs. practicing. What'the difference? Thinking this through has made a big difference in how I think about my progress and my enjoyment of drumming.  https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

  Stay Healthy Behind the Kit!   Drumming is all about passion and energy, but it can take a toll on your body if you're not careful. Here’s a rundown of common drumming-related injuries and—most importantly—how to prevent and manage them. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

Your snare is the heartbeat of your kit—so what happens when it starts buzzing, rattling, or sounding flat and you don't have time to fix it? Here is a checklist of things to look for if your snare isn't sounding right. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

At some point, we all face the weight of grief and loss—it’s one of the hardest parts of life. But how do you keep going when you have to show up for a gig, a recording session, or any part of your musical journey while carrying that emotional burden?

If you’ve ever wondered  “Am I practicing this too much—or not enough?”  this episode is for you. How do you know when to move on from what you're practicing? Here are two things to consider. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

Some brief thoughts on getting into drum tech-ing. Link mentioned in the show:   https://www.youtube.com/@KennySharretts

In this episode, we break down practical, time-tested tips for drum techs — whether you’re a pro working stadium tours, a local gig tech, or if you’re a drummer who wants to hire a tech, lets talk about what it takes to keep the show running on schedule, and handling the surprises that happen on the gig. Check out other episodes at https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

"Am I getting worse?”  That’s a question nearly every musician asks at some point: The short answer is—probably not. But here's a deeper look into why you might  feel  that way, and what it could really mean. Do you have times when you're practicing consistently, but you feel like you're getting worse? Here are some observations that can shed some light on the situation. https://d...

It’s easy to get caught up in speed when practicing. Faster fills, quicker chops, higher BPMs. But most mistakes, tension, and sloppy playing come from one simple issue: trying to go faster than you’re ready for. Slowing down isn't just for beginners—it’s for pros who want to play with intention and depth. Think about how your favorite drummers sound so effortless. That didn’t come from rushin...

A couple of extra things to bring to the gig besides your drums.  https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

"Hit Record: Why Recording Practice Sessions Works Wonders" One of the most powerful tools for your young musician’s progress is already in your pocket: your phone. In this episode, we talk about why  recording practice sessions  — even short clips — can massively boost motivation, track improvement, and build confidence.

"Why Taking Breaks Makes Practice Better"   Ever wonder if you are just spinning your wheels when you get frustrated while practicing? In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of a great practice routine:  taking breaks .

"How to Help Your Kid Practice Without Losing Your Mind" Struggling to get your child to practice their instrument — without it turning into a battle? In this episode, we break down simple, realistic tips for parents to make music practice a fun and consistent part of daily life.  You don’t need to be a musician — just a supportive guide. Let’s turn practice into a positive, confidence-b...

It’s that magical word you hear all the time in drumming: feel . Some drummers just have it . Their grooves sit perfectly in the pocket, their fills breathe naturally, and they make the band feel better just by showing up. But here’s the question— is that something you’re born with, or something you can learn? You can’t fake feel. But you can build it—with time, awareness, and the right mindset. h...

What if you approached your drum practice like a video game? In this episode, we explore how playing video games can actually teach us how to think about practicing the drums. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

One of the things that separates a good performance from a great one is dynamic playing. It’s more than just how loud or soft you play throughout sections of a song, but playing dynamically involves changes that keep the interest of the listener, even if they’re small ones. This episode discusses some things that will help you play the drums more dynamically. DrumLessonsInLA.com

Drum lessons teach you more than just music. They give you life lessons that you learn along the way. Here are four big ones.  DrumLessonsInLA.com

Thinking about taking the leap from hobbyist to professional drummer? It’s more than just chops and gear— going pro  means mindset, consistency, and knowing how to navigate the world of gigs, studios, teaching, and clients. DrumLessonsInLA.com

Drum solos aren’t just a chance to show off—they’re an opportunity to  say something . In this episode, we explore how to turn your solos into musical  stories  that grab attention, build emotion, and leave an impact. We’ll dive into: How to structure a solo with a clear beginning, middle, and end Using dynamics, space, and contrast to create drama and narrative The difference between technical ch...

Here is a bonus tip to add to last week's show about soundchecks. DrumLessonsinLA.com

Whether you’re playing a local club or a big stage, the soundcheck is one of the most important parts of your gig day—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to make the most of your soundcheck so your drums sound great and you stay cool under pressure. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

Today's question is, If you could go back to day one behind the kit, what would you change?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other drummers—especially in the age of endless social media chops, polished performances, and flashy highlight reels. But comparisons don’t have to crush you—they can  fuel  you. Let’s stop measuring ourselves against others and start measuring our progress. Your path is yours—own it.

Stage fright is super common—even the best drummers and performers experience it! The key is learning how to manage that nervous energy so it works for you, not against you. Here are some practical tips. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/dealing-with-stagefright