The DrumMantra Podcast

Carter McLean is probably best known for his meticulous photos and super groovy videos that he posts on Instagram, Facebook, and youtube. The buzz around his social media is huge and with great reason. He is slamming! No-nonsense, simple, and all about the music. This is definitely Carter's mantra and the key to his success. His "day gig" is drumming for the Broadway Hit, The Lion King.  He i...

This episode is real life.  I am rushing around like crazy, on my way to the third gig of the day. I talk about the life of a professional musician. I talk about my new book, The Primary Series, as well as my first book, The Foundational Series. I talk about how The DrumMantra concept came into being. I inform everyone on who my next guest on the podcast will be. Have a great week!

A conversation with LA session & touring drummer, Blair Sinta (Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, etc) Part 1 of the conversation was more of a casual discussion about growing up, school, playing gigs, building a social media presence for professional purposes, and other chill topics. Blair was nominated in the 2018 Modern Drummer Reader's Poll for best session dr...

Hello, my friends! This week I wanted to share the audio from a recent lesson pack at RichStitzelMusic.com called "Left Foot Independence". Gaining control over all the limbs is a great way to increase your ability to express yourself musically.  These exercises are centered around a GROOVE  so they are practical steps towards expanding your vocabulary. If you enjoy the lesson and would...

This episode was based on a random Instagram post that Ari made, challenging people to transcribe what he was playing. We discuss the transcription in great detail. We discuss hearing phrases. We discuss practicing. We discuss developing a complex rhythmic vocabulary.

 In this episode we discuss the main differences between polymeters and polyrhythms; their differences and their similarities. We take an in-depth look at the 3:4 polymetric relationship and the four perspectives with which it can be viewed.  We also take a listen to the four perspectives of the 5:4 polymetric relationship. There are audio examples of all the descriptions, and I highly r...

In this episode I discuss: Finding a balance between doing nothing and being a workaholic. Discovering, cultivating, and honing your passion. Truly understanding the value of the saying "it's about the journey, not the destination." The benefits of meditation and how to do it. (at least how I do it...)  

In this episode, I give you access to a page from The Foundational Series Book and take you through a 5-minute practice routine. The practice is accompanied by a play-along that was composed for the book (which I explain in great detail) I discuss, practice methods, meditation, subdivisions & permutations. I answer a question from Gary in The United Kingdom about confidence without the click b...

In this episode, I discuss finding inspiration from your community of drummers on social media and take it a step further to actually practicing what you are seeing rather than just scrolling.   I mention drummers Carter McClean, Johnny Mather (Yoni Madar), Joe Crabtree, Henry Cole, Brad Schleuter, and Nate Coon.

In this episode I reflect a bit on writing the Primary Series Book, which is book 2 in the DrumMantra Collection. I explain native & non-native expressions of a polymeter and describe how they are used in the book. I demonstrate an exercise by playing a quick midi file of one of the Rhythmic Melodies in section IIA. Pre-sale is happening now for the Primary Series Book! 20% off the book AND yo...

I was asked to be on the panel for an SEN (Sabian Education Network) event at Vic's Drum Shop in Chicago on May 4, 2016, with Meg Thomas, Victor Salazar, Billy Cobham, and Joe Bergamini. We each took turns presenting our thoughts and concepts on education.  This is an excerpt from my contribution to the discussion.  

I talk about my day and my week while loading a drum set for a gig.

In this episode I answer a question about being a vegetarian, and the philosophical implications surrounding the idea. I also explain and invite you out to a Foundational Series Group DrumMantra Class. I also off you the ability to access a totally FREE drum lesson series from me at http://richstitzelmusic.com/pages/free

I discuss concepts of time & subdivisions,  I give a shout out to Texas drummer Joseph Carpenter,  and talk about the philosophy of practice. 

Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 9 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 4 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another. Special surprise guest from great Chicago drummer, Billy Shaffer.

Happy Birthday Mom! Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 8 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 4 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.

Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 7 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 3 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.

A question about endorsements. A nod to one of my favorite musicians, Mr. Paul Mutzabaugh. Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 6 is all about the groove. Playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship between 3 limbs while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another.

Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt. 5 is all about getting on the kit and playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another. There are four different perspectives to this exercise. This part deals with Ride/Kick, Kick/Ride, Snare/Hat, Hat/Snare. Please visit Pt.1 & Pt.2 if you are in question as to h...

Reflections on creating content. Taking Naps. Cross-coordination with Ride/HH, and Kick/SD. Concepts of coordination, independence, and counting.

Rhythmic Perception; A Primer Pt 3 is all about getting on the kit and playing the 3:4 polymetric relationship while listening to a composition that carries us from one foundational time signature and tempo to another. There are four different perspectives to this exercise. Please visit Pt.1 & Pt.2 if you are in question as to how to approach this series of exercises. The goal is to stay focus...

Whats up everybody?!  Rich Stitzel here coming to you from DrumMantra Studios in Chicago. I want to thank all of you for watching the first video, “Rhythmic Perception; A Primer, Pt.1”. This video, Part 2, deals with applying the concept from the first video on to the drumset, so we’re actually going to take it to the drumset. I want to answer a question real quick before we move on that I go...

In this episode, we take a look at a very common rhythmic relationship of 4:3 and discuss the 4 different perspectives it can be looked at. I will discuss ways to count the various "angles" in the rhythmic relationship and to look at the various ways the subdivisions can be viewed as polyrhythms or polymeters. These exercises can certainly become a meditation of sorts if you concentrate and sit wi...