Drum Set Therapy

Playing for the Song 🎧 Episode Description: In this episode replay, we’re diving into what it means to play for the song. I think this phrase can be misunderstood and misused. We’ll break down: 🎵 What it really means to “serve the song.” 🥁 Tips for balancing groove, dynamics, and creative flair. 🎶 Real-world examples to help you recognize the difference between "showy" and "show...

Handling other musicians telling you what to play is a  real-world skill  every drummer (and band member) has to learn. It’s about clear communication. Let's talk about it.

Electric drums are an excellent choice for many drummers — especially when learning in apartments, shared homes, or small spaces. Here are some thoughts to consider if you're in the market for an electric kit.

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Practice? Let's discuss Mental burnout Physical overuse Diminishing returns A healthier way to structure practice

In this drum teacher interview, I share my personal  drumming journey , my approach to  teaching drums , and the strategies I use to  keep students motivated. Book online or in-person lessons in Los Angeles:   https://DrumLessonsInLA.com

Today we’re talking about using words or phrases—also known as mnemonics—to help remember and internalize drum rhythms. By attaching rhythms to spoken words, you can improve your timing, feel, and consistency without overthinking counting or notation. This technique is great for: • Beginner drummers learning new rhythms • Adults returning to the drums • Students struggling with counting • Anyone w...

Drum fills are more than flashy drum tricks — they guide the music, add excitement, and help give drummers their musical voice. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/iconic-drum-breaks-in-songs

Touring sounds glamorous… until you’re doing laundry in a venue sink. This episode breaks down the real-world logic of packing clothes for tour without overpacking—or smelling up the van. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

"Are You Too Old to Play the Drums?" Short answer? Absolutely not! Drumming has no age limit—it’s about passion, practice, and having fun. Whether you’re picking up sticks for the first time or returning after years away, it’s never too late to start. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

Can you hear the difference between a maple drum and a birch drum? Today we demonstrate the difference between birch, maple, mahogany, poplar, and walnut woods on the same-sized toms. The size, drumheads, and tuning are the same on each drum. I recommend you use headphones to hear the subtle differences of each shell type.  Here is a link to a video of the demonstration, so you can see the drums b...

“Is it good or bad to take lessons with multiple teachers?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are benefits, risks, and a few smart ways to do it so you  grow  instead of getting overwhelmed. Let’s break it down.

Playing ahead and behind the beat. This is one of those topics that separates drummers who play the notes from drummers who make the music feel good. Let’s break down what that actually means, how to practice it, and when it’s okay to bend the grid a little. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

If you’ve ever gone to a jam session, rehearsal, or gig where multiple drummers are sharing one kit, you know things can get… awkward. Can you move the throne? Touch the cymbals? Switch out the snare? Knowing some basic  drum set etiquette  can  show respect, and make you look professional. Here are some tips for sharing the kit .

The popularity of podcasts has exploded in the last several years. As drummers, we now have an abundance of great drumming podcasts to listen to and learn from. Each of these podcasts has its own personality and take on drumming. Check out links to each of these at https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/drumming-podcasts

Impostor syndrome doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not good enough—it means you care deeply about your craft. Every musician, from beginners to professionals, wrestles with it. The key is to acknowledge it, then keep playing anyway. Because the truth is: if you’re making music, you already belong. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

Excess Tension – The Silent Progress Killer Here is an exercise to help you play loose and relaxed. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

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...