The DrumMantra Podcast

Polymeter is becoming a buzzword, which is awesome! Polymeters are often confused for polyrhythms, which is not awesome.  This episode goes IN-DEPTH with the features of polymeters, polymetric coordination, and polymetric relationships

There are many varieties of recording sessions.  Playing in your own band. Being hired to play with a band.  Being hired to play on an artist's record with other session players. Being hired to put tracks on a session from your home studio. More... Hear Rich's reflections on his personal experience in the recording world over the past 25 years.

In this episode, Rich gives an overview of the features and highlights of the course that has made its way into the practice rooms of drummers in nearly 40 countries around the world. This course started out as a drumming course but grew into a community of drummers all over the world.

This is a complete lesson on the 1-8 polymetric time table over groupings of three. For the pdf of this exercise, please visit DrumMantra.com/45

In this episode of "driving to my gig and talking about stuff" I compare the first part of my music career as a band person to the second part of my career as a professional musician.

In this episode, I discuss the 3:4 polymetric relationship, the difference between a polyrhythm and a polymeter, and some other deep intellectual stuff...   Enjoy!

In this episode I just straight into presenting, discussing, analyzing, and demonstrating the 5:4 polymeter as used in a brand new exercise from my book, The Foundational Series. This advanced modification to Rhythmic Melodies Section III will dismantle your neural net and replace it with a new shiny mapping, but not without first turning your brain into oatmeal:-)

 In this episode I reflect on some gigs, and a recording session I just did. I also talk a little bit about the music industry from the perspective that most people don’t think about much. Then things turn a little philosophical as I reflect on social media And the creative expressions of all people.

In this episode, I talk about seeing the light on some aspects of the DrumMantra exercises and how that insight applies to the development of a more focused mind. 

In this episode, I reflect on the last couple weeks of my life, and then the philosopher in me took over. Maybe it’s that I was driving home from a gig late at night and needed something to keep me awake, but I think some good things came in the process.

In this episode, I talk about my day and the challenges I had to overcome in order to face the day's events.  Stepping outside of my comfort zone into the unknown is how I grow.  It's scary. It's hard. But when we are able t transcend our own definition of ourselves, the paradigm shifts and we evolve. 

How do you maintain high energy, focus, and drive but also remain patient? In this episode, I recap the last two weeks of craziness and then reflect on a concept that I feel is very important in developing a strong foundation in any discipline. Longevity requires hard work, intense enthusiasm, and patience.

Drummer in car getting philosophical... The art of practice is something that has challenged people forever. How long do you practice something? What do you practice?  In this episode, I talk a little about my most recent practice regimen in hopes of shedding light on how I do it.

In this episode of “drummer in a car getting philosophical”, I talk about turning ideas into actual things. How to find your own voice and your true passion by focusing your creative ideas into projects.  

In this episode, I talk about my experience with practicing an exercise every day for 6 weeks before getting it right.  Success comes from absolute focus and dedication. The only short-cut is starting today instead of waiting until the time is right.  Once you know what you want to achieve or experience, you must fully dedicate yourself to taking the necessary steps towards the goal...

This exercise is very simple to look at, talk about, and even imagine, but when you actually sit down and try it, it can trip up even the most experienced players. This exercise is filed under a category I like to call "Rhythmic Perception" because I believe the at the majority of the challenge comes from our mental perception rather than our coordination. I hope you enjoy!

I had a conversation today with a musician who is new in town. We discussed getting paid for a recording session and the smartest way to "play the game" while building new relationships and a new network in a new town. These concepts apply to musicians who are young or new as well.

In this episode, I talk a little about my upcoming course called The DrumMantra 3030 and the development of the material. I also discuss the concepts of creating a new reality by paying attention to your thoughts. 

I walk around Whole Foods shopping and talking about how to quickly improve a jazz combo’s feel, groove, pocket, etc.

just a quick hello between the day’s events. Have a great day!

In this episode, I talk about self-doubt, being authentic, having a real practice regimen, building confidence, and getting over other mental obstacles.

In this episode, I attempt to discuss techniques for developing a stronger skill for reading rhythms. (It's a little trick to talk about something visual without having anything to look at...) Please feel free to reach out to me on DM on insta, fb, or through my website - RichStitzelMusic.com if you have any questions or would like to further your study in a more focused way.

I had an amazing time at Denver Percussion doing a clinic back in January. I found a clip of some of the speaking portion that I thought was fun and wanted to share it. Big Thanks to Low Boy Beaters for helping out so much at this clinic and providing some amazing giveaways as well: A&F Drum Co., Craviotto Drum Co., Sabian Cymbals Vic Firth Evans Polynome App.

I jump back in after a few months off (which flew by so fast!).    I wanted to give a quick overview of some of the things I’ve been up to and give a shout out to some folks who have reached out to me recently regarding an Instagram post about reading music.    Thanks for listening. As always, please write me on Instagram or Facebook if you ever have any questions!

The second book in the DrumMantra repertoire picks up where book one, The Foundational Series, ends. We will venture into the first section of The Primary Series in this episode including listening to two entire play-alongs from the book. If you are ready to go deeper with your practice, The DrumMantra will take you there. Both books are available at: https://richstitzelmusic.com/products/theprima...