I've made Beam, a tool for writing drum charts and worksheets. I built it for myself and my students. The more I used it, the more it felt too useful to keep to myself, so here it is! The goal was something quick to write notation in, flexible enough for charts, worksheets and transcribing. It also needed to focus on drums, work as a web app on any device, be easy to share, and look good. It's…
South Street Studios, Ipswich I've got extra daytime drum lesson slots free on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week at South Street Studios in Ipswich. If you're looking to start lessons or get back into playing, contact me to book your lesson or find out more here .
Adam Neely on Suno, AI music and where things might be heading. Thought-provoking video with plenty for musicians and music fans to think about. The idea that live music could become more distinct from recorded music, more like theatre than cinema, was particularly interesting. Personally I can't imagine choosing to listen to music solely generated by AI. The idea doesn't appeal to me. The more I…
Fun little video taking you inside the mind of a drummer . Have you got what it takes?
I’ve just started reading Molly Gebrian’s book Learn Faster, Perform Better . Her YouTube series, What Musicians Can Learn About Practicing from Current Brain Research , is a great introduction to the ideas in the book. It’s packed with insights on how to practise and learn more effectively.
I’m thoroughly enjoying Ian Leslie’s book John & Paul . Love the detail about the recording of Twist & Shout . How did I never notice John Lennon had a heavy cold?
Can’t remember how I stumbled on this , but wow. The footage looks and sounds incredible, and they all look like they’re having an amazing time. SO much energy. Can’t wait to watch the full concert film. Gutted I missed it in IMAX last year!
I came across this track whilst flipping through the RSL Grade 8 drum book, and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. So much groove. Yussef Dayes is one hell of a drummer!
Beau has been on a roll with these videos recently! This one on blocked vs interleaved practice is especially good. As he suggests, it can really help you level up your practice.
Ross and Derek at the Beat Note stand I'm now home from a fun weekend in Liverpool at the UK Drum Show! I was there assisting Derek, the creator of Beat Note . It was great to finally meet him in person after many online conversations. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who stopped by the Beat Note stand. It was great to meet so many drummers. I had an unexpected reunion with my first drum…
I’ll be at the UK Drum Show in Liverpool this weekend (28th/29th September). If you’re at the show, swing by the Beat Note stand and say hi!
If you want to better understand polyrhythms or have tried explaining them to someone without success, watch or share them this video. The visuals are really helpful.
Somehow, I’ve only just discovered Yussef Dayes. I’ve listened to these two albums a lot over the last two days. Both are excellent. He’s an incredibly creative drummer. Black Classical Music The Yussef Dayes Experience - Live From Malibu
So much groove! Nate Smith is a master. I think I’m going to listen to this on repeat for a while. Watch the video here
An excellent episode of the Tape Notes podcast featuring Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, discussing the making of her latest album, All Born Screaming . She had some fantastic drummers contributing to the album! It was great hearing her talk about her process for writing and producing the songs. The part where she talked about creating the drum part for “Sweetest Fruit” was particularly interesting.…
A collection of quotes from 20 years of Modern Drummer magazine via ItsPronouncedMo-BEEL on Reddit . I’m not going to pick out a favourite because you should just read them all!
An interesting post by Ted Gioia on the potential health benefits of drumming. Viva drummers!
My favourite drumming app, Beat Note , has just added an awesome new feature that features… me! In addition to all the excellent practice and notation tools, Beat Note now includes lessons from some top drum tutors and creators. You can check out my lesson on the Beat Note blog .
Sounds Like A Drum makes excellent videos on tuning and maintaining drums. I’ve learnt a tonne from watching them. This episode on Fixing Your Snare Sound is a good place to start. If you like that, I’d suggest going back to the beginning and working through season one .
If you have nice cymbals, you should take the time to watch this short video. A few simple tweaks to your cymbal setup could save you an absolute fortune in damaged cymbals. Watch it!