Syncopendence: A Soft Release

To anyone who finds this, welcome the soft-release of a drumming book! I use this to teach my students independence on the drum set. If you are feeling like supporting my endeavors, head over to my shop and pickup a digital copy.

Now for my elevator pitch…

After much deliberation, I’ve embarked on the task of crafting a comprehensive list of essential variations for jazz independence exercises, inspired by the timeless classic “Syncopation for the Modern Drummer.” It was high time to streamline the learning process for my students, sparing them the confusion of deciphering handwritten notation and saving valuable lesson time either explaining or writing an example out. By distilling down the countless possibilities to a concise yet potent selection, I’ve created a go-to resource that lays bare the fundamental variations crucial for any aspiring jazz drummer.

But why stop there? Recognizing the importance of practical application, I’ve also provided four distinct ways to integrate each variation into real-world musical scenarios, whether it’s comping behind a soloist, trading fours with a bandmate, or unleashing a scintillating drum solo. My hope is that this collection not only simplifies the learning journey but also sparks creativity and musical exploration. So, fellow drummers, prepare to elevate your playing to new heights with this indispensable guide to jazz independence exercises. Together, let’s embark on a rhythmic odyssey filled with discovery and growth.

Stay tuned for upcoming videos/ audio packages for this book. But for now – enjoy!

Anton Commissaris

Earlier this year I got to record with Anton Commissaris at 25th Street Recording. Here is a clip from the session. It was so great to record with such talented musicians and Anton wrote some great tunes!

Also check out that vintage Gretsch kit! It was a stop sign badge era in really clean condition. 25th Street Recording has such a good selection of instruments, special thank you for really helping to make this record sound authentic. Although I don’t leave home without my trusty Pearl Session Custom snare and my Zildjian Cymbals/ sticks – great tools to get the job done!

Here the rest of the tunes we recorded. The album is called “Some Of The Time”

New Year! New Projects

Happy new year everyone! Started off the year with a big show out at MAG Fest out in DC. It was such great experience and it was a privilege to be able to play percussion with the Super Soul Bros.

Here is the link to the official broadcast:

Here is a link to the “Drum Cam” view. Look at Chris Haman go! He’s a great player and a good dude.

https://youtu.be/Ixixutk41H8

Murvyns also kicked off the year with a show at the Utah Hotel Saloon in San Francisco. Here is the full set recorded on a Zoom Q4N – surprisingly good for a little “prosumer” style camera. Keep an eye out for show announcements via my Instagram page and the band’s official Instagram.

I’ve got some cool projects coming up and brewing. If you are looking for any sort of performance work or remote or local recording send me a message via the contact page.

I’ll be posting on socials and here as things come out – stay tuned!!!

Anthony

Murvyns

Recorded this with my good friends back in 2019 and the pandemic pushed back the release until this year. I did drums on all of the music except “Watch Out For Your Ears” and “Out of Luck”.

Take a listen!

Online Lessons

Welcome to 2020… well welcome to the new and exciting world of online learning! Since teaching in person lessons is not currently safe due to COVID-19 and to keep up with the times I am offering (since March actually!) online drum lessons. I am available for all styles of music on either drum set or snare drum and for ages 10 and older.

My online teaching studio provides a high quality experience for students with multiple camera angles and high quality audio. With the power of of the internet and computers, online lessons feel just like in person lessons; if anything I am able to show things easier because students can’t get a bird’s eye view of the drums without standing on a ladder/ hanging from the ceiling or and students can get a clear view of the pedals without laying on the ground.

For questions about rates, classes, and scheduling please send me a message! *please allow up to 24 hours for a response*

Thank you and stay healthy, safe, and wear a mask!

From the production chair…

I recently filmed my good friend Chris Haman playing a tune from the band he plays with.  The song is called “Bus” and it is from their Earthbound tribute album called Motherlode.

With lots of research, reviewing notes from classes, googling, youtube, and reading through tutorials, I was able to do all of the video recording, audio recording, and editing (audio and video!).  It was a great project to work on and I learned a lot.

I have always done audio and video production on the side; It was great to do a more “serious” project for once.  This was particularly fun because I was able to pair my love of music and video together.  Special thanks for Chris Haman and all the dudes in Super Soul Bros. for going along with this idea.  There is definitely a lot to learn here, but it will only get better from here.

I used Divinci Resolve for the video and Pro Tools for the Audio.

Chris is playing a Late 2010’s Grestch USA Drum kit, Paiste and Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Sticks.

Thanks for reading! Enjoy!