Drum Set Therapy

In this episode of Drum Set Therapy, we talk about the practice method of practicing on pillows. Does it actually help your technique, speed, and endurance—or does it hurt your drumming?

Ever feel like you’re practicing a lot but not getting better? You might be dealing with a few common practice flaws. In this episode, we break down some of the most common practice flaws that hold drummers back—no matter their level. These habits can slow your progress without you even realizing it.  

Structuring your practice time is one of the most important skills drummers can develop. A clear structure helps you stay focused, make measurable progress, and avoid wasting time at the kit.  This free guide will help you learn the simple keys to getting real results from your practice sessions.https://drumlessonsinla.com/dont-waste-your-time-practicing

 In this episode of Drum Set Therapy, we discuss how different drumstick sizes can affect your playing.When you’re trying to find drumsticks that feel great to play, it is helpful to know the characteristics that affect their performance. Let’s take a look at the things that make the difference..https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-anatomy-of-a-drumstick

"Hit Record: Why Recording Practice Sessions Works Wonders"One of the most powerful tools for your young musician’s progress is already in your pocket: your phone. In this episode, we talk about why recording practice sessions — even short clips — can massively boost motivation, track improvement, and build confidence.

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 "showing up" for the music. Don’t just play – connect, inspire, and create something magical. 🌟https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcastFor song examples, check outhttps://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/grooving-with-the-bass-player

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 discussMental burnoutPhysical overuseDiminishing returnsA 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 who wants stronger groove and feelWe’ll explore how to turn rhythms into phrases you can say, feel, and play naturally on the drum set.

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 being used.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/drum-wood-shootout

“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 KillerHere 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 MusicianMost 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 anything right now… so what should I play? That endless possibility can lead to overwhelm and stagnation.A limitation—whether it’s only using your snare, sticking to one tempo, or improvising with just quarter notes—forces you to focus. Instead of being distracted by every option, you find depth in a smaller space.They spark creativity – With fewer choices, your brain finds inventive solutions.They build mastery – Repetition in a small framework sharpens your control.They reduce pressure – Boundaries can make practice feel more like play.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

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://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

It’s easy to get caught up in speed when practicing. Faster fills, quicker chops, higher BPMs. But most mistakes, tension, and sloppy playing come from one simple issue: trying to go faster than you’re ready for.Slowing down isn't just for beginners—it’s for pros who want to play with intention and depth. Think about how your favorite drummers sound so effortless. That didn’t come from rushing—it came from repetition, patience, and groove.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

A couple of extra things to bring to the gig besides your drums. https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

"Hit Record: Why Recording Practice Sessions Works Wonders"One of the most powerful tools for your young musician’s progress is already in your pocket: your phone. In this episode, we talk about why recording practice sessions — even short clips — can massively boost motivation, track improvement, and build confidence.

"Why Taking Breaks Makes Practice Better" Ever wonder if you are just spinning your wheels when you get frustrated while practicing? In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of a great practice routine: taking breaks.

"How to Help Your Kid Practice Without Losing Your Mind"Struggling to get your child to practice their instrument — without it turning into a battle? In this episode, we break down simple, realistic tips for parents to make music practice a fun and consistent part of daily life. You don’t need to be a musician — just a supportive guide. Let’s turn practice into a positive, confidence-building routine.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/7-practice-tips-for-parents

It’s that magical word you hear all the time in drumming: feel.Some drummers just have it. Their grooves sit perfectly in the pocket, their fills breathe naturally, and they make the band feel better just by showing up. But here’s the question—is that something you’re born with, or something you can learn?You can’t fake feel. But you can build it—with time, awareness, and the right mindset.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

What if you approached your drum practice like a video game? In this episode, we explore how playing video games can actually teach us how to think about practicing the drums.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

One of the things that separates a good performance from a great one is dynamic playing. It’s more than just how loud or soft you play throughout sections of a song, but playing dynamically involves changes that keep the interest of the listener, even if they’re small ones.This episode discusses some things that will help you play the drums more dynamically.DrumLessonsInLA.com

Drum lessons teach you more than just music. They give you life lessons that you learn along the way. Here are four big ones. DrumLessonsInLA.com

Thinking about taking the leap from hobbyist to professional drummer? It’s more than just chops and gear—going pro means mindset, consistency, and knowing how to navigate the world of gigs, studios, teaching, and clients.DrumLessonsInLA.com

Drum solos aren’t just a chance to show off—they’re an opportunity to say something. In this episode, we explore how to turn your solos into musical stories that grab attention, build emotion, and leave an impact.We’ll dive into:How to structure a solo with a clear beginning, middle, and endUsing dynamics, space, and contrast to create drama and narrativeThe difference between technical chops and emotional expressionHow to "converse" with the audience—and the band—through your soloinghttps://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/telling-stories-with-drum-solos

Here is a bonus tip to add to last week's show about soundchecks.DrumLessonsinLA.com

Whether you’re playing a local club or a big stage, the soundcheck is one of the most important parts of your gig day—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to make the most of your soundcheck so your drums sound great and you stay cool under pressure.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

Today's question is, If you could go back to day one behind the kit, what would you change?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other drummers—especially in the age of endless social media chops, polished performances, and flashy highlight reels. But comparisons don’t have to crush you—they can fuel you.Let’s stop measuring ourselves against others and start measuring our progress. Your path is yours—own it.

Stage fright is super common—even the best drummers and performers experience it! The key is learning how to manage that nervous energy so it works for you, not against you. Here are some practical tips.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/dealing-with-stagefright

Keeping a positive mindset while practicing can make all the difference in your progress. Here are a few more ways to stay inspired and keep moving forward: Celebrate wins – Every improvement counts. Focus on the journey – Growth takes time, enjoy the ride! Stay inspired – Listen, learn, and keep drumming! How do you stay positive about your drumming?Links mentioned on the show:https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/bad-day-at-the-drumming-officehttps://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/dealing-with-stagefrighthttps://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/9-ways-to-get-out-of-a-musical-ruthttps://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast

"Am I 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

Staying Positive In Your Drumming JourneyEvery drummer has ups and downs—one day you feel unstoppable, and the next, you’re stuck in a rut. This week I want to encourage you to keep a positive attitude in your drumming journey.

Struggling to fit drum practice into your busy schedule? You’re not alone. Whether you're juggling work, school, gigs, or family life, finding consistent practice time can feel like an uphill battle. But with the right approach, it’s totally doable.You don’t need hours a day to make progress—just intention and consistency. Tune in and discover how to keep your drumming moving forward, no matter how packed your schedule gets.https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/the-drum-set-shrink-podcast