The “MasterClick” (as I call it) is a relatively simple workout for the hands that uses a custom click track that goes from 60 beats per minute (bpm) up to 180 bpm and then back down again. While Part I and Part II of the series so far on the Exchange have both centered around low-impact ways [...]

This clip came in this morning from Vic Firth signature artist Gregg Bissonette! Gregg is currently out on tour with the Ringo Starr All Star Band. They had a very special surprise guest at the show last night…

“The Ijexá is played by the Blocos de Afoxé or Afoxés, associations of people bound to a specific Terreiro de Candomblé, that parades in the streets during Carnival.”

Playing Without Sticks
From Brushes to the Kitchen Whisk
There is no doubt that drumming started with the hands, the ears, and a desire to say something with music.  Today, there are so many types of drums, cymbals and percussion instruments, that we as drummers have a ton of different sounds at our disposal.  Almost as vast [...]

Frank Zappa appeared on the Steve Allen show in 1963 to perform an improvised piece for bicycle, “pre-recorded electric noises” and orchestra. Although his spot on the show was clearly intended as comedic relief, it’s interesting to wonder if this kind of performance would be perceived differently today.