![]() CLAUS HESSLER Claus Hessler is currently one of the most in demand drum coaches and clinicians; in addition to his teaching and playing activities he is also contributing articles and columns to the German drum magazine “drums & percussion”, Australia's “Drumscene” and from Fall 2010 also for “Modern Drummer”. His first and long awaited educational book “Open Handed Playing Vol. I” (co-written with Dom Famularo and including a foreword by Billy Cobham) has been released worldwide with Alfred Publishing and earned international recognition including a 4-star review in the “Modern Drummer”. Beginning of 2010 will see another release in Germany with “Daily Drumset Workout” while Volume II of “Open Handes Playing Vol. II” is likely to be released spring 2011. Other future book projects include taking care of Jim Chapin's idea about collapsed rudiments and a rudimental playalong project with alternate versions of traditional fife and drum tunes. Besides the wide stylistic range of his playing Claus’ unique and individual style of drumming comes as a mixture of stunning technical skills, open handed playing and ostinato work that never gets into being “just drums”. His teaching activities include the University for Music and Performing Arts in Frankfurt as well as maintaining a busy schedule of clinics and private teaching. As the first German respectively European drumset artist he was also invited to the „Drummer's Collective“ (New York) and the University of Performing Arts / Ju Percussion Foundation in Taipei (Taiwan). His workshops and clinics are known for a unique mixture of education and displaying his unique musical and drumistic skills likewise. |
VIDEO SPOTLIGHT: PASIC 201
DRUMSET MASTERCLASS: "OPEN HANDED PLAYING"
| PART 1: Claus opened his 2011 PASIC clinic with a play along track, demonstrating the versatility of the open handed playing concept! In this clip, Claus is using the Alex Acuña Conquistador (SAA) Timbale sticks. |
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| PART 2: In this part of Claus' masterclass, he discusses aspects of the open hand playing concept that can open the right hand to new colors and rhythms around the set. |
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| PART 3: Claus answers audience questions about his open hand playing approach. |
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| PART 4: Claus talks about his "Voice Variation Approach" to open-handed playing that's a part of his "Open Handed Playing" books by Alfred Publications. |
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| PART 5: Claus demonstrates some simple rudiments applied to the drumset using the open-hand approach - then finishes with an extended solo. |
| Claus' Vic Firth Stick of Choice: | ||
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David Garibaldi (JM) Barrel tip and extra long taper for great cymbal and rim shot response. L = 16 7/16" | Dia. = .560" [enlarge photo] |
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