VIDEO LESSON SERIES WITH
VIC FIRTH ARTIST: DONNY GRUENDLER

PLAYING WITH DRUM LOOPS

Donny Gruendler has performed, programmed, toured and recorded behind such diverse artists as Kenny Burrell, John Medeski, D.J. Logic, Rick Holmstrom, Rebecca St. James, iTunes first unsigned artist Jody Whitesides, Julia Fly, Denny Freeman and numerous other independent Los Angeles based artists. Consequently, he has become and expert at performing with backing tracks, manually triggering samples, and playing with loops (both live and in the studio). Additionally, he has programmed (and played on) numerous jingles (Remax On the Blvd Radio/TV Campaigns, KFC, and NPR), created content for sample and loop libraries (East West, Eclectic Ensembles) and even writes Music for TV and film.

Gruendler is a faculty member at Musicians Institute (PIT) in Hollywood, CA, he is the author of Playing With Drum Loops - How to Work with Loops, Samples and Backing Tracks by Carl Fischer Publishing. Look for Donny's "Playing with Drum Loops" article series in Modern Drummer magazine, beginning in May 2006.

Donny's Vic Firth implement of choice:
Barrel tip produces bright, articulate cymbal sounds. Great for light rock and fusion.



LESSON INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW
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FUNDAMENTAL #1:
What does a Click Track give to you?
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FUNDAMENTAL #2:
Determining the Feel of a Loop
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FUNDAMENTAL #2B:
Examining the Beat Placement of a Loop
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FUNDAMENTAL #3:
Avoiding Distraction from the Loop's Momentum
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FUNDAMENTAL #4:
Compliment the loop and avoid "Target Practice"
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PLAYING WITH LOOPS
In this book, drummers will get the tools needed to improve their musicanship and add the use of loops to their repertoire to make them a complete package! In addition, DJs and Electronica artists will be able to add more musical and intricate layers to their sound. Home recording enthusiasts will find that they will gain valuable insight and better command over their computer based recording programs while giving their work a more authentic feel. Gruendler shows the reader in a clear and concise manner how to work with and master the use of music and percussion loops in addition to backing tracks.

Included with this book are 2CDs that feature examples and ideas for all the material presented in each chapter as well as demonstrations on how to put it all together.

"Donny Gruendler has put together a very practical method of learning to play with loops, an all important tool for the modern drummer who wants to work! This book and CDs seem to be the only educational tool out there to cover this material. Very well done!
Chuck Silverman "drummer, educator" (LA, CA, USA)

"If you are interested in becoming a commercial drummer in either Rock, Pop, Metal or Hip Hop -- this book is for you. Gruendler clearly walks you through his tried and true methods of playing along with Drum Loops, Instrument Loops, Sound Fx and Full Backing Tracks. There are approx. 150 loops to play along to and clearly presented demo tracks (On 2 CDs). AND you can go to Gruendler's website and download additional loops with the code provided on the inner cover of the book. So thats 300 Loops!

Also included are chapters on developing a live rig for use with a band and MIDI/DAW/Programming concepts and instruction too! Overall this is a great (and FUN)resource on a subject that has not been covered -- Until now!
Dave Dorchester (New York, NY)