VIC FIRTH and HUDSON MUSIC present:
Steve Smith — Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat



In this video lesson series, Steve Smith will present the most in-depth study of drumming technique ever done on video as well as a thorough and fascinating survey of the evolution of the primary drum set pulse in the music or the U.S., from Ragtime to Fusion.

Presented in weekly installments, the video lessons included here are excerpted from Steve Smith's dvd entitled DRUMSET TECHNIQUE/HISTORY OF THE U.S. BEAT , available from Hudson Music. The full two disc set includes over 4 hours of topics, including:

* Hand and Foot Technique
* The Art of Practice
* Exercises, Licks and Phrases
* Independence/Interdependence
* Implied Metric Modulation

Disc Two: History of the U.S. Beat explains and demonstrates, along with a great band, the evolution of the drumset in U.S. music – how incorporating a knowledge of drumming history can help drummers play current genres with more authenticity and depth. In addition, Vital Information plays seven complete tunes, and Steve explains many of the complex rhythmic concepts that he uses in the band's music.

Voted #1 DVD in the Modern Drummer Magazine 2003 Readers Poll!

If you enjoy these video lessons, we highly recommend that you pick up a copy of DRUMSET TECHNIQUE / HISTORY OF THE U.S. BEAT  for yourself at your favorite music store or by visiting www.hudsonmusic.com.

This week’s lesson:
Exercises for developing a swing pulse
Find out more about this great product from Steve:
An introduction to the DVD from Steve Smith

Check out Smith's Vic Firth Signature Products!
Steve Smith Signature Stick (SSS)
An elongated tip with a long shoulder and short taper. It provides the feel of a 5A with the beef of a 5B.
L = 16", Dia.=.555"
Steve Smith Tala Wand TW11
Bamboo - A foam center is surrounded with bamboo dowels wrapped in thin PVC. Great balance and rebound, while naturally producing a lower volume.
L = 15 15/16”, Dia. = .585
Steve Smith Tala Wand TW12
Birch - A foam center is surrounded with birch dowels wrapped in thin PVC. Outstanding rebound and sound. While the shaft is thicker than the TW11, the lighter weight of the birch dowels actually helps create a lighter touch and lower volume. L = 16 1/8”, Dia. =.625”

Don't miss these other great features with Steve Smith!

 

Vic Firth Artist Feature

Including an extensive video conversation about his early development, years on the road with the band Journey, and further musical studies. Also including several solo clips from recent performances!

Steve Smith P.A.S.I.C. 2005 Clinic

At the 2005 PAS international convention, Steve presented a clinic titled "Indian Rhythms: An Intro for Western Drummers," with noted Indian drummer Ganesh Kumar playing kanjira. "For the past four years, I've been studying the rhythms from India," explains Smith. "the music of India has incredibly rich rhythmic tradition, developed over thousands of years.

See the entire clinic in our video feature!

Steve Smith performing at the
25th Anniversary Drummer's Collective Celebration

On November 24, 2002, Drummers Collective celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an incredible evening of music in NYC. Steve Smith was on hand for a stirring clinic and performance, excerpts of which we're excited to bring to you in collaboration with Hudson Music.