DRUMMER CAFE

So I've been playing drums for about 10 years, I took some lessons back in high school(actually I started in 4th grade in band for a year but that doesn't count) but I didn't take them too seriously. I'm basically self taught, I can play but I know there is so much that I don't know.

So I just got some drum dvd's, namely 2 dave weckyl(sp?) videos. One is back to basics which is real old and the other is evolution. I watched back to basics first then evolution, I thought it was pretty funny because almost everything he taught in back to basics was changed in evolution (which is pretty much the point I guess). Anyway I'm on a mission to re-learn the drumset and just learning the grip and bouncing stick technique he does in evolution has already changed everything I do.

It's kind of humbling to start all over again after so long but I'm up for the challenge. Any tips on what else I should check out? I've got my old syncopation book I'm about to break out once I've mastered my new grip.

I've looked into it, there isn't anyone I have found in my area. I live up in maine and an hour north of portland to boot so it's slim pickins. I'll keep looking and asking around though.

I agree with Dave....try to find any teacher, there has to be somebody out there where you live that is better than you and could teach you something. On the video side of things check out Steve Smith's History of the U.S. beat. He goes a lot further in depth but along the same lines as the Evolution video.
Good Luck

I like the idea of monthly lessons in a situation like this. If you can get to a place under two hours for a worthwhile teacher, you will still get your money's worth. Weekly lessons are important for teenagers. One would expect an adult student is driven and disciplined enough to work through stuff without supervision.

And, of course, you could always do video lessons with Bart. He's worth the price of admission.

A bit off topic, but it would be cool if everyone updated their DC profiles with their locations!

As you were.

I agree with some and most of this.  I have a bass player friend of mine that is driving 2.5 hours each way twice a month to play music with me again.  He and I have probably logged 5 years of playing over the last 10 years.  My point is that:  "People do what they want to do".  If you really want the lessons, you will do what you have to do to get them.  The other thing is that the frequency of lessons that you can make is not really all that important as long as you are willing to do your homework and really practice.  I also agree that Bart may have something to offer a guy like you that really wants to learn.
                                               Nutty

+1.  I highly recommend him. 

There's only, like, 10 people in all of Maine. Six of you are drummers? I hope there's at least one bass player.

Hi Bill,
Are you refering to the VIDEO CORRESPONDENCE LESSON's that Bart shows on the www.DrumSage.com? I have been playing for a long time but don't read drum charts.
I read music but never applied it to drums.  I am thinking about expanding my knowlege
level with some formal training.  Woops, I said it didn't I? Yes I did.  I will contact Bart
and see if he thinks it is the right direction to go.  I also may contact my friend in Louisville
which is highly respected here and see if he can help me with some things that I feel weak
at?
                                   Nutty