Want to send Todd a letter? You can write him here Send Todd a Question and his response will be posted along with your question. Please do not request backstage passes, ask to meet the band, request autographed items, ask for rides to the airport, free stuff, stock tips, drumheads, secret recipes, bail bonds, etc. as Todd is unable to fulfill them. Any request asking for special favors, autographs, meet and greets with Styx will not be met with any response. Please keep your questions to a musical/drumming nature. Thank you!
November 2011
Hi Todd.
I already own Methods & Mechanics 1 & I have just Finished watching Methods & Mechanics 2. Congratulations, I enjoyed it very much.
It's good to see your DVD's show ideas of how to apply Rudiments around the kit & how strining them together give great melodic fills and beats.
I like how you threw in some comedy in the DVD's, it helps break it up & I got a good laugh out of it.
Have you ever written any Drum educational books, or planing to in the future?
I think that you would have a wealth of information on applying Rudiments to the kit, time keeping skills, song form & general musicianship.
Well done.
Gary (Melbourne, Australia)
Hi Gary,
Thanks for the kind words, support, and for letting me know of your enjoyment of the DVDs. I really appreciate it!
Funny you ask.......
The "Methods & Mechanics Companion Transcription Book" is available now from Hudson Music. Brad Schlueter did an amazing job transcribing all the songs, solos, and lessons from the first DVD. He and I also added text and it comes with a CD of the performances and a few play alongs. I'm really proud of it and working with Brad on this has been incredible as he's known my playing for about 25 years, and his powers of perception are deep.
I hope you pic it up, and that it helps you on your musical journey-
Cheers!
Todd
http://www.hudsonmusic.com/hudson/products/methods-mechanics-book/
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Hello,
I am really enjoying your new DVD, Methods and Mechanics 2, I like that you shot most of it
in your drum room at home, it has a homegrown feel to it, that is very nice.
How do you keep all those drums clean in your drum room...lol!
I always have a constant problem with dust, no matter where I keep stuff, I wouldn't trust a maid to clean drums either!
I liked all the tips on traveling and all the backstage stuff as well, also the humor was very nicely done.
I have tons of drum videos from the VHS days as well as the current DVD market and your videos deliver something nobody
else has ever done...great playing and technical exercises, as well as a documentary of the lifestyle and the rewards of hard work.
One of my favorite parts was when you suggested that anyone who has downloaded this video for free, come do
landscaping work for you at your house..great stuff. I really appreciate the attention to details done on this video and the time
it must have taken to produce the entire package, not everybody appreciates that and needs to be reminded.
Thanks again,
Robert
Hi Robert,
You get it, man. All I can say is......thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you!
Todd
P.S. Dust really isn't much of a problem!
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Hi Todd.
I'd like to start by saying you've been a tremondous inspiration to me these past few years.You've got the drumming juices flowing again!!! I know your very busy touring with Styx and on your ''days off'' you do clinics.I have been waiting to see you do a clinic fairly close to my home town.I live on the eastern shore side of Maryland,but the closest you've been is Richmond,Virginia.Do you have plans to do a clinic closer to that area in the future? Would really enjoy seeing you in person and saying a quick thanks for being a genuine person and an amazing drummer.
Sincerely, Tim Filbird
Hi Tim,
Thanks for the kind words. On clinics, I never choose where I do them. They way it works is that I have to be invited---requested by your local dealer to the Pearl/Sabian reps who in turn contact me for availability. It's the efforts of many and it's an expensive endeavor. So, if your local dealers never invite me, I never come. If they invite me, it's a different story. See how it works? So now you have to bug your dealers!
Thanks, man. Cheers-
Todd
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Hi Todd,
Let me start by telling you that I own both of your DVD s and they have been an incredible source of inspiration and invaluable information. Congratulations on a great work of love. You are one of my favorite musical drummers! One quick question about in-ear monitors – I've listened to your tips about in-ear monitors with an accompanying sub, and being hard wired to your pack, which all makes a lot of sense. I use a similar (albeit much more moderate!) setup. Is the cable for your in-ear monitors custom made? Do you use any kind of cable extension? I find that in-ear monitor cables, even the expensive custom-made ones, are rather short and still pull at me when moving around the kit, giving me the odd thought in the back of my mind that I'm going to pull the rig off the stand, with the end result of thinking about the cable instead of concentrating on the music (and yes, I also tape my cord to the back of my neck and route it inside my shirt). I am sure my own inexperience is a factor here as well, but how do you maneuver around this small "equipment issue" so it does not bother you during a gig?
Again, Congrats and God Bless!
Tito Martinez, Arizona
Hi Tito,
Thanks for getting both DVDs! I deeply appreciate the support.
The simple solution to your problem is indeed a longer cord. I have one that's almost twice as long as a normal one. So it's a matter of tracking one down and your issue will abate.
There you go! Now enjoy your gigs, and thanks again.
Todd
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Hi Todd,
I am enjoying a video clip on you tube labeled "Todd Sucherman shows how to groove!!" of you doing a disco funk pattern. I'm normally not the equipment question type of person but you are playing a four piece kit. Can you tell me what type and size of the hi-hats that you are playing? They appear to be different sizes and sound awesome!
I love your playing and look forward to the new dvd coming out next month!
Take care,
Brian Presson
Hi Brian,
Thanks, man. That clip is from the first "Methods and Mechanics" DVD. The hats are both Sabian HHX Evolution--and it's a 14" Mini China bottom and a 12" Splash on top. Both DVDs are available from the store right here at this website. Hope you pick them up.
http://www.toddsucherman.com/methods-and-mechanics-2.html
Cheers,
Todd
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Hi Todd from the great state of Montana!
First of all, you are a phenomenal percussionist! It is a treat to watch you play, (you played in Missoula, Montana a few years ago)!
My question is how often are you going to update the videos on your web site? They are great to watch and very inspirational and it would be even better if there was a constant move to new material.
Thanks for the great music!
Brian
Kalispell, Montana
Hi Brian,
I appreciate your interest. I most likely won't be adding much content in the near future as everything is moving toward Youtube and Vimeo. Also, I have two DVDs out that were astronomically expensive to make, and I hope to at least break even on them.....so......you see.........
Thanks! Hope you pick them up.
Cheers,
Todd
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Hi Mr.Sucherman - I have just pre-ordered the new dvd and I was wondering if you are using a new/different snare drum for this since it is in a different setting. If so, what kind?
Thanks. -Ray
Hi Ray,
I use a few different Pearl models in the new DVD but most noticeably is my signature drum made by Pete Stanbridge called the Empyrean. It's basically 14x6.5 Amboyna Burl top and bottom of shell, Afzelia Burl in the center with African Blackwood pinstripes. The hoops are Bubinga with African Blackwood top. The throw is a Dunnett with Amboyna throw with a Swarovski crystal. It comes in a custom Walnut box with Amboyna goodies---a key, wine stopper, pen, and holder of extra hardware bits. And it sounds incredible, of course. Each drum will be shipped to me for hand signing, inspection, tweaking, along with pics and videos and a 20 page book chronicling the making of your drum. Then as an extra bonus the customer receives two tickets and after show passes to a Styx performance.
Information is available at Empyreandrum.com. Thanks for getting the DVD and I hope you are enjoying it!
Thanks a lot, Ray!
Todd
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Hello again Todd! I'm just stupidly excited to have learned that the new dvd is coming out!......just ordered mine from your site. I contacted you a while back, basically to show my sincere appreciation for your amazing talent, and probably more admirably your humble personality! But the main reason is to still harass you (sorry) about a signature piece(s) particularly a snare drum. I very much appreciate the fact you responded to me so gracefully and honestly. I know at the time you said you had some ideas in mind, but it wouldn't be cheap. I have to say, I know it's complicated with endorsers and such as they want to market something so it will be profitable to the public, and yet I feel a true signature piece is really what myself, at least, is after. Todd I work hard for my money as a construction worker, but I'dgladly pay $3000 or so if I knew it was your true signature snare. Perhaps you don't want to be defined by one snare drum sound?....I'd definitely understand that and yet still it'd be real cool to have one with your approval and blessing behind it! Anyway really looking forward to the arrival of the new dvd! I know that's going to be a one heck of a party/ drumming binge, when I get it. I certainly hope to see/ meet you one day as your playing style has completely re-inspired my enthusiasm for drums! By the way your wife and your house are beautiful! You're a tremendously gifted soul!
God bless you my friend!
Jan (Thunder Bay)
Hi Jan,
Thanks for the enthusiastic kind words--they are truly appreciated.
Perhaps you've just read the above answer regarding my signature drum, The Empyrean. Really, the idea was to make it the most exclusive and personal package ever offered by anyone ever. And we've done just that. It exceeds the price point you mentioned but if you spend 20 minutes thoroughly going through the drum's website, I'm sure you'll see that we've succeeded in our goal.
Empyreandrum.com
Thanks for picking up the DVD and I hope you are enjoying it!
My best to you-
Todd
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Hi Todd
In your new DVD Methods and Mechanics 2, brilliant stuff BTW I'm getting lots from it thanks. You are using a little practice pad with a mesh head. Is this a bit of your own invention? If so....nice one. If not can I ask who makes it please?
Thanks Aran
Republic of Ireland=
Hi Aran,
Thanks a lot!
The "Hands" sections were done on a regular snare drum (Pearl Ultracast) with bottom head on. The top head is indeed a mesh head made by Pearl for their Rhythm Traveler practice kit. I have this rubber stuff (I forget who makes it) that fits around the rim of the drum so you don't have wood to metal contact. It's all quite nice actually. I have a similar set up on the road (sans bottom head) for warming up on the road. At the end of disc 2, there's a bit of me warming up before a show on it. Different shell, same head and rubber stuff.
I hope that helps---and thanks again!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hi Todd,
I've been getting more into your drumming lately and I'm looking forward to your upcoming DVD. My question has to do with your shelves for snare drums in your studio. Did you build it yourself? Are those drums you've collected all your life or just since you've been with Styx? Do you play/record them all or are some just for show? I have just a handful of snares, but I'm thinking of building some type of shelf to display them, too.
Thanks.
Terry
Atlanta, GA
Hi Terry,
The shelves are simply book shelves from Ikea! Not very expensive at all, but looks like a million bucks when they are up holding your babies. I'd been slowly collection long before I was in the band. I've slowed way down in recent years actually as I'm running out of space, and I have everything I need to handle any situation. They all get use too. Hope you're digging the new DVD.....
Thanks!
Todd
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Mr. Sucherman,
two days ago I ordered your second methods and mechanics drum dvd via an on-line internet shop ...
the next day I got a mail from the seller stating the following:
Hello, and thank you for your order. Unfortunately, we were told by the publisher this morning that we are required to return all sixty copies we just received. Apparently, the artist himself (Todd Sucherman) was very unhappy with the final video quality, and when we tested one, we see why...the video has a LOT of digital graininess.
Please accept our apologies. We are more than happy to keep your order on hold and send yours as soon as we receive the non-defective copies, or we will gladly refund you in full. We are unsure of how long the pressing will take, but the publisher says that all of the printed copies are affected, and thus no other retailers will have any of these available.
Please let us know how you'd like to proceed. Again, our apologies.
in the mail they refer to you – the artist -and i was wondering if you really took this decision to take the dvd's back ...
i checked your website and there is no trace about this rumor
what is going on you think?
franky
Hi Franky,
I made the decision based on an error in the packaging alone. It was supposed to be (as it is now) a 6 panel digipak. It originally came with half as less art and no credits/thank yous. I flipped out and Hudson went above and beyond to recall the shipments.
I'm concerned about the portion of your note where someone described the "digital graininess" as our high quality in production hasn't waned. Obviously we don't know what kind of system, television, DVD/Blu Ray player this individual "checked it out" on. But my issue was with packaging, and packaging alone. That was why it was recalled.
I hope the DVD is safe in your hands, and that you are enjoying it!
My best to you, and thanks-
Todd
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Hey Todd,
I was just wondering if you have any kids? Because there is a girl in my Communication Applications class claiming to be your daughter, or at least SOMEONE from Styx's daughter. Her exact words were, "my dad's the drummer from Styx".
Seeing as how I don't know much about the actual band, I'm not sure. This has just reeeeally been bothering me the past couple days, seeing as how the exact same girl also told me that I'm going to Hell because I don't go to church, so
any dirt I have on her would be more than satisfactory (:
Thanks for your time, sorry I didn't have a more interesting question!
-Hayley
Hi Hayley,
There have only been two drummers in Styx---myself, and John Panozzo. I do not have any children, and unless this girl's last name is Panozzo....you can bust her!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
I'm very much anticipating the new DVD as I thoroughly enjoyed the first Methods and Mechanics---lots of great ideas. Incredible production and the kit sounds and looks KILLER!!! Gotta love Pearl Drums.
Anyway, I noticed that your Original Masterworks was inner plys of african mahogany with a maple core and outer ply's of bubinga. The newer kit has inner plys of bubinga with a maple core and outer plys of bubinga. Do you notice a big difference in sound between these two kits with the different inner ply configuration? In other words, why did you go with the inner plys of bubinga instead of mahogany on the newer kit?
Thanks a lot Todd and hope to see you perform live at some point in Cleveland. Would love to see you do the Drum Fantasy Camp that is held here yearly as well.
Respectfully---Justin
Hi Justin,
The inner ply of Bubinga is more for the esthetics, to please my eyes more than my ears. I suppose the Mahogany has a little more "lows" to it but the bearing edge cut between the kits makes the most difference in my estimation. The first Masterworks kit (Mahogany inside) has 45 degree bearling edges while the newer kits have the Reference style full rounded for more head to shell contact. It adds a little more warmth, and a yummy fundamental tone. But you really can't lose with either!
Thanks, man. Hope you're enjoying M&M II!
Todd
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Hello Todd,
I had the pleasure of watching you play up close last night at our local music store here in Savannah Ga. Maybe to close I was sitting right in front the kit. The song One Way Out really blew me away!! Watching you play really inspired me. I have never won anything in my life until last night; I won a Pearl snare drum so that really topped it off. Thanks for signing it and talking with me. This may be a crazy question but for the working drummer I know you can relate. What kind of shoes did you have on last night? It is hard to find a good shoe that feel comfortable. I have been told they make shoes for drummers but I have never seen any. Keep on drumming!!!!!!
Thank you
Ronnie Prevatt
Savannah Ga
Hi Ronnie,
Thanks for the note and thanks for making it out to the clinic. Congrats on the drum too! Your question about the shoes is one many drummers get asked. Vic Firth made a Dave Weckl model shoe years ago but those are the only "drumming shoes" I've ever seen. I can play in most anything, but my favorites have been what you saw in Savannah---which are suede ankle boots by John Varvatos. I also love John Varvatos clothes for what it's worth. But they are really comfortable....and stylish!
Thanks again, and glad you dug the clinic.
Take care,
Todd
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Hello Todd, hope you are well. I saw you play with Styx just this past Sunday 10/16/11 at the Fillmore Charlotte, NC. Fantastic show, the band really delivered and the performance really surpassed my expectations as I had not seen Styx play live before. Your performance was brilliant and you gave the band so much punch and power. The opportunity to see you play drums live was one of the main reasons I went to see the band. I was in second row and at the end of the show I was lucky and you were kind to hand me one of your drum sticks. All in all a great experience and a killer show. Thanks. My questions is....What is your take on small venues like the Fillmore Charlotte ? I'm sure its one of the smallest venues you have played recently as the band acknowledged during the show they were "tight". The other short question is concerning your sticks. What is the reason that you select wooden tip sticks instead of nylon tipped sticks ? Last part...are you into Latin percussion ? What is your favorite instrument ? (Timbales, Congas, Bongos, Cajon ??).
Thanks Todd it was great seeing you play live and the best of luck to you.
Regards,
Jorge Moya - Charlotte, NC.
Hi Jorge,
Thanks a lot---glad you enjoyed the show!
I I love the small places because you can feel the audience around you. It's more intimate. I love the big places too on the other hand. Playing all sorts of places keeps it fresh and interesting. I use wood tips (as most people do) because it sounds warmer and more natural on the cymbals. The maple tips of my signature Pro Mark stick never chip. I do love Latin percussion, but I don't consider myself a true percussionist on those instruments. I can play them for overdubs in the studio for rock stuff, but I couldn't hang with the heavy Latin cats. On the kit... I'm confident there!
Thanks again for the note-
Todd
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Todd,
I learned about you from the Modern Drummer Festival 2008 DVD, which prompted me to purchase Method & Mechanics 1. I can honestly say that I stopped breathing for a moment when you spoke about your experience hearing Journey's Evolution for the first time, as well as Steve Smith's solo on Captured. I have to admit, it's like you were speaking directly to me. I believe that I bought Evolution when it first came out. If that was 1979, I was 12, which is now my son's age. The VCR hadn't been invented yet (had it?), so there was no Steve Smith instructional video available to me - but you can't stop technology. Now, both my son and I can be inspired by my generation's Steve Smith through your video. For that, I thank you!
Sincerely,
Rich Johnson
Wausau, WI
Hi Rich,
Well, I thank you for those kind words. Those two records you mention still hold childhood magic and wonder for me, and I guess you too. I hope you guys are enjoying the DVD, and hope you check out "2" as well. My thanks to you both!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
First off, love your playing and congrats on the new DVD! I used to work at Pearl Drums and appreciate that you're part of the Pearl family.
Quick question regarding your studios treatment. I was looking through some of your pictures online and it seems as if you have quite a bit of treatment on practically every square inch of the room, including the ceiling. (From what I can tell) I'm just curious how your drums under the mics translate under this environment. I do a lot of remote session work out of my home studio and am curious if there is specific reasons on using this much treatment and how much "room" you add into the mix later.
Thanks for any input that you can provide!
Travis
Hey Travis,
Thanks for the kind words!
In my studio, the top priority was silence outside of the structure. So that's why there's so much Auralex foam everywhere (aside from the serious room within a room construction.) But there are so many reflective surfaces in the room (60 snare drums and 11 kits) that I get a more "live" sound than you would think by the size of the room and how "dead" it would be otherwise. So that makes all the difference in the world. You can hear my studio on the new "Methods and Mechanics II" DVD.
Thanks again, Travis-
Todd
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Hey Todd! Just picked up recent dvd. Fantastic as usual. I was fortunate enough to see your clinic in Columbus, Ohio a couple of years ago. Any return clinics to Ohio coming up? Would love to bring my boys the next time. Thanks for being an inspiration to us and for being a great human.
Jack K.
Hi Jack,
Thanks for getting the new DVD! Well, I think you just missed me as I played "Drum Daze" in Columbus this year, in April. So it might be awhile until I'm back. But I appreciate the interest and hope to see you down the road sometime. Thanks a lot.
Cheers!
Todd
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Hello Mr. Sucherman,
Could you tell me when your new dvd will be available from Amazon UK?. Thank you.
Paul Heydon.
Hi Paul,
I can only imagine by the time you read this, it would have been available for a couple months! Hope you picked it up and that you are enjoying it!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
I picked up the dvd when I first started drumming but I couldn't really make sense of it. I've been watching it as of lately and it's been really helpful.
I play with a few bands and have gotten pretty good at working with other musicians and like you said in your dvd, making good musical decisions. But, I've been trying to get into soloing. I have a bunch of great ideas that I'd love to work with in a solo, but I just don't know where to start in putting together a solo.
I was hoping you'd be able to share some tips and/or some other dvd's, videos, etc. to help me get into soloing.
Again, the dvd helped a lot and I'm a huge fan. Hope to hear from you soon.
-Jeremy H.
Hi Jeremy,
I like solos that have a melodic theme, and use motifs for a base, generally speaking. I demonstrate those themes a bit on most of the solos on "Methods and Mechanics II," so maybe that would help. Let the music dictate what you play, but there are many questions and variables. Is it an open solo? Are they 8 or 4 bar breaks in between other soloists or music playing? Still, the music should guide you where to go.
I'm glad the DVD is helping and I hope more gigs continue to flow your way. Play the music (and your solos) from an honest musical place!
My best to you-
Todd
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Todd
I had the privilege of meeting an amazing drummer named Pat MacDonald last Sunday in Milwaukee after a show with the Charlie Daniels band. He and I talked drums quite a bit and he mentioned he knew you pretty well from Berklee back in the day. He mentioned to check out you vids when I got the chance, which I have been. Amazing stuff. In any case, I wasn't expecting to be blown away by the beast that Pat is nor was I expecting such a dedicated project such as your dvd series. So many levels higher that lots of the stuff out there!
So many great drummers too in the Chicago area too. I know a couple guys that are monsters too down there, George Fludas, Ernie Adams, Mike Schlick, Dana Hall, all great players that I'm sure you've traded licks with a time or two!
Definitely appreciate the posts on HoD too! Your love of music and drumming comes through every note it seems!
Keep up the good work and keep inspiring players around the world.
Bart Wagner
Hey Bart,
Yes, I knew Pat back in the old days and he is a world class drummer and great guy for sure. Thanks for checking out the dvds, and I hope you are enjoying them! I haven't lived in Chicago for over 15 years so the only guy I knew from your list is Ernie, who's fantastic.
Anyway, thanks for dropping me a note and I wish you the best!
Todd
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Hi Todd,
I was at the Styx show at Penns Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA. It was the
first time I've seen Styx live and boy was I blown away! Styx can
definitely still rock with the best of them! Your playing is truly
inspiring. Keep up the great work!
I had a couple questions about the drum mix from that show. It was
definitely the best mix I've heard in a long time. It fit perfectly
with the rest of the band. Your bass drums were not overbearing at all
and your Sabians sounded awesome as usual. One thing I did notice was
your snare drum seemed to be a bit muddy (loosely tuned?) and your rack
toms seemed to get lost in the overall mix at times.
Is your snare and rack toms tuned/mixed that way on purpose?
How do you like your drum kit tuned/mixed live?
Hope you didn't get too wet last Sunday night in Sunbury, PA during
Hurricane Irene's trek through Pennsylvania.
Thanks,
Ralph DelVecchio
Glen Mills, PA
Hi Glen,
Glad you enjoyed the show. Your comments on the kit sound are not the ones I normally receive. The toms and snare are usually frigging cannons. So I chalk that up to where you were sitting combined with the "wood barn" cathedral structure of the venue. It's amazing what you hear (and don't hear) when you walk around a venue.....especially one like that.
Thanks for the note-
Todd
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i wish u all the best...............for the release from your DVD
see u in berlin
" Hau rein "
cheers
dirk
Thanks, Dirk!
Todd
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Hi Todd!
I'm such a massive fan of all the work you have done over the past 10+ years. You really have inspired me to better myself as a musician. Drums are my passion and I spend most of my free time hitting pads and the kit when I'm able to get behind it!
My question is, iv been trying to hard to improve my hand technique so im smoother with my fills and my grooving. However I don't seem to be improving as my speed is only going up a few bpm every now and again and my off hand is much slower. I was wondering when you were on the uprise and really developing as a drummer, did you have and schemes that you followed or any tips for improving my technique?
I hope to hear from you. Keep living music man!
Sam Whiting
Hi Sam,
Man, your question is hard to answer as I've worked my entire life on my hands. So how do I answer your question, you know? It takes conscious work and dedication. Watching in a mirror while playing, watching the greats and slowing their motions down on DVDs, recording yourself, taking lessons, playing music and gigging constantly, for years and years and years.
I'm not sure how to answer!
But I have a 35 minute section on hands in my first "Methods and Mechanics" DVD, and Jojo Mayer's DVD is strictly on technique and is incredible.
I hope that helps!
Take care,
Todd
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Hi Todd,
The DVD's are great! I've seen the previews and clips on YouTube and I'm gonna buy them next paycheck, so much great stuff!
My question is this: can you talk about what to do when you hit the wall with chops? Did you ever practice something and not be able to get it past a certain point (which was shy of your goal)? If so, what did you do?
Do you offer skype lessons?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, we sure do appreciate it!
If ever you are in Atlanta, hit me up and let me buy you a beer!
Namaste,
Ganesh Giri Jaya
Hi Ganesh,
First off, I've played in Atlanta twice this year---last time just a month ago. So keep an eye on our schedule at Styxworld.com.
Regarding hitting the wall, it just takes time to bust through it. It's work. Everyone wants instant gratification or tricks. It just takes work and then something just clicks in. That's how it is for me anyway, as my experience is the only I can speak from. But realize we will never be where we want to be, as it is a constant journey to improve.
Sorry to say that at this time I don't offer Skype lessons. But I hope you decide to pick up the "M&M I and II" DVDs, and please do so from my web store. (Make sure the artists gets to see the sale, not the big box store or Amazon....if you get my drift.)
Thanks again, and I wish you the best!
Todd
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Dear Todd,
as soon as M&M II was announced I preordered a copy! I haven't got it yet. :-( Couldn't wait any longer so I got it via Hudson's Video On Demand. It's definitely a winner, again! Great performances, humble and nice presentation and lots of fun. What more can you ask for? I still need the real DVD though...
Got "Under The Surface" yesterday, give your wife my kindest regards. You all did a terrific job. Again!
All the best and greetings from Germany!
Thomas
Hey Thomas,
Thanks for the kind words and support! It's greatly appreciated! Thanks for the note and hope to make it back to Germany at some point soon.
Cheers!
Todd
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It was great to hang out while you were in Atlanta last Saturday and lunch with you and Mike Haid @ the Varsity. I hope your home and family escaped the Texas wildfires without any damage.
Tommy Malcolm
Hi Tommy,
The pleasure was mine, and thanks for your concerns. We made it through unscathed. Thanks again!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hi Todd..!!
I want to congratulate you on your new DVD, is really fantastic!!...........both, it and the first DVD Methods & Mechanics have helped me in how to develop my style and technique, are really great!.
I also want to tell you that I am a big fan of yours and my dream is that you come to the country to give a drum clinics here in El Salvador, we have some fantastic places where we can develop it; if you're interested in coming, I can do contacts with some companies that could sponsor the event, for me is a dream to bring you to El Salvador, the event would be successful!
Let me know if you're interested in the project, then we can develop and specify all about the clinic
Best Regards
Gustavo Méndez
El Salvador, Central America
Hi Gustavo,
Thanks for the kind words and for your enthusiasm for me to make it to El Salvador. As far as I know, these vents would have to be put together through the Pearl and Sabian reps for Central America, in cooperation with the headquarters of the companies. Clinics work like this---I have to be invited. I cannot "decide where I go." Otherwise, all of the Hawaiian Islands and Fiji sound like good locations too, right? But it doesn't work that way. I have to be invited, flights and hotels have to be purchased (and not by yours truly) so there is a lot involved. But I hope we can make it happen in the future.
Thanks again, and my best to you!
Todd
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Todd,
First, I'd like to say thanks for your first DVD. I have enjoyed it. Your second DVD is scheduled to be delivered today and I am looking forward to it. My question is... (and this is where the don't laugh part comes in) Do you teach privately? If so, what is your rate? I am going to be in LA for the NAMM in January and if I recall, you are somewhere in that area. I would love to have a couple of hours of 1 on 1 private lessons, assuming that it possible and that I can afford it (and that shouldn't be an issue unless we are talking thousands of dollars). If this is not something you can do, that's fine I completely understand I just thought it was worth asking.
Thanks,
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your inquiry. I've been in Austin for six years and not in Los Angeles anymore (although I'm there a lot.) I rarely teach, and when I do, I'm in the $150 an hour range. If you find that you'll be in Austin anytime, feel free to contact me. Thanks again, and I wish you luck with your playing. And thanks for the kind words!
Cheers,
Todd
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I just wanted to thank you for a great show as always. You handed my friend your stick after the show on Saturday night in Atlanta. He was the one holding up the sign on how much he loved your new DVD. He was thrilled! I couldn't make the show but heard all about it from him. We will see you twice more this year, once at the South Carolina fair & then in Savannah! Looking forward to it as always...Hope to someday be able to meet you as well...
Thanks,
James Jones
Augusta, GA
Thanks for the kind words, James!
Cheers,
Todd
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I'm from Brazil, drummer for 12 years and a big fan of his work. I do not write English well, but it gets my thanks for being an artist who conveys love for the instrument and it encourages me to continue.
I wanted to ask a question about his masterworks snare ok? I have a 14x6,5 snare reference series and I wanted to know how you tune and how do I get close to the sound of his snare.
Make sure you have many fans in Brazil and Latin I am looking forward to his coming here specifically in Brazil in Fortaleza with sticks or solo work or drummer.
thanks todd.
This is my contacts if you want to come by Brazil ok!
Hi ______,
Thanks for the compliments! I have several Masterworks snares, and I tune them differently depending on the musical application, so I'm afraid I can't really answer your question. But I hope I finally make it down way south one of these days!
My best to you!
Todd
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Todd, hey man just say you guys @ Verizon last July and awesome show. Thanks for playing 'One With Everything' probably my favorite Styx tune and BTW I still can't figure out that dang ride pattern LOL. What's the time signature of the tune as I know it changes also still have to pick up methods and Mechanics. Seen bits of it and you are very instructive and helpful. Just wanted to say was just watching 'Return To Paradise' and you don't look a day older:-) Nice sonor set-up and I thought I read you had a slight misunderstanding with them and switched to Pearl if I'm correct. I had a pearl kit at one time in fact I'll send you a picture of my current set-up. Keep up the great work and Taylor has an incredible voice, might have to get her CDs. Hope to see you guys again and as always...Keep Rockin' The Paradise:-))
You friend in music always-
James
Hi James,
Thanks for the kind words, man. They are truly appreciated! You can pic up Taylor's record at Taylormills.com or iTunes, and if you get the first "Methods and Mechanics" DVD, you will have a handle on the song. A seven camera HD shoot of the song, analysis, and fills described and slowed down....available from this very web site store!
OK, man. Thanks again and my best to you-
Todd
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Todd,
I haven't picked up sticks in 40yr, used to have fun in the '70s playing in a basement band. I bought a Roland TD-20 set with many additions for a retirement present to myself and am again enthused. I wanted you to know… I'm bad.
There are two songs I've made my challenge to duplicate, mainly for confidence… Might to Save, and Foolin' Yourself. I feel like if I can do what you do in this song I can do about a lot. I have bought your DVD (on its way), looked at some of your solo's on You Tube and have practiced the song a few times. Shoot, if I was as talented as you are Todd I'd be great!
I'd sure like to tune the toms to match yours! That'll take time I guess but with an electric set it's hard. Not my first choice, I went electric because I can practice late at night without the family killing me.
Wanted you to know, you're my benchmark! Let me know if you come to Memphis, you've got a place to stay…
God Bless 'ya!
Doug
Hi Doug,
Just have fun playing and enjoy the process of discovering and improving. By the way, I did a clinic at Memphis Drum Shop a year ago this month, and also played the cool theater downtown where we filmed our (upcoming and yet to be released) live DVD.
Keep playing, and thanks a lot!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
I find your drumming interesting, I was wondering what's a good Pearl kit to begin with and how much it would cost
Thanks
Sean
Hi Sean,
Really, I don't know. Just choose a kit that makes you excited. The internet is yours to search for prices. I wish you luck.
Todd