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!
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!
August 2009
Dear Todd,
I recently saw you playing with Styx on TV. Man I thought who is this guy and why I have I not heard of him. I then received my MD subscription and there you were! I went out and purchased your M & M DVD and was truly inspired.
I have been battling cancer for ten years and have lost focus on what brings me peace and happiness. I am sitting in the hospital now waiting on test results.
Thanks for the new inspiration. I cannot wait to get home and practice.
Rob Ryniinger
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Hey Rob,
Thanks so much for your note. I'm glad I could provide something positive for you especially with your situation. I can only hope that your results bring good news and that you are kicking your illness's ass. Stay positive and hang in there, man. I'm sending you positive vibes and all good things.
Hope you are home and spending some time behind the kit and feeling great!
Thanks again and I sincerely wish you health and happiness--
Todd
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Hello from Lisbon Todd!
I enjoyed the articles I read about you in the Magazines and Websites, you're really living the dream! Also after seeing the trailer of your DVD I’m about to order it, I’m sure it’s going to be
A blast to watch!
The one question I have is about what seems to be some sort of tape you use on your fingers, could you tell us what it is exactly, and why you prefer it over gloves?
Thanks for everything and keep on rocking!
Robert de la Croix
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Hi Robert,
If you've received the DVD and watched the "Day On The Road" segment in the Bonus section of disc 2, you know by now that it's a combination of 3M Active Strips and Active Tape. I prefer this over gloves for a few reasons. One is I do not want everything covered the way gloves do. I also hate the way they look and feel. The 3M Active Strips cover only where you put them--any problem area you might have. Plus they are water resistant and the sticks stay pretty snug in them due to a bit of lycra spandex in the tape. They feel natural to me, and gloves couldn't feel more un natural or horrible on my hands.
Hope that answers your question and hope that you did pick up the DVD!
Cheers to you in Lisbon, and take care!
Todd
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Hi Todd -
So I am flipping through the stations, hit John Stewart, and notice what looks like the boys from Spinal Tap (minus Viv)...there they are. Naturally, since all their drummers have died in mysterious and horrible ways, I want to see who's the next future victim.
And it's you...!!! How did that come about, and are you actually going to be doing anything with those guys down the road?
Hope it was a blast, and please watch your step - because we'd hate to lose you, and, the police cannot really dust for vomit. But, should any spontaneous combustion occur, you might want to figure out ahead of time what you would like to happen to that little green globule left on your throne.
Tap into America, Todd!
Jon Rotman
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Hi Jon,
I had worked with the Tap back in 2000 when we did Stonehenge on the Tonight Show. (Sound clip in audio section of this website.) Being that I've been on the road with Styx a majority of the year, every year for ten straight years, Gregg Bissonette has been playing with them when they've gotten together to play. Gregg couldn't do these two TV shows (Daily Show& Jimmy Fallon) I was called and it so happened I was on a break so I could do the dates. I had a tremendous time with these hysterical guys who are complete geniuses, total gentlemen, and they can play!
You can see the Jimmy Fallon Show clip on the video page of this site.
Thanks again for your note and take care--
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Todd
My drum teacher burned me a not so good copy of your dvd. He just wanted to give me an idea of how awesome a drummer you are. I ended up buying it. We're actually working with your Warm-up exercises, sticking and rudiments page. I don't know where it originated from, but I'm lovin' it. Not only do I use it to practice, I also use it as warm-up exercises before a gig or just band practice. My question is, what color do they call the drums that you use on the dvd. I love the contrast of the color with the gold hardware. Look forward to seeing you guys next Wed. at Mohegan Sun Casino.
Thanks,
Bob
CT.
PS-If you ever sell that kit, I'd be very interested in buying it.
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Hi Bob,
Thanks for BUYING the dvd! They cost a lot to produce, so thanks you for being honest and plunking down the money to help insure that products like my dvd will have a future---and a future for myself and other artists to continue to make them. Glad you are finding it useful in your own playing.
The finish on my Pearl Masterworks kits is a wood from Africa called Bubinga. You can order a kit like the one I have from the Masterworks custom shop. There is a downloadable PDF on the Pearl website where you choose virtually everything you want in a kit. I do not sell my drums....but you can order one for yourself! Hope you enjoyed the show at Mohegan.
Continued luck with your playing-
Todd
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Todd:
That’s a great looking drum room. Looks like you really did the research to make sure you got the result you wanted.
Just for curiosity sake: How close is your nearest neighbor, and can anything be heard outside while you are in there?
Thanks for your contribution to the art.
Bob Woods
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Hi Bob,
My nearest neighbors were a little closer in Los Angeles than the Austin house. I'm not sure of the distance of my place in Austin......I can only guess.....a few hundred feet? I don't know. I'm on a lot that's 3/4 an acre and it's hard to gauge as I sit and type on this airplane I'm in at the moment. I've had drummer friends wail full throttle in there and if you stand directly outside the structure you can feel or hear a low rumble. If you walk 20 paces away, you hear nothing. I've never received a noise complaint from anyone in LA or Austin.
I hope that answers your question and thanks for writing!
Todd
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Hey Todd,
Got the dvd `bout a month ago and love it, renewed my desire to play. Been playing off and on for 20 plus years. Married and 46 yrs old, full time job w/kids [tired]. Many people have suggested that i consider studio drumming... Just 2 questions -1. Am I too old too pursue that? 2-When you do the fast rolls on the drumkit do you [if I can phrase this correct] throw the sticks into the drum for the double strokes or do you have to "muscle or Pull" those out?
Thanks, Doug Carpenter, Kings Mountain N.C.
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Hi Doug,
Thanks for picking up the DVD and I'm so glad it's inspired you to spend more time at the kit. Fantastic!
Your first question is a bit difficult to answer. One is never to old to pursue any thing that one has passion for. The question is.......is there any studio work where you live? It's really dried up in the major cities so I can't really say, "Yeah, man....move to NY or LA." But you need to find out if anything at all is happening in your location. It's hard to be a dog sled trainer in Houston. You have to move where there is snow and where that sort of thing exists. You know? These are sort of questions you need to figure out for yourself. But DO figure them out by yourself--and not let others do it for you.
I suppose the second question is hard to answer too. I have no "set technique" for anything in a way. I mean, there are so many factors. For faster figures, am I playing triple forte? (Loud and hard.) Am I playing soft with a burn? Is there a crescendo? Where are the figures played? Are the feet involved in the figures? What's the tempo? What's the orchestration? Toms? Snare? Combination? The snare drum is tighter than the toms which have less rebound. See what I getting at? I'm sorry to not answer your question and then throw 10 questions back at you, but I'm afraid that's the best I can do. I'm able to muscle things out AND utilize rebound and physics. It just depends on all the factors I presented you with. I hope that makes sense to you!
Thanks for writing and I wish you luck, Doug!
Take care,
Todd
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Hi Todd!
I'm very interested in a particular drum fill you do on “Tears of Joy,” It´s the first break of the music where you play this fill, I have honestly tried to work it out but can't. I believe it finishes with a beat on each pedal ,“R-L” and the rest being single strokes… Would you mind explaining this fill for me? Thanks!!
Kind Regards
Danny Penalver
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Hi Danny,
Hmmmmm. "Methods and Mechanics" dvd version or Modern Drummer Festival dvd version? I think the lick you are referring to is actually the third break, in I'm guessing the "Methods and Mechanics" version. If so, I think it's 8 with the hands and 2 with the feet---starting with the snare and descending down the toms. It's over two bars of 13/8. That's the best I can guess and explain as I write from 35 thousand feet in the air presently on a plane ride.
I hope that helps!
Take care,
Todd
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Hi Todd
I have been playing the drums for 45 years. My teacher was in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. I played with my teacher and 2 other people in a percussion ensemble when I was in school many years ago. One of my fellow musicians went on to with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. After many years of my drums gathering dust I started playing again. Great stress beater and fun. I was fortunate to see the Styx concert on July 11, 2009 in St. Louis. Hearing and seeing you play, I knew I was seeing something special. Your technique, style and especially your ability is truly remarkable. You bring a new level for other percussionists to aspire to. Your best modern rock drummer for 2009 was greatly deserved! My question is about the way you hold your stick in your left hand. Were you taught to hold the stick between your thumb and third finger? Occasionlly you hold a match grip, but mostly use the standard way students were taught many years ago. I still hold my left hand the way you do. All my fellow percussionists used the same left hand style many years ago. Do you feel this allows for better control for complex rhythms or just the way you were schooled? Virtually all rock drummers except you, use the match grip. I just wanted your opinion on your left hand technique.
Thanks Roger
---------------------------------
Hi Roger,
Thanks for the kind words!
I talk about this a bit in detail in my dvd, "Methods and Mechanics." I was taught this way by my father who was a big band drummer---and I've been playing that way since before I can literally remember. I've been playing since the age of two so there are many things I have no recollection of learning. Forgive me for not typing out several paragraphs on this topic (which would basically be the spiel from the dvd)....but when it comes down to it, a grip is just a grip. It's a means to an end. What's the end result?
There are amazing drummers who play traditional grip and amazing drummers who play matched. There are amazing drummers who play BOTH ways and I've always tried to strive for that. There are certain ways your playing changes from one grip to the other. I often switch back and forth within the same song. I do it totally unconsciously and it's all about vibe and feeling---what feels best at that time. But I confess that traditional grip is very much "home" for me. And I find I can get a nice strong backbeat "whap" holding it a bit back. There's no "right way" to hold a stick as long as you are getting the musical results you are striving for. But if you're not getting the desired results it's good to examine your hands, stroke and overall technique. It's sort of a never ending quest!
Thanks again for your compliments and I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the show in St. Louis! Come see us again next time we swing through town.
Cheers-
Todd
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Todd:
I turned fifty last month and I wanted to thank you for helping me start a new life's passion.
I had tickets for Styx in the late 70's in Springfield, IL and couldn't wait to see the band. The concert, for some reason I never did find out, was canceled and I didn't ever get a chance to get to another Styx concert. After seeing the Styx concert, "One with Everything", last December on cable, I convinced myself to leave my comfort zone and try my first drum lesson. I work near a small music store and crossed the path of an outstanding percussionist, Ronnie Engel. Both my son, who is 11, and I are now taking lessons from Ronnie and loving it.
For my fiftieth birthday my wife bought me tickets to the Styx St. Louis concert last night (July 11, 2009), and I cannot ever explain how much I enjoyed your and Styx's performance. It was so worth the wait to see you all live. It will be an experience that I can only hope drives me to be a drummer of worth some day. Even if I'm seventy when I get there.
Thank you so much for your artistry. You make the drums come a live. YOU WERE AWESOME!!!!
steve washburn
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Hi Steve,
Wow----what a great note! I love hearing things like this. If I had anything to do with you getting behind a drumset, well, what an honor. I can say that it doesn't ever matter "what level" of a player you become. What matters is the joy that playing and learning brings to your life. To be involved with creating and the arts is one of life's greatest joys. As long as that's what you (and your son) are getting out of it, than continue! It's not a contest, you know? It's not a sport.
I'm glad you finally made it out to a show and I hope you can make it the next time we come to St. Louis. Thanks again for your great note and I wish you and your son the best---and keep it up!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
Now, I want to start off by saying how you great you are setting a mood and feeling while playing drumset. I know drumset is your main thing, but I was wondering if you ever deeply explored other Percussion instruments like mallets, (Bells, Marimba, Glockenspiel, Xylophone.etc...) Chimes, or the Timpani? Also I would like to know for you, how is recording a song in a studio different then playing it live?
Thanks!,
Kyle
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Hi Kyle,
I started with mallets and timps in 3rd grade and played them through junior high and high school symphonic band, but my heart was never really in it. I would try to play concert snare as much as I could (as well and the kit of course) but I understood the concept of taking turns and letting the other percussionists have a go at the snare. It just wasn't for me and I sort of tolerated it. I enjoyed timpani much more than mallets as I remember.
Hope that answers your question and thanks for writing--
Cheers-
Todd
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Hi Todd,
I'm studying drumset. I've seen the "One with everything" show with CYO in Cleveland on a TV channel. It's just awesome!! My parents and I (I'm 17 years old) were blown away by your skills. The drums and the cymbals sounded great too.
So, about that show:
- On the tune, "It don't make sense," you play a trashy stack, a splash cymbal on a snare drum and a bell. What are these cymbals?
- Second, how it is to deal with a symphonic orchestra? Do you have to adjust your playing or something?
I've also seen clips of your DVD on Drummerworld. It's pretty well done. The improvisations over ostinatos (afro-Cuban and Brazilian) are really great and, as they are rudimental, they also follow the feeling of these Latin styles. Like I listen a lot to Latin music, I've felt those caractheristical half-straight/half-swung feelings.
The Jazz section seems to be really interesting. The small kit sounded great also. What are the specs of that kit (drums, cymbals, etc.)?
You also use a special hi-hat on a funky disco groove demonstration. (Again) What are these cymbals? I think of buying your DVD soon. By the way, your wife sings wonderfully (almost like Brian Wilson said). Also, congratulations for the MD Reader's Poll!! I think you make a really great job with Styx.
And last question, do you do a clinic in Montreal, QC soon?
Greetings from Mirabel, Quebec, Canada. See you soon.
Clarence Elliot
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Hi Clarence,
Thanks for your kind words, and now.......on to your many questions!
When we recorded "It Don't Make Sense" for the Big Bang Theory CD I did a whole bit with hitting metal objects, stepping on cymbals, dropping a case of percussion instruments on the ground, etc. There's a video of it on Youtube and I think that video might still be on my Myspace page. (Check it out.) So for the CYO show I had to try to replicate that vibe a bit while still being able to turn around and immediately play the kit and go back and forth. If my memory serves me correctly, I had a combo 12" mini China and 10" splash on a closed hat stand for "trash hats." Then I had a prototype 7" ice bell type thing, then I put a 10" splash on a 2nd snare drum which gave a different kind of "white noise" than the china hats did. 3 sound sources total.
You ask about playing with an orchestra. I just tried to do my thing that I always do, but having an extra 150 people on stage does make things a bit different. I looked at my role as trying to be the glue that held the band and orchestra together---all the while in the plexiglass box---which was to curb sound leakage into the other 80 open mics on stage. I had to be in visual contact with Liza Grossman (the conductor) to help cue with section/tempo/cues, etc. There was very little proper rehearsal for that event and I'm happy it came off pretty well!
I hope you DO pick up my "Methods and Mechanics" DVD. I've never worked so hard on anything before and I'm glad you like what you've heard (including the Taylor Mills material). The small kit stuff was just a little Pearl Masters kit (18" 12" 14") with some lovely Sabian cymbals. The cymbals were HHX Legacy 14" hats and 22" Heavy Ride, a 20" HH Raw Dry Ride and a 20" Encore Flat Ride. Again, the funky small hats were the same combo I used in "sense" from the CYO dvd.
When will I be in Canada? We just played for 78,000 people in Quebec City last month at a great festival on the Fields of Abraham (I think it was called) and played the next night at another festival in Ottawa. We will be in Niagara Falls and Belleville in September and then I will be doing some clinics in Ontario. Maybe one of these dates is close to you?
Centre Stage | Kingston, Ontario, Sept 21st
Cosmo Music | Richmond Hill, Ontario, Sept 22nd
Gear Music | Oakville, Ontario, Sept 23rd
Sherwood Music | Kitchener, Ontario, Sept 24th
OK---Thanks again for writing and I hope that I answered all your questions!
Take care and hope you see me, or us, or both soon--
Todd
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Dear Todd,
First and foremost, just a quick thanks for taking the time and energy for putting together an educational DVD that inspires and gives the viewer realistic things to take to the drums. I've watched many drum DVD's over the years and sometimes I don't come away with anything that I feel like I can connect with. But, after watching yours, the ideas and material just seemed to "click" and that I'll be able to go to the kit and be a better drummer, and more importantly, a better musician because of it.
I do have a couple of questions:
Where was the DVD filmed? (I probably missed it somewhere) The place is beautiful and integrating the nature feel was a really cool idea.
Would you mind going over your DVD cymbal setup? I noticed some of them were different than the setups that are posted online. The changing hats (HHX, HH), the Paragon china, etc.
Thanks again and cheers,
-Nolan
-Maiden, NC
(AND next dvd question from)
Hello,
My questions about your DVD are a bit different than most I have seen here.
First, I am curious what were the production dates of the video? Also, whose house was that, were you filmed the majority of the video?
Who's voice was that on the "Quick Tip" sections of the video? It sounded very frightening! LOL. That looked kind of dangerous playing at the end of a cliff, like that. It must have been a cool experience though.
Lastly, I really appreciated your sense of humor through out the video. I am not sure if many people picked up on that, but I found it a nice touch.
Thanks again for making such an awesome DVD and I hope you do a sequel sometime!
Robert
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Hi Nolan and Robert,
I thought I'd answer your questions on the topic of the dvd together. But first, thanks for your kind words, compliments, and for getting it in the first place! I really appreciate it very much.
To answer your questions is random order.....
In my previous answer to Clarence from Montreal, I gave the specs on the jazz kit cymbals. Actually, I do go through the cymbals in the gear bit near the end of disc 2, don't I? Well, from memory, 14" HHX Evolution Hats (13" HH Bright Hats on triple snare solo) 17" AAXtreme China, 15" AAX Studio Crash, 6" AAX Slash, 7" HHX Evo Splash, 17" Vault Crash, 10" HHX Evo Splash, 20" Prototype Ride, 18" HHX Evo Crash, 14" HHX Evo Mini China bottom/12" HHX Evo Splash top for trash hats, 19" Paragon China, 20" AA Thin Crash. Whew!
It was in fact my voice on the "Quick Tips" and the cliff's at my buddy's pad, where we filmed, was not really dangerous at all. It was just cold as I remember! The production dates were the end of November/beginning of December 2007 and edited through the spring of 2008.
I hope I've satisfied with the answers---and I do hope to make another dvd at some point, perhaps a year or two down the road.
Thanks again to you both!
Cheers,
Todd
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I don't have a question; I just wanted to share some thoughts with you. I am currently the drum manager for Guitar Center in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania and I also instruct drums with 15 students through Music and Arts Center which is owned by Guitar Center. I was fortunate to see you perform with Styx both at the Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey and the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia while you were on tour with Journey and REO Speedwagon. We recently received your Methods and Mechanics DVD at the drumshop. I play the video and share time watching it with our customers; they really like it. I picked a copy up at my store and really love the video.
I have been playing the drums since age 9 and recently turned 40 years old. I was really touched by disc 2 on your DVD regarding "Thank You Mr. Smith. Steve inspired me to play the drums watching him both on MTV and during the Frontiers tour at JFK in Philadelphia and just watching him motivated me to sit on the drumkit. I have seen Steve with Vital Information and his Jazz legacy Tour several times and every time I meet with him he greets me and is very humble. My dream came true in March 2006 during the Berks JazzFest in Reading, Pennsylvania when I was able to study Jazz and technique with him for a few days. The night before my 40th birthday I headed to reading which was on October 16th, 2008 to see his Jazz Legacy tour and brought some of my students to experience some Jazz. Steve welcomed me with a hug and when the night ended he gave me a hug goodbye and said happy birthday and then handed me his sticks that he performed with that evening.
Sorry if I rambled on to much but I just want you to know that watching you drum is both inspiring and motivating. I usually play with Steve's signature Vic Firth sticks and then recently tried your sticks and like the feel and balance. I look forward to seeing you on tour whenever you perform in PA or NJ. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for sharing your story about Steve Smith; it was awesome and I feel just as he motivated us to drum; you are doing the same thing for other drummers, God Bless You and take care!!
Rich Brinsfield
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Hi Rich,
Thanks for that great note. I really appreciate it! It truly is our duty to pass our knowledge and information along to the younger guys---the next generation as it were---and it's an honor to do it too. I'm glad that my efforts made an impression on you and I'm very flattered to even be talked about along side one of my all time heroes. Thanks, Rich. I hope you and your students and customers continue to dig the dvd and that it inspires creativity in your playing and thinking.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and feedback with me. It means a lot.
Here's wishing you the best---and happy drumming!
Todd
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Dear Todd,
My name is Ryan Chaney. I have been drumming for seven years, and love what you have accomplished in the art of drumming. I saw Styx live for my first time in January at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, IN, and have just come from seeing a concert of Styx, Reo Speedwagon, and .38 Special at the Mid-America Centre in Council bluffs, IA.
I myself have a band that has played many gigs over four years, and have written six of our own songs. Recently though, I find myself using the same licks and fills for everything I play, and some of the time it doesn't make musical sense.
My question is, what can I do to advance the level of my playing? One thing my teacher has suggested is using more rudiments. Do you use a lot of rudiments in your playing? I love to play and would appreciate any advice you have on this topic.
Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you live in the future!
Sincerely,
Ryan
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Hi Ryan,
Well, we all use rudiments to some degree. But I suppose you can easily play simple beats (playing simple time) and have a long career in music as long and THAT is what the music calls for. But the more you know, the more you know......and you must use that knowledge musically.....to ultimately fit the music. Technique is a means to an end.
I feel like a commercial sometimes, but I really recommend my dvd "Methods and Mechanics." You can read the last few months of "Dear Todd's" and see what folks have written or commented about it.
I take a whole 35 minutes on a pad showing stickings and rudiments and then take them to the drumset and show different applications using various orchestrations and changing note rates. This sounds exactly what you are looking to do. But to answer your question I use rudiments, hybrid rudiments and various sticking patterns all the time. It sounds like you are passionate about playing and you just need something to help you break a few walls down and get to the next level.
You can order the dvd direct from us at Altitudedigital.com and it will be in your mailbox in a couple of days.
Thanks for making it out to some shows and I wish you the best. Keep playing and keep recording yourself---and be honest with yourself and the music! That should always come first. And keep your mind open and check out all kinds of music.
Thanks again and take care--
Todd
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Hi Todd ,
I saw you've been playing on youtube at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbTLxijTM8A&feature=related . The second part of this video , ( I mean : almost in the same moment when this great rhythm starts , I can see your name ) is wonderfull . I can not figureout the beat ( think 9/8 but I suppose i'm wrong ). Could you tell me what beat you play in this part or maybe could you tell me where i can get the score for this fragment ? Thanks and Greetings and sorry for my english :) .
Greg from Poland .
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Hi Greg,
That's another Jerry Goodman song (he wrote and performed "Tears Of Joy") called "Going On 17". The section you're asking about is actually in 17/8. You can count it this way 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 / 1-2-3-4-5/ ONE-TWO. The numbers are 8th note rate, the "ONE- TWO" quarter note rate. The song in it's entirety has sections in 15/8, 4/4, 7/4, and 17/8.
Thanks for writing, and cheers to you all the way in Poland!
Todd
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Todd!
Caught your Styx show at the Ottawa Blues Fest! You guys put on a fabuloso show! Nice to see you aboard the "S.S. Come Sail Away"! Been a Styx fan since the late 70's, and John what of been honoured to see you carry his torch!
You and Larry have added a different dimension to the band to keep up with the constant changes in our world.
Let me know when your heading this way again!
P.S. Am going to get the Eliminator-Demon double kick pedals. They are
'moon struck calf' awesome!
Enjoy the rest of your tour!
J.P. Arial
Ottawa, Ontario
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Thanks a lot, JP!
Cheers-
Todd
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Hey Mr. Todd,
My name's Bobby and I'm 15 years old. Thank you so much for the Methods and Mechanics DVD! I'm such a big fan in all that you do, and I'm thankful for all the licks, concepts, and thoughts I learned from your DVD. The thing you said about writing to Steve Smith as a kid and a kid writing to you more recently was truly awesome. I hope that the DVD continues to inspire up-and-coming drummers across the world, just as it did for me. One question. I can't imagine doing anything else rather than playing drums for a living. It's an exciting dream, but right now I'm in a stage where I'm bored with my drumming. It doesn't feel good to not enjoy my own art and creativity. Is there anything that really inspires you?
Thanks a lot,
Bobby
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Hi Bobby,
Don't let your own playing get you down. It's very common. I'm not sure what I can say to you that hasn't been said in the dvd insofar as inspiration goes.
There are times I wanna peel my own face off when I hear myself play on playbacks or live reference cds of shows. That makes me want to work harder to play the way I hear it in my head. That's the game, my friend. But what inspires me? Everything does. People. Beauty. Art. Sadness. Joy. Sunshine. Water. I mean, take a look around you! Go to the park or a museum! Put that into your playing!
That's the best I can do, Bobby. We all have to find our own muse. It's different for everyone in a way I suppose.
I wish you luck----and thanks for getting the dvd and sharing your feedback with me.
Take care,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
Just got the DVD and was completely blown away not only by your amazing chops and musicality but I truly enjoyed the thoughts you shared on being someone people will want to work with ie. Being on time and preparing for the gig/session. I love the fill you play coming out of the guitar solo on Center of Your Heart. It sounds like a triplet flam thing but if you could expand on what you actually played there I would be grateful. I loved that fill and the song is fantastic! I was also curious if you could say where it was filmed. Spectacular scenery.
Thanks for the inspiration,
Ross Brotman
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Hi Ross,
Thanks for getting the dvd and for sharing your feedback with me!
Hmmm. Not sure if I can describe the fill in question. The right hand starts on the "E &" of 1 in a shuffle pattern and the left just hits the second note accents of the "fake shuffle" on the right while flamming, and the bass drum is filling in the 3rd note in between the shuffle. Is this making sense? Then on beats 3 and 4 the pattern changes from the aforementioned pattern in 3s to a straight four, with the bass drum notes on the "E" of beats 3 and 4. Uuuuugggg. I hope this is helping----it's making my brain hurt!
Try your slow-mo function on your dvd/blu ray player while keeping what I said in mind. It's easier to play it than to talk about it!
Thanks again, Ross. Hope you figure it out and nail it.
Cheers-
Todd
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Hey, Todd
Why dont most rock drummers wash out a ride cymbal? I have an old jazz ride and I wash it and it sounds great.
Thanks, Ben P
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Hi Ben,
Not exactly sure what you mean.......but hey.....everyone does their own thing and that helps us remain different and unique.
Todd