Drum clinics are so fun to do when I know I’m reaching out to people and they’re reaching back. Engaging with folks who want to see what you bring to your art is really important, and drum clinics are an example of when our musicality and ability to connect are needed most.
Giving clinic attendees a clear look into what makes a drum performance really work is what I want to do. The posture, relaxation level, hand and foot position and overall physical attitude of a drummer can change from song to song, but there are some things many of us have in common. Finding the level of ‘dynamics’ (volume and energy level) is a very important part of creating drum parts that groove and change with the song. Everyone has their own way of doing that, but seeing a drummer do it in person is so instructional.
I have had the opportunity to play lots of different kinds of music, and in clinics I express that by breaking down some of the basics of a few different grooves. Samba, Montuno, Rock, Blues and other genres all have their own vocabulary of feels, fills and pacing. I get inside some of the different grooves to show the differences and similarities in pacing, volume, fills and expression. Then I perform with some original songs I have recorded tracks of to show some of these different grooves.
I also have some very exciting audio files of legendary songs that I can play to show some of the quirks and uniqueness of the drum tracks. This gives our attendees the opportunity to see how these legendary songs move and flow, and how the drums were recorded. With my experience in recording under the umbrella of my big passion Ben Smith Music Company, which I created with my partner Valda Sarty, I can point out the detail and some of the things musicians consider when figuring out songs in the recording studio.
It’s so important to let people ask questions and I love to see what they’re thinking about. It’s been my pleasure to answer questions about drum tuning, touring, food and diet suggestions, warm-up routines, practicing, band politics, frustration with not moving past personal stuck points in playing, and a million other topics. Offering folks my take on what works is fun, and I always try to emphasize that everyone finds their own way.
Presenting clinics is a fun way to share what I’ve had the honor to experience in music. Finding outlets for musicians to connect with their music community and being a part of that is exciting and inspiring. For anyone interested in hearing more, please email us at [email protected], and on Facebook at Ben Smith Music Company.
