My dvd is almost done, I have a clip of it up

[brennenlesser]

I'm not sure what to call it...

"Technique and Concepts"
or
"The Modern and Future Techniques of Drumming"

Clip of my DVD up until tomorrow night

My drumming DVD will cover...

Technique and Concepts

Hand Technique
1. How to hit
2. Wrist
3. Fingers

Alternating Muscle Group Techniques - Hands
1. Moeller whip
2. Push pull
3. Rim roll

Foot Technique
1. Heel Down
2. Heel Up

Alternating Muscle Group Techniques - Feet
1. Toe Heel
2. Heel Toe
3. Swivel

How to Warm up and Build Chops

Tuning
1. Toms
2. Snare
3. Kick

How to Practice

Comment and spread the word and spam it if you want. It'll help me out a lot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2AchwGrxuE

[That Guy]

I like it buddy! I love the music in the background and the way you easily explain the technique. It seems like it will be great for people who are learning to drum and those who want to experience with different foot techniques. I'm looking forward to seeing more, especially hand work.

Bye the way.. what do you think of the pollen around here lately? It's killing me! I work at Hernando County Airport, and its covering all of our aircraft with a huge yellow film. It's awful.

[PinkZepplin]

holy crap, i heard anarchy camp start playing, and i was like, did he put the wrong link up?

did you produce this video yourself? and is that going to be the video quality for the entire dvd?

either way man, good luck.

[oops]

Interesting...

Do you put the different foot techniques into practice, ie... show you can play them within a controlled enviroment (grooves), and lock it in.

I can do heel-toe on the practice pad, but try and play it in a groove setting and its ridiculously sloppy.

[brennenlesser]

I like it buddy! I love the music in the background and the way you easily explain the technique. It seems like it will be great for people who are learning to drum and those who want to experience with different foot techniques. I'm looking forward to seeing more, especially hand work.

Bye the way.. what do you think of the pollen around here lately? It's killing me! I work at Hernando County Airport, and its covering all of our aircraft with a huge yellow film. It's awful.

Pollen sucks. My allergies have been a real pain lately. The heat has really been getting to me too. I really can't wait to split! I hope my drumming career picks up!

holy crap, i heard anarchy camp start playing, and i was like, did he put the wrong link up?

did you produce this video yourself? and is that going to be the video quality for the entire dvd?

either way man, good luck.

Quality is much better from a DVD. Youtube compresses it to a really crappy quality. Yes I'm doing it all myself.

Interesting...

Do you put the different foot techniques into practice, ie... show you can play them within a controlled enviroment (grooves), and lock it in.

I can do heel-toe on the practice pad, but try and play it in a groove setting and its ridiculously sloppy.

I have songs incorporating the techniques I'm teaching. Sloppy means keep on doing it until it's not! lol!




Good luck!!!

BRENNEN LESSER

[PinkZepplin]

cool, i figured that wasn't gonna be the final product but i had to ask. like i said before man, good luck

[brennenlesser]

cool, i figured that wasn't gonna be the final product but i had to ask. like i said before man, good luck

Thank you! Please check it out when it's finished!

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I was going to suggest some kind of backdrop other than the neighbors car since its going on a DVD. Maybe indoor with a back drop or blank wall.

[brennenlesser]

I was going to suggest some kind of backdrop other than the neighbors car since its going on a DVD. Maybe indoor with a back drop or blank wall.

yes I have a back drop a vic banner. But no way of rigging them. The light isn't bad outside.

I was going to do some filming today inside and see how it looks.

Thanks for the feedback!

How was the instruction though?

[PinkZepplin]

I'm going to hope you go into a little bit more detail then what was illustrated there, if not then you definately should man. It seems like you cover a lot of topics, and explain them pretty clearly. Plus the slo mo clips are a good way of showing what's really happening with your feet, but like i said if you don't already go more in depth in the actual dvd, you definately should. Maybe include some exercise, and application

[brennenlesser]

I'm going to hope you go into a little bit more detail then what was illustrated there, if not then you definately should man. It seems like you cover a lot of topics, and explain them pretty clearly. Plus the slo mo clips are a good way of showing what's really happening with your feet, but like i said if you don't already go more in depth in the actual dvd, you definately should. Maybe include some exercise, and application

Of course! I'll have pdf Files and exercises to go along with it. I can't show everything! lol

[tak22thegoat]

Great!
One thing is though, you must have a section for common mistakes for each subject (Like Jojo Mayer's DVD).

[PinkZepplin]

Of course! I'll have pdf Files and exercises to go along with it. I can't show everything! lol

ya, again that's what i figured. are the pdf stuff just exercises or what?

and i agree with the post above me, you definately should have a common mistakes section so that people know what to look for. It looks like a promising effort with a lot of really cool info. Like the swivel technique? That's actually something i'm not too farmilliar with, did you make that up, or am i just missing out on a whole part of bass drumming? ha

[brennenlesser]

ya, again that's what i figured. are the pdf stuff just exercises or what?

and i agree with the post above me, you definately should have a common mistakes section so that people know what to look for. It looks like a promising effort with a lot of really cool info. Like the swivel technique? That's actually something i'm not too farmilliar with, did you make that up, or am i just missing out on a whole part of bass drumming? ha

There is a lot of new techniques coming around in drumming. Maybe not new but there starting to get popular in todays playing. Push pull, and Moeller is actually in more than half of drummers vocabulary at least today. Swivel, heel toe, and toe heel is REALLY new to me, I love it though!

People want to know more than heel down or heel up. Traditional grip or match grip. They want to know why this guy can play this so much faster than him.

It's all because he knows a different technique that most people can't just figure out on their own.



Great!
One thing is though, you must have a section for common mistakes for each subject (Like Jojo Mayer's DVD).

Thanks! I didn't think of that. I did incorperate how to spot incorrect practice of a technique. Techniques in spotting bad technique during practice! That's the key to EVERYTHING. Technique.

Spotting a mistake can be hard for drummers. They may not know that they are using their left wrist a tad in their velocity strokes. Later on down the line they're frustrated "why am i getting all tense when I'm doing a blast beat" someone spots it finally months later. they never knew! Now he's stuck with a bad habit and a really bad muscle memory. how does he get him self out of the habit?

I think it's safe to say more than half of drummers don't practice/warm up/study/or chop build correctly. With my DVD I'm trying to change that.

Introduce a bunch of techniques. Apply them in songs. Show you how to build them up. I'll introduce the most productive times to practice, study, and when to be creative.

sry I'm blabbing, I'm just really excited about this project. I'm going to be selling this dirt cheap too.

[brennenlesser]

I haven't taken it down yet But I will monday morning.

Check it out before monday =]

[NIMBY]

love anarchy camp in the background!

looks like it would be a very useful dvd, are you going to be distributing it internationally?

[brennenlesser]

love anarchy camp in the background!

looks like it would be a very useful dvd, are you going to be distributing it internationally?

I'm figuring it out the best I can. I will be trying =]

[Tim Waterson]

I'm figuring it out the best I can. I will be trying =]
Nice demonstrations brennen
No offence BUT...
Question why do a DVD that covers what has been done already /
looks like you watched my dvd and then do your own lol.
PS you dont want to get a reputation like the other guys who copy Johnny Rabb and My videos
I'D Like to see a DVD showing some NEW ideas
Tim

[Deltadrummer]

OUCH.

Don't mess with the master.:)

[brennenlesser]

Nice demonstrations brennen
No offence BUT...
Question why do a DVD that covers what has been done already /
looks like you watched my dvd and then do your own lol.
PS you dont want to get a reputation like the other guys who copy Johnny Rabb and My videos
I'D Like to see a DVD showing some NEW ideas
Tim

The thing I'm excited to share is my practice method.

Well this is the first DVD of 5. Dom Famularo has been kinda guiding my ideas. I had one huge DVD and he said that a lot of it was way too advanced and I needed easier DVDs leading up to harder ones. A highly Advanced DVD is much harder to sell he said. I do want an income! haha

I feel I broke down these techniques the best I can and as quickly as I can. My goal is to help someone learn and not drag it out on them. I don't want to bore them to death. Give them a handful of exercises to pick up the feel for them.

My next DVDs will talk about modern Styles, independence, Polyrhythms, and stick tricks.

Tim, I haven't seen your DVD. I think I've seen 2 clips on youtube of you. I haven't copied you lol.
OUCH.

Don't mess with the master.:)

I'm made of steel, I can take it. It's all ideas to improve my projects.

[Mr. Pasquini]

I decided months ago I had to watch it, your technique is so nice, how will I go about getting this? How much will it cost? Do I get a free black panther snare for ordering the DVD?

I'm really excited about this, the youtube clips are great!

[brennenlesser]

I decided months ago I had to watch it, your technique is so nice, how will I go about getting this? How much will it cost? Do I get a free black panther snare for ordering the DVD?

I'm really excited about this, the youtube clips are great!

Free black panther snare? no one gets that =[.

It should be finished by the 2nd or 3rd week of April. I was aiming the first week, but some segments are taking longer than I expected.

It's going to be $10. You could order the DVD or watch it streaming off of music learning curve once it's finished

Well thanks for the kind words!

-Brennen

[Deltadrummer]

The thing I'm excited to share is my practice method.
stick tricks.

Tim, I haven't seen your DVD. I think I've seen 2 clips on youtube of you. I haven't copied you lol.


I'm made of steel, I can take it. It's all ideas to improve my projects.

Well, my first take on what you've done is that like Tim said, it's been done already. My second take on it was that your dress was kind of slovenly for a professional video. My third take on it was that because of that, you may have a target audience of guys who don't dress well.

[Tim Waterson]

The thing I'm excited to share is my practice method.

Well this is the first DVD of 5. Dom Famularo has been kinda guiding my ideas. I had one huge DVD and he said that a lot of it was way too advanced and I needed easier DVDs leading up to harder ones. A highly Advanced DVD is much harder to sell he said. I do want an income! haha

I feel I broke down these techniques the best I can and as quickly as I can. My goal is to help someone learn and not drag it out on them. I don't want to bore them to death. Give them a handful of exercises to pick up the feel for them.

My next DVDs will talk about modern Styles, independence, Polyrhythms, and stick tricks.

Tim haven't seen your DVD. I think I've seen 2 clips on youtube of you. I haven't copied you lol.


I'm made of steel, I can take it. It's all ideas to improve my projects.

Brennen
No offence was made but,

"Tim's drumming is simply Amazing! He is stretching the possibilities of what is truly possible with the feet." - Dom Famularo

DOM has always been a strong supporter and has been passing out my dvds to his students to check for years..
This is my FOURTH video my first video was 1990
i do a LOT of research before i did mine I bought EVERY video on double bass techniques
I want to make sure I am not just repeating what has already been done.
If you are doing free lessons on dvd then you dont need to research but if you plan to market a dvd yit is your OBLIGATION to thedrummers to see what is out there first..
good luck with the dvds.

Tim

[brennenlesser]

Brennen
No offence was made but,

"Tim's drumming is simply Amazing! He is stretching the possibilities of what is truly possible with the feet." - Dom Famularo

DOM has always been a strong supporter and has been passing out my dvds to his students to check for years..
This is my FOURTH video my first video was 1990
i do a LOT of research before i did mine I bought EVERY video on double bass techniques
I want to make sure I am not just repeating what has already been done.
If you are doing free lessons on dvd then you dont need to research but if you plan to market a dvd yit is your OBLIGATION to thedrummers to see what is out there first..
good luck with the dvds.

Tim

My original concept was polyrhythms and Independence. Dom said it was too advanced and I'd have better luck doing something for beginners.

I just have a desire to teach and make it easy for drummers to learn. I've researched, studied, practiced, and carefully worded every technique the best I could. I feel I've done a good job and I have received a lot of good feed back and a lot of interested drummers. I'm not in this for money. I'm in it to teach.

Why leave it to one person to teach a certain technique?

Bad technique hurts to watch anyways lol. another video on it couldn't hurt!

[Ironcobra]

Nice vid! It's on my fav's

[jeffwj]

i do a LOT of research before i did mine I bought EVERY video on double bass techniques
I want to make sure I am not just repeating what has already been done.
If you are doing free lessons on dvd then you dont need to research but if you plan to market a dvd yit is your OBLIGATION to thedrummers to see what is out there first..


I agree with that. I have a work in progress, a book on a specific aspect of hand technique. I spent a good deal of money researching books and videos to gain information and (as Tim said) to allow me to fill gaps left by other books and DVDs.

If the theme music you are using is copy written material, you may want to check the legality of using another artist's songs. Take the time to check on these things now so you don't end up with legal issues later.

Also, I didn't see your face at all in the video. I know it centered on foot technique, but the audience should feel as if you are conversing with them. It feels distant when there are no shots of you talking.

Hope my analysis helps a little.

Jeff

[brennenlesser]

[QUOTE=Tim Waterson;422714]
i do a LOT of research before i did mine I bought EVERY video on double bass techniques
I want to make sure I am not just repeating what has already been done.
If you are doing free lessons on dvd then you dont need to research but if you plan to market a dvd yit is your OBLIGATION to thedrummers to see what is out there first..
[QUOTE]

I agree with that. I have a work in progress, a book on a specific aspect of hand technique. I spent a good deal of money researching books and videos to gain information and (as Tim said) to allow me to fill gaps left by other books and DVDs.

If the theme music you are using is copy written material, you may want to check to see the legality of producing something that uses another artist's songs. Take the time now to check on these things so you don;t end up with legal issues later.

Also, I didn't see your face at all in the video. I know it centered on foot technique, but the audience should feel as if you are conversing with them. It feels distant when there are no shots of you talking.

Hope my analysis helps a little.

Jeff

Well I'm trying to keep it mostly focused on technique than my face. The music is only added for youtube. I have music I've recorded and tracked with people for the score.

Nice vid! It's on my fav's
Thanks bro!

[KCDrummer]

Far be it from me to discourage a guy who wants to educate people about drumming, but I gotta ask some questions:

WHY did you decide to do this? There are countless sources for this sort of technique stuff, putting so much of your own time, energy (and, I assume, money) into something that people can get so many other places seems like a waste to me. Put yourself in the shoes of Johnny 14-year-old. You're looking at two different technique DVD's. One is by a huge name like Thomas Lang or JoJo Mayer, filmed and recorded in a professional studio. The other is by some dude you never heard of and it looks like it was filmed in the driveway a few doors down from your parents' house. Decisions, decisions...

Who are you going to sell this to, where, and for how much? Is it something you're going to shop out to publishing companies, sell on consignment to music stores, drive up to band camps and sell them out of your trunk?

I guess what I'm saying is that there doesn't seem to be anything unique or compelling about the video or the information in it. I don't know if you've sunk a bunch of money into this project or if you're expecting a huge return in riches or recognition. I hope not, on both counts.

Now, before anyone jumps all over me for doing instructional videos of my own, let me say why my situation was different. I was approached (invited) by some of the members of the OnlineDrummer.com to put up a video about brushes. Brush technique is a very personal thing with MANY variations, and they wanted mine. At around the same time, I was looking around the website for videos about Latin styles and found only three, all by the same guy, all woefully misinformed and inadequate. Since I learned quite a bit about Latin styles from a man who spent the last thirty years studying, mastering and teaching them, I felt I had a unique and useful perspective to share and figured as long as I'm scheduling a recording session for one video, I may as well knock out two. It was also an opportunity to throw some publicity to Bosphorus Cymbals and to get some for myself as an artist endorser--one way I can hold up my end of the deal they gave me.

Again, I don't want to discourage you, I think it's great that you took this project on. I just don't see it making much of a splash. If you want to gain some credibility and recognition, I would suggest sharing some information that ONLY YOU can share, things that you've learned through your own unique experience. I disagree with Dom (which is probably dumb cause he's Dom Fumolaro and who the hell am I?)--I think a video about some independence/polyrhythm concepts would be great. That's something that you could impart some of your own personal style about.

Lastly, I'll just say that if you're going to put this stuff on youtube, you might want to create a separate account. Putting drumming clips side by side with clips that seem to have perhaps to much of a focus on feet and shoes leaves the viewer uneasy, at best.

[Deltadrummer]

Zack, you certainly have no need to be apologetic for your videos. They are very informative and well done. You know I love 'em.

I think that there is something about the messenger, and Jeff's comments about seeing Brennen's face are well taken. Your videos, as an example, are very well thought out and well presented. You have a natural ability for explaining. The videos benefit from that by being useful and informative as teaching tools. Could you publish them? Well, you don't have a name. But they do provide a service to the community.

I think given the choice of spending 50 dollars for Tommy Lang and Jojo Mayer or 15 dollars for Brennen's video, a 14 year old kid may go for the later, and there may be something about Brennen's dress and demeanor that would appeal to such a kid. The video comes of as a "do it yourself," type of video. That may have some appeal to the right market and if Brennen could find a way to market it, in cyberspace, he could certainly provide information and make a little cash. And there's nothing wrong with that.

There are so many videos, books and CD's on hand technique, foot technique, intro to drum set and ever aspect there of: Rock, Afro-Cuban, Funk. Each brings to the viewer the unique perspective of the teacher, and I think that is where Brennen's video may fail.

But at this point, they are all just reinventing the wheel. Finding a way the presents material in an interesting and informative way to the viewer will always have its place, even if it doesn't cover any new ground.

[aydee]

Sorry to cut in on your thread, Brennon, but since I've got Tim here; Tim, was curious to know what your single pedal technique is?

thanks..

[Phil Maturano]

Hey guys, am afraid I have to agree with the general consensus. Why waste time with something that has been shown over and over, especially when you have to compete with super high production values, cats that already blaze at the subject matter and on top of that, are teaching it very well. It makes no sense.
As we were discussing in a previous thread, if you want to get some name recognition...its simple. Get a gig, put out some music, play out, go on tour. Why this need to teach? I don't really understand. It seems to me that you would get much more name recognition if you put your efforts into creating music and putting your own spin on that, instead rehashing instructional material. A project that is worth putting effort in the instructional department is one that fills a void in our art. What we need in our lives desperatly is creative music that will move people, inspire them, make them more human, make them more sensitive and kinder human beings. It seems that your musical efforts would have a much wider audience if those things were explored.
Also...if your doing a dvd on a subject matter that you have no actual gig history or vast experience playing...why bother? Who will listen? What will you gain from it?
I dont know what your drumming- touring - recording experience is so its hard for me to say with accuracy how it would be worth your time to do this.
But i do know this much... make a splash with some music and your life will change ! For sure:-)

my .2 c.
regards
PM

[brennenlesser]

Far be it from me to discourage a guy who wants to educate people about drumming, but I gotta ask some questions:

WHY did you decide to do this? There are countless sources for this sort of technique stuff, putting so much of your own time, energy (and, I assume, money) into something that people can get so many other places seems like a waste to me. Put yourself in the shoes of Johnny 14-year-old. You're looking at two different technique DVD's. One is by a huge name like Thomas Lang or JoJo Mayer, filmed and recorded in a professional studio. The other is by some dude you never heard of and it looks like it was filmed in the driveway a few doors down from your parents' house. Decisions, decisions...

Who are you going to sell this to, where, and for how much? Is it something you're going to shop out to publishing companies, sell on consignment to music stores, drive up to band camps and sell them out of your trunk?

I guess what I'm saying is that there doesn't seem to be anything unique or compelling about the video or the information in it. I don't know if you've sunk a bunch of money into this project or if you're expecting a huge return in riches or recognition. I hope not, on both counts.

Now, before anyone jumps all over me for doing instructional videos of my own, let me say why my situation was different. I was approached (invited) by some of the members of the OnlineDrummer.com to put up a video about brushes. Brush technique is a very personal thing with MANY variations, and they wanted mine. At around the same time, I was looking around the website for videos about Latin styles and found only three, all by the same guy, all woefully misinformed and inadequate. Since I learned quite a bit about Latin styles from a man who spent the last thirty years studying, mastering and teaching them, I felt I had a unique and useful perspective to share and figured as long as I'm scheduling a recording session for one video, I may as well knock out two. It was also an opportunity to throw some publicity to Bosphorus Cymbals and to get some for myself as an artist endorser--one way I can hold up my end of the deal they gave me.

Again, I don't want to discourage you, I think it's great that you took this project on. I just don't see it making much of a splash. If you want to gain some credibility and recognition, I would suggest sharing some information that ONLY YOU can share, things that you've learned through your own unique experience. I disagree with Dom (which is probably dumb cause he's Dom Fumolaro and who the hell am I?)--I think a video about some independence/polyrhythm concepts would be great. That's something that you could impart some of your own personal style about.

Lastly, I'll just say that if you're going to put this stuff on youtube, you might want to create a separate account. Putting drumming clips side by side with clips that seem to have perhaps to much of a focus on feet and shoes leaves the viewer uneasy, at best.

I decided to do this because a lot of drummers from around this area and the places I've toured recommended I do one. My name will build off my playing and promoting. I'm tackling something here for drummers from beginner to advanced. Anyone could watch something in this and learn SOMETHING. I film outside for the purpose of light and video quality. I haven't put money into this. I write, film, drum, edit. I have no money to put into it. I FINALLY found a job working at old navy and I can invest in some areas where I need to. Again, I'm not in this for money. The lack of money is why I have that one pair of jeans. I just got a second pair. lol.

Zack, you certainly have no need to be apologetic for your videos. They are very informative and well done. You know I love 'em.

I think that there is something about the messenger, and Jeff's comments about seeing Brennen's face are well taken. Your videos, as an example, are very well thought out and well presented. You have a natural ability for explaining. The videos benefit from that by being useful and informative as teaching tools. Could you publish them? Well, you don't have a name. But they do provide a service to the community.

I think given the choice of spending 50 dollars for Tommy Lang and Jojo Mayer or 15 dollars for Brennen's video, a 14 year old kid may go for the later, and there may be something about Brennen's dress and demeanor that would appeal to such a kid. The video comes of as a "do it yourself," type of video. That may have some appeal to the right market and if Brennen could find a way to market it, in cyberspace, he could certainly provide information and make a little cash. And there's nothing wrong with that.

There are so many videos, books and CD's on hand technique, foot technique, intro to drum set and ever aspect there of: Rock, Afro-Cuban, Funk. Each brings to the viewer the unique perspective of the teacher, and I think that is where Brennen's video may fail.

But at this point, they are all just reinventing the wheel. Finding a way the presents material in an interesting and informative way to the viewer will always have its place, even if it doesn't cover any new ground.

I'm trying to make it more clear. I've seen a lot of BS DVDs where people where just reaching deep for something different/Just showboating their chops. I'm not one for bashing AT ALL. I'm not going to talk down a single drummer that has taken on a project and finished it. Awesome. Jojo has come out with an AWESOME dvd. I think he came out with the best DVD on the market.

If Johnny 14 year old Buys my dvd for 10 bucks, that's great. I'm honored.

I've never looked on a back of DVD and chose to buy a DVD for what someone was wearing. Jojo was wearing shinny leather pants in his DVD. I don't think it drove anyone away.

Making money would be cool, but, I'm not really looking for that. I want a cheap accessible in detail DVD that anyone can learn something from.


Sorry to cut in on your thread, Brennon, but since I've got Tim here; Tim, was curious to know what your single pedal technique is?

thanks..

What? lol. I have to pick just one? I actually just use my hands. I really don't know how to drum at all.

I use what I teach where It's proper to be applied in my playing. The Toe heel, Heel up, and heel down is what I use the majority of the time. I've just now got back into the death metal and grindcore playing. I actually don't use swivel all too much, but maybe someone can see it and fall in love with the technique and use it a lot more than I do.

I've had people in my county approach me I haven't seen in since I've graduated - 3 years ago - and say they've been watching and learning a lot and bettering their playing. A couple of these people don't even drum, but play ROCK BAND, lol, and it made them better! haha. I think that's great!

Hey guys, am afraid I have to agree with the general consensus. Why waste time with something that has been shown over and over, especially when you have to compete with super high production values, cats that already blaze at the subject matter and on top of that, are teaching it very well. It makes no sense.
As we were discussing in a previous thread, if you want to get some name recognition...its simple. Get a gig, put out some music, play out, go on tour. Why this need to teach? I don't really understand. It seems to me that you would get much more name recognition if you put your efforts into creating music and putting your own spin on that, instead rehashing instructional material. A project that is worth putting effort in the instructional department is one that fills a void in our art. What we need in our lives desperatly is creative music that will move people, inspire them, make them more human, make them more sensitive and kinder human beings. It seems that your musical efforts would have a much wider audience if those things were explored.
Also...if your doing a dvd on a subject matter that you have no actual gig history or vast experience playing...why bother? Who will listen? What will you gain from it?
I dont know what your drumming- touring - recording experience is so its hard for me to say with accuracy how it would be worth your time to do this.
But i do know this much... make a splash with some music and your life will change ! For sure:-)

my .2 c.
regards
PM

My goal is to make things more clear and easier for someone to pick up.

I've toured a lot. I toured for 2 and a half years 400 gigs nation wide with 3 groups. Sleeping on floors, in vans, whoever would let us stay at their house. A diet of Mcdonalds Dollar menu. Living out of a duffle bag. I left the groups because of poor business decisions.

I'm writing music! What drummer isn't? I'll be sure to post some once it's done.

A lot of people I've met/taught while I was touring really were interested in a DVD. It's always been an idea I spoke about and I've taken it up. I got endorsed by Mapex because a guy saw me at a show, loved my visual work, my playing, and after the show I had a crowed of about 30 kids around the kit who wanted to see me play and wanted me to teach them stuff they saw me do. I love teaching because I did so much of it on tour!

I'll make a splash! Like a really fat kid in a public pool, but a little more attractive than that...I hope...

[Deltadrummer]

I've never looked on a back of DVD and chose to buy a DVD for what someone was wearing. Jojo was wearing shinny leather pants in his DVD. I don't think it drove anyone away..

Actually, Jojo spent a lot of time thinking about the appearance of his DVD, the look is an important aspect of a professional project. And you better believe that watching Tim, the first thing I wanted to see was what he was wearing, what kind of shoes he was using. The other aspect is that watching someone like Tim play is that it is absolutely beautiful in itself, as also is that case with Jojo and Phil.

I think a big part of the criticism you are getting, is that you have not really thought through this process and perhaps this is why you started this thread.

Dom said it all when he said make a beginner DVD, that is where the money is. A beginner DVD would not be competing with some of the more professional projects like Tim's or Tommy Lang's. Everyone needs a beginner DVD; but not everyone needs a more advanced DVD. I use Roy Burnes Elementary Drum Method copyrighted in 1962. There was never a need for another Intro to snare drum book; but there are many, and some not very good. They actually impede progress. and I think this is why people are critical of what you are doing. If you have not taken the time to think about your video from the viewer's perspective, have you taken the time to think about your teaching from the viewers point of view? do you have the experience that allows you to do that?

[drumbandit]

Brenner, I really liked the 'swivel' , I've started practising and it's great. cheers. As for the DVD as a whole, I agree with what's been said. That it's all been done before, but if you enjoy it and you come out with something your proud of and your not in it for money then what have you lost?

Good luck with it.


"Tim's drumming is simply Amazing! He is stretching the possibilities of what is truly possible with the feet." - Dom Famularo
Tim

Modest to just throw that out there.

[brennenlesser]

Actually, Jojo spent a lot of time thinking about the appearance of his DVD, the look is an important aspect of a professional project. And you better believe that watching Tim, the first thing I wanted to see was what he was wearing, what kind of shoes he was using. The other aspect is that watching someone like Tim play is that it is absolutely beautiful in itself, as also is that case with Jojo and Phil.

I think a big part of the criticism you are getting, is that you have not really thought through this process and perhaps this is why you started this thread.

Dom said it all when he said make a beginner DVD, that is where the money is. A beginner DVD would not be competing with some of the more professional projects like Tim's or Tommy Lang's. Everyone needs a beginner DVD; but not everyone needs a more advanced DVD. I use Roy Burnes Elementary Drum Method copyrighted in 1962. There was never a need for another Intro to snare drum book; but there are many, and some not very good. They actually impede progress. and I think this is why people are critical of what you are doing. If you have not taken the time to think about your video from the viewer's perspective, have you taken the time to think about your teaching from the viewers point of view? do you have the experience that allows you to do that?

Yes, he has a modern color theme and it's relaxing. I started this thread to promote it some more and share my 2 minute clip.

This will certainly not Impede anyone progress as a drummer. I explain the techniques and show them as I explain them so the viewer can put it all together in their head and in their hand or feet as they watch. non-drummers sit there and learn it as they watch it. If it was hard for them I re did it. This has been months of rewording and refilming things and getting it right.

[KCDrummer]

More power to you, Brennen. Hope the DVD does well, cheers!

[BrynnerAgassi]

The video’s are great. I think it shows a different approach to material that is out there, and gives the viewer more options than just one, on methods of going about playing some of the things Brennen has to offer.

Look, let’s face it, and I have spoken about this subject before on this forum. There are thousands of dvd’s and books being produced on drums, what makes them different?!
THE DRUMMER!

When Gadd, Weckl, Chambers came out with videos back in the early 90’s, did that discourage drummers to come out with videos after them, talking about probably the same exact ideas they had?! NO!

Should we only have 1 drum magazine? 1 drum dvd? 1 drum company? 1 cymbal company?

I think many of you forget that this is a business, and a guy who will go out and look for a drum dvd 9 times out of 10 relates more to the marketing behind the video and drummer, than anything else. That’s why you have more dvds coming out each year, and more subscribers to drum magazines each month than we can all count

Brennen being into rock music can tap into an audience that may not want to go out and buy Thomas’s or JoJo’s videos. They may all agree that they are fantastic and gifted drummers, but really does not find a connection with them… But they could with Brennen’s dvd’s…

So all in all good luck brother, I know it will be great, and well worth the hard work and sacrifice being put into these dvd’s.

[chipritter]

I say go for it, keep pushing and don't quit.
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
--HERBERT SPENCER
someone said "well we all know that allready" or "we dont need any more beggining dvds"
A suit even told me that last year. and I respectfully disagree. Not everyone wants to do all things , not everyone wants to learn one thing or style, but EVERYONE should learn HOW to PLAY regarding the basics and that should never stop being provided as the years go by. I think the older a drummer gets, then the MORE important he puts out a starting drums from scratch dvd. How cool and informative would a beginning DVD be if done by Peart or Chambers? Like Speilburg explaining how to use a camera. I bet he'd know the fastest way to the best approach.
If you look at the big picture of drumming and history, I don't remember seeing everything in any one dvd ever. Remember to an 8 year old maybe this drumming thing is a BRAND new world?
WHo can really say which video was THE ONE that inspired?
I doubt I would have kept playing drums if itwasnt for magazines and MANY videos in addition to music.
I will never forget how I learned and how important those early videos were to me.
I for one, always want to hear someone else's take on things. SO yeah ok Maybe I dont agree on something, maybe I fast forward... fine. Maybe they just shred and my ego get's hurt or jealous? maybe thats what I needed. Maybe they sound very bad and I LEARN what I do NOT want to do.. it is even in it's worst moments then STILL a valuable tool for me as a drummer to watch!
DOnt stop making beginning DVD's because the drumming world would miss some really cool stuff . OF course we all play different, and thats the cool thing about it.
as drumming grows and gets older it should keep learning things.
If you are too hung up on the past, your never gonna walk with confidence into the future,
and THAT would be a diservice to the drummers that came before you.
which I guess is my point here and I should shut up now.
I enjoyed the video Brenner, keep it up and don't quit!

[Deltadrummer]

This thread had brought up a lot of good and important ideas.

One of my profs in college believed that it was most important for the beginner to have the best teacher. One way to look at that is that if you have a tone deaf orchestra conductor, the master players will play on. But a tone deaf grammar school teach will accomplish nothing.

I think that this is the reality of the Brave New World of the internet, and there is a certain disrespect allotted to someone's peers or the masters of the trade by not fully investigating all that has come before and building on that work.

Life does not come at us from a tabla rasa, sorry Locke, it is inculcated with tradition, what has come before. It seems that being part of that trajectory is most important when it comes to teaching a craft.

Actually, Brennen, I have seen some of the other parts of the videos that you've posted over the last few months. So I've seen your face. :)
Did you clear up the discrepancy about what Gladstone technique actually is?

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36587

[Tim Waterson]

Brenner, I really liked the 'swivel' , I've started practising and it's great. cheers. As for the DVD as a whole, I agree with what's been said. That it's all been done before, but if you enjoy it and you come out with something your proud of and your not in it for money then what have you lost?

Good luck with it.



Modest to just throw that out there.
Brennen said he was one of Doms students,,
its Great to have more dvds.
So i'll let mine stand as it was the first to cover close ups of the feet
Tim

[drumbandit]

What does 'so I'll let mine stand' actually mean, what's being allowed to remain standing?

[brennenlesser]

More power to you, Brennen. Hope the DVD does well, cheers!

Me too, Thanks

The video’s are great. I think it shows a different approach to material that is out there, and gives the viewer more options than just one, on methods of going about playing some of the things Brennen has to offer.

Look, let’s face it, and I have spoken about this subject before on this forum. There are thousands of dvd’s and books being produced on drums, what makes them different?!
THE DRUMMER!

When Gadd, Weckl, Chambers came out with videos back in the early 90’s, did that discourage drummers to come out with videos after them, talking about probably the same exact ideas they had?! NO!

Should we only have 1 drum magazine? 1 drum dvd? 1 drum company? 1 cymbal company?

I think many of you forget that this is a business, and a guy who will go out and look for a drum dvd 9 times out of 10 relates more to the marketing behind the video and drummer, than anything else. That’s why you have more dvds coming out each year, and more subscribers to drum magazines each month than we can all count

Brennen being into rock music can tap into an audience that may not want to go out and buy Thomas’s or JoJo’s videos. They may all agree that they are fantastic and gifted drummers, but really does not find a connection with them… But they could with Brennen’s dvd’s…

So all in all good luck brother, I know it will be great, and well worth the hard work and sacrifice being put into these dvd’s.

Agreed


This thread had brought up a lot of good and important ideas.

One of my profs in college believed that it was most important for the beginner to have the best teacher. One way to look at that is that if you have a tone deaf orchestra conductor, the master players will play on. But a tone deaf grammar school teach will accomplish nothing.

I think that this is the reality of the Brave New World of the internet, and there is a certain disrespect allotted to someone's peers or the masters of the trade by not fully investigating all that has come before and building on that work.

Life does not come at us from a tabla rasa, sorry Locke, it is inculcated with tradition, what has come before. It seems that being part of that trajectory is most important when it comes to teaching a craft.

Actually, Brennen, I have seen some of the other parts of the videos that you've posted over the last few months. So I've seen your face. :)
Did you clear up the discrepancy about what Gladstone technique actually is?

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36587

Yeah, the open stroke. I sort of explain it without giving it a name in my DVD. I use it to not explain choking the stick and resisting it natural movement.

[brennenlesser]

Brennen said he was one of Doms students,,
its Great to have more dvds.
So i'll let mine stand as it was the first to cover close ups of the feet
Tim

I do think fetish porn did that first lol

I'm kidding. Tim, thank you for taking the time to at least watch my clips.