Insights from Pro Drum Clinics
Some insights on time I got to spend with professional drummers at Drum Clinics
When I lived in Memphis, I attended several professional drum clinics. Drum clinics are small groups invited to sit in up close to watch a drummer and hear their instruction.
These clinics were some of the most valuable experiences for me because I got a chance to watch and learn from a real professional musician who is on the road doing tours with some big names.
Up Close with Kenny Aronoff
One clinic I went to was with Kenny Aronoff. Kenny has played with a wide range of artists, including John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, and many more. He is recognized as one of the most in-demand drummers in rock music.
He was one of my favorites to watch up close and listen to for instruction. Kenny is a wide-open drummer, meaning he is intense all the time and brings an energy behind the kit that most drummers wish they had.
He talked a lot about preparing yourself for endurance during shows, giving helpful tips on how to play at full energy for the duration of a show. While most of us won’t be playing in front of hundreds of thousands of people, his advice was good for any drummer trying to prepare for a performance:
1. Stayed hydrated. 2. Keeping a fresh bags of sticks next to your kit. 3. Going through set lists with precision the week and night before to make sure you’ve got it all right.
This perspective, along with other tips on how to hold your sticks in unique ways and how to practice rudiments on a practice pad, really helped me in my formative years of learning the drums.
Here is a video of Kenny at the drum clinic teaching efficient stick technique using your hands and wrists. Watch his rudiments in action.
Learning from Dave Weckl
Another professional drummer I had the privilege of sitting in a drum clinic with was Dave Weckl.
Dave Weckl has played with several notable artists, including Chick Corea, Paul Simon, George Benson, Robert Plant, and Michel Camilo. He was also a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band from 1985 to 1991. He has gone on to make instructional videos that myself and many drummers have bought, and he has a very successful career as a jazz-fusion drummer with his own band. He is highly respected in drumming world.
During my time at this clinic, I sat about 30 feet from Dave and watched with amazement his fluid control and creative precision on the drum set. He would take questions from the audience about everything from stick control to offering advice on how to play some of the awesome fills and rudiments he puts in with his performances.
Dave is one of my all-time favorites since I watched him on video in the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert recorded in 1989. I would watch his performances over and over again, trying to break down exactly how he would play certain beats and fills, then try to replicate those on the drum kit myself.
After the clinic, Dave was cool to talk to and signed one of his album covers for me that I still have to this day.
Instead of a formal clinic, here is a behind-the-scenes look at Dave Weckl warming up in his home studio before a gig. Watch his smooth delivery, incredible chops, and signature Latin-jazz grooves for some inspiration.
My Takeaway
My takeaway from both of these specific clinics was nothing short of amazing. I would highly recommend going to a drum clinic if you can. If you haven’t already, take a close look at the videos of Dave and Kenny and see what you can learn. Watching them play is incredibly inspiring for a practice or warm-up. You can also check out Stewart Copeland’s video with the drum track, John Bonham’s shuffle, and Carter Beauford’s video to learn even more from career pros.
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