Take Care of Your Body

Hello there boys and girls! The images throughout this quick little memo illustrate the reasons why I have not been too active on my website. I did want to at least put it's framework together and record the “open roll” video before the pain got any worse, and prior to the surgery which would take me out for an extended period of time.

Approximately twenty-two years ago I had a skiing accident followed by a cycling accident - more like the mountain biking accident actually - followed by a series of skating accidents, which were lastly followed by two shoulder separations over a three-day period while skiing in Whitefish, Montana. (It wasn't the mountain’s fault, by the way)

So what’s my point you ask? “If I only knew then what I know now.” It’s not just a cliché. Take care of your body. I for one am lucky to be alive let alone have the use of all my limbs after all the stupid shit I’ve done. If you’re a drummer, pay close attention to the pain resulting from repetitive activity. If you’re warming up with paradiddles and worked your way up from 96 bpm to 192 and the forearm pain started at 168, chances are you’re not doing yourself any favors by forging on to 240. I’m not going suggest any particular stretching exercises here. I’m sure you can find plenty of sites with qualified physiologists and physical therapists offering more targeted and accurate advice. Just remember that the sheer joy and release you feel when you are in your “drumming zone” can be ruined by pain and encumbered by fatigue when you don’t pay attention to your body, and when you don’t take the time learn the proper technique.

That’s it. There’s no need to analyze it any further. If you want analysis on your technique however and you want to play clean rudiments, give me a call. (I can still move my wrists you know).

Merry Christmas (or Happy whatever it is that you celebrate)

and Happy Drumming!