Wednesdays 6:30 - 8 pm 7/5 - 8/2 (5 weeks)

This class provides style-specific exercises to improve phrasing, accuracy, and endurance on the drumset. Drills will address rock, funk, jazz, Latin, and fusion drumming styles. Each class concludes with time to “ask a working drummer anything”! Suggested prerequisite: Intermediate technical facility on the drumset.

Russ is an accomplished drummer with over 40 years of experience in private teaching. He firmly believes that coaching is valuable for musicians of all levels. Having graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Russ has had the privilege of studying under world-class instructor/performers such as David Garibaldi (Tower of Power), Alan Dawson (renowned Jazz Master who played with Dexter Gordon and others), Bob Moses (associated with Pat Metheny), John Riley, and Gary Chaffee. Russ employs a highly personalized approach that centers around the students’ interests and goals. He emphasizes the importance of keeping drumming studies grounded in real-world applications, ensuring that exercises remain relevant to the student’s musical preferences and aspirations. Russ further explains, “All drum exercises should incorporate rhythm and a musical context. This way, the student’s practice can be directly applied to the drums, transforming it into music!” His distinctive methodology is showcased in the book “Phrasing: Advanced Rudiments for Creative Drumming,” published by Hal Leonard and available on Amazon. It captures his unique approach to drumming and offers valuable insights to aspiring drummers.