Todd Sucherman

Methods & Mechanics - For Useful Musical Drumming

DVD

Todd brings more than three decades of drumming experience to this 2 set DVD. Let's check it out.

Disc One (Arranged into four chapters)

Songs

Todd includes explanations of his approach to each of the songs in this section.

Solos

Two solos are featured here.

Teaching

Includes Todd's take on the most important basics of drumming; hands and stickings on the pad; applications of stickings and rudiments on the drumset; drum fills; and hi-hats. Also includes some Quick Tips including better cross stick technique, tuning, and more.

Thoughts

Todd's ideas on practicing, keeping things fresh when playing the same songs repetitively, the art of predicing what your fellow musicians are playing, tips for traveling on the road, the importance of becoming a drummer for the right reason, and many tips on how you can effectively break into the music business.

Disc Two (Arranged into four chapters)

Songs

Todd includes explanations of his approach to each of the songs in this section.

Solos

Two solos are featured here.

Teaching

Includes Todd's take on playing odd time signatures, double bass ideas, thoughts on being thankful for your gig, free form soloing, swing time and brushes, drum gear, and closing thoughts.

Bonus

Includes a Day on the Road; Drum Room Tour; Photo Gallery; Todd comments on his performances on several songs that he recorded on a Taylor Mills album; Tribute Fills (made famous by other drummers); Personal History; On working with Styx, Brian Wilson, and Taylor Mills; and Bloopers.

Bottom Line: Todd Such erman: Methods & Mechanics - For Useful Musical Drumming

During this 5 hour 12 minute long dual DVD set, Todd Sucherman shares much of his vast drumming knowledge. Although the technical aspects of performing on the kit are a major portion of the value of this package, I found his look into what life is really like on the road along with his sage advice on what you really need to do to make a lving in the music business to be invaluable for serious drummers of any level and any style. Whether you want to play drums for a living or as a weekend warrior, the advice on this DVD will help you.

The only thing I wasn't in total agreement with Todd on was where he suggests "muscling" out certain drum licks. If you're using the proper technique, there's no need to ever muscle out anything! (For more on that, see my Concepts of Tension Free Drumming™.)

Other than that, I found this dual DVD set filled with extremely practical exercises and advice. I highly recommend it if you are a drummer who is serious about making a living in the music business. And you'll note that I said "making a living" and not making a million dollars! The first is practical and entirely possible for anyone who is willing to follow Todd's advice. The second is, as Todd puts it, about as likely to happen as winning the lottery!

While a good value at a retail price of $29.95, click the following link to find it at a discount online: Todd Sucherman - Methods & Mechanics.