Writing for Drumset

Drum set is in my DNA. It’s who I was as a player in LA, and my perspective as a rhythm-section player has been the biggest influence on my writing and creative voice in the activity. It’s also one of the hardest instruments to fully understand if you aren’t an experienced player. I’ll show you how to get a zoomed-out view of the kit as a composition and arranging tool, and give you real-world examples of how I pushed the instrument into the spotlight in my ensembles. Up your knowledge, and let’s get to work!

What I actually cover

• Defining the drumset’s job before I write
• Why pocket solves more problems than complexity
• Shaping fills that actually lead somewhere
• Using space to create anticipation and forward motion
• Writing parts that feel natural under real hands