My advice to drummers today is to soak in as many styles as you can.  Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin, etc. It is amazing what you will be able to accomplish if you can play some of all the different styles.  Most well accomplished drummers use a variety of styles to create their own unique style.  One of my favorite things to hear is when a drummer is really rockin’ a double bass grove and then throws a latin jazz bell on top of it, AWESOME!  Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to mash up a couple of styles together.

Another thing that I recommend to everyone who is holding a pair of sticks is to listen to some of the old big band and jazz drummers.  Check out anything from Buddy Rich (widely considered the best drummer to ever live).  One of my favorite drummers is Dave Weckl.  Dave is more contemporary than Buddy was but still raised in jazz roots.  His technical skills with those sticks is mind blowing!

So be diverse!  There is more to drumming than breaking the double bass land speed record! Spread your wings (or sticks) and fly.  New styles can create new opportunities for each and everyone of you.

I hope all is well and that your drumming has soared to new levels this week (by the way, that only comes with lots of practice – hint, hint!) Disciple played at Trees last Saturday night and it was fantastic!  I really had a blast and it was great being back on stage with my compadres in metal.  There was a packed house at Trees and they seemed to really dig it.  For those of you who didn’t make it, Channel 21 will air part of it this Saturday night on All Jacked Up.  Check your guide for the exact time.  If you would like to read more about the show I suggest you read Erik Craddock’s review.  Also, Disciple will be playing at the Rail Club in Fort Worth on July 15th, so make your plans now!  Have a great week and keep on Drummin’!

Scott Rainey
www.raineymusic.com

I wanted to give you a quick update of this past week.  Disciple has been rehearsing for our show at Trees this coming Saturday night and things are rockin’! If you are coming to the show we should go on around 10 or 10:30PM.  Also, channel 21 will be there filming to air on a later date.  You absolutely do not want to miss this!

In other news the Rainey Music Facebook page is up and running.  Please check it out and click like if you haven’t already.  Have a great week everybody and remember to practice everyday for those killer chops!

Scott Rainey – scott@raineymusic.com

Just a reminder that the Disciple reunion concert is less than two weeks away, so if you’re planning on going you need to get your tickets now!  You can get the tickets at Trees in Dallas.  Tickets are $20 per person, yeah I know that’s pricey but the club sets the price, sorry.  The show is Saturday, April 9th.  I think we will probably go on around 10 or 10:30pm – I’ll keep you posted.  Hope to see you all there.

Also, I wanted to let all my students know that Vic Firth has just sent me another drum instruction book to use and review for their site.  The book is called A Fresh Approach To The Drumset by Mark Wessels.  I will be using parts of this book with all of my students and would love feedback from each one of you on how effective you think it is.  At first glance it looks like a well put together and comprehensive book for beginners as well as intermediate drummers.  The book also includes a MP3 CD with lots of tunes to play along with.  Keep a lookout for my review on it.

Finally I want to remind all drummers that daily practice is Super Important!  It is the only way to achieve the level of musicianship you dream of, so grab those sticks and get to it!  See you all soon!

Scott Rainey
scott@raineymusic.com

I hope you are all having a great week and are getting lots of good practice time in!  I just wanted to let you know that I am leaving for the mountains and will be gone for a few days.  I can’t wait to breathe that fresh mountain air!  While I am away I have listed some great websites for you to check out.  Each one of these sites have videos to watch with free lessons, product reviews, and much more, so take advantage of these and have some fun!

For weekly updates on what is going on with Rainey Music as well as the drumming world keep visiting my website. Also please let me know how I am doing and what you think could be done better by commenting below.

www.drummerworld.com
www.vicfirth.com
www.drumnuts.com
www.onlinedrummer.com

Scott Rainey
www.raineymusic.com

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we last played a show as Disciple. I am excited to announce that we will be reforming for one night to play at Trees in Dallas on Saturday, April 9th for the Basement Reunion.

Some of you, especially my younger students who weren’t born yet, might be asking “Who is Disciple?”. We were a heavy metal band that formed in the 80′s and played on a regular basis in Dallas / Fort Worth and surrounding areas. We were the regular opening act for Pantera for a few years. Disciple was one of the first Groove Metal bands and helped pioneer the style. The members of Disciple are Dan Lehmann(Bass, Lead Vocals), Alan Ward – a.k.a Alapeno(Guitar), and Scott Rainey(Drums).

Mark you calendar and come out and watch our show. I promise you won’t be disappointed. All ages are welcome, you will be able to buy tickets on the Trees website soon. Trees is located at 2709 Elm St. Dallas, Tx.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

**UPDATE** Tickets are now available to the Basement Reunion 3 at Trees.

To make sure that you that you have the latest information, I will be updating the site with what I’ve been up to weekly.  Please let me know what you think of the website. Also if you have any suggestions, tell me about them.

We’d love to hear your suggestions!