Want to send Todd a letter? You can write him here Send Todd a Question and his response will be posted along with your question. Please do not request backstage passes, ask to meet the band, request autographed items, ask for rides to the airport, free stuff, stock tips, drumheads, secret recipes, bail bonds, etc. as Todd is unable to fulfill them. Any request asking for special favors, autographs, meet and greets with Styx will not be met with any response. Please keep your questions to a musical/drumming nature. Thank you!
May 2010
Hey there
Just finished watching your DVD in its entirety. It took a while to get it over here in the UK -- region issues i think but it was well worth the wait. I must say that i found it both inspiring and informative. Firstly the way you showed the translation of sticking patterns for some of those blistering stuff i have watched the like of Dave Weckl do but never understood, has opened my eyes to many possibilities with my playing. What was more interesting still (for me personally) was your inspiring attitude towards music as a profession. Whilst i am not professional as a drummer (just do it for pleasure) i have been a professional piano entertainer for many years. I play two keyboards (or a piano and keyboard) and sing rock n' roll and pop music all night (sort of live DJ/Jukebox). The thing is - I have come to almost resent the profession, the way it has taken me away from my kids or home (or kit ha ha). I find myself short of patience with the crowd when they are drunk and I just take the money (which incidentally is very good as I work in Norway where money is plentiful). I feel somehow i have betrayed myself and the 'art' with my attitude. Your DVD has inspired me to start making a change and to try to realise that no matter how hard i work it is still an honour and privilege to be doing it. Also like Steve Morse says - Every morning as he eats his breakfast he thanks the fans who are paying for it. The whole setting of your DVD - the hills, stream and beautiful studio seem to give a calming message of peace and serenity which i long for.
You spoke of those moments in drumming where you have this realisation - well i had a feeling that watching this DVD would be one of them for as soon as i looked it up on the net when it was first released (Deen Castronovo was on Modern Drummer commenting on how much of a monster you were on the kit so i had to look you up as i am a big fan of his - being a singing drummer myself - plus we play a lot of Journey in our band!) Now buying it and watching it - it had more impact than i expected.
I look forward to using your tips, exercises and most of all your message to improve not only my skills on the kit, but my overall music experience and quality of life and who knows maybe improve other peoples in the process.
oh btw any UK clinics/visits on the cards?
Thanks
Mark Hendry
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Hi Mike,
Thanks for that fantastic note. I'm truly flattered that the dvd made such a deep impression on you. I mean what I say in it and to get feedback like your is gratifying indeed. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me---it means a lot. I hope to start on another dvd project later this year so hopefully you'll dig that one too.
All I can say is.......thanks.
Happy music making to you-
Cheers,
Todd
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Dear Todd,
I just had to write and say THANK YOU (many, many times) for your wonderful seminar yesterday. You were absolutely wonderful. When the guys at Steve’s contacted me, I wasn’t sure what to expect, as my boys only received their first kit at Christmas, but they assured me that beginners were welcome - and I am so glad I listened.
All the way home the boys talked on and on. You were so down-to-earth, honest and open. I loved the fact that you gave several ‘reality checks’ to us (the crowd) and that you really underlined the need (in your opinion) to be true to yourself and to be as open-minded as possible. Not only did you teach a great lesson, but you also gave good advice that can be reflected on, and discussed, again and again.
As a parent, I’m not always impressed with the music industry – especially with some of the things that I see happening today. So it was very refreshing to hear you speak to the crowd honestly, to hear you underline the value of hard work and playing all types of music – being flexible and diverse. Your experience was obvious, but it was your demeanor that really spoke to us, so that the points made struck home in ways I never could have imagined.
We live about an hour outside of Montreal, and the entire car ride passed in a blur of reliving the night. Once home, I had to perform some expert negotiations to stop the playing of your DVD, as it was a school night, but I have a feeling I will be ‘seeing’ you quite a bit from now on!
Anyway, I hope your left on the same high that we did; and that you will continue to do what you do, visiting Montreal when you can.
I cannot say thank you enough, it was just the best day ever!
Cheers, Jenn
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Hi Jenn,
Thanks for that great note. I had a wonderful time in Montreal and I'm so happy to have had a positive effect on your kids, and you. Really lovely feedback and I appreciate you sharing your feelings with me. That's what drum clinics are supposed to do---get people fired up about music, art, playing! So it really is gratifying to get your note.
My best to you and the kids,
Todd
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Todd:
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, especially my son Andrew, last week in Springfield. He was thrilled to meet you and get your autograph. The words of wisdom about drumming you shared with Andrew, and me, have inspired us to work harder and enjoying playing the drums more than ever. My wife and I loved the concert, and your Renegade solo was outstanding. We've ordered our tickets for St. Louis on June 4th, and we will taking Andrew to your concert. We all can't wait to see you and Styx again.
Steve Washburn
Athens, Illinois
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Hi Steve,
Thanks for the note. It was my pleasure meeting you and Andrew and thanks for coming out to the store and then the show. Glad you enjoyed it. My best to you both and glad you're both fired up to spend some time at the kit.
Thanks again!
Todd
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Hey Todd,
First of all I wanted to thank you for answering a question of mine back a few months ago, and for your wonderful DVD.
One question: I'm a sophomore in high school, and I'm having some trouble with school. In the past I've been a pretty good student, but lately I've had problems finding motivation to do my school work. Why should I go for good grades if I want to be a musician? I can't focus, because all I can think about is drumming. I really want to go to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, and they don't seem to have any academic requirements. I know that I should have some decent grades to fall back on if Berklee doesn't work out, but I'm still having trouble succeeding in school.
You, on the other hand, seem like a smart person, with all that complex vocab you used in the DVD! Did you work hard in school as a kid, even with your love for drumming? Do you have any advice for me right now?
Thank you very much,
Bobby
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Hi Bobby,
Education and being a well rounded person is crucial. I didn't apply myself as much as I should in high school---I could have done better. But I did pay attention. There is so much more to life than music and there is so much more to the music business than just music. Music skills aside, you have to get along with people. The other musicians, managers, accountants, I mean---the more interesting person you are the better! I mention that in the dvd, and that can even seep into your playing. You also need some math/business skills. Trust me....apply yourself in school. It will help in myriad of ways and benefit you for your whole life. Spend your time on the instrument of course, but there's so much more to life and you'll need those skills to navigate through whatever gets thrown your way.
You will need grades and a passing ACT test to get into Berklee. At least one did back in 1987 when I attended. You need to balance your budget, know taxes, balance a check book, and know if you're being swindled monetarily. I could go on and on. No one is gonna want to hang out with you if all you can do is talk about music. You have to get worldly. Dude seriously---take your education seriously.
To answer your question......yes. I've worked hard at everything. The harder you work, the luckier you get.
So work hard and good luck!
Todd
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Dear Todd,
I am truly inspired by your unbelievable skills as a musician and percussionist. I am 23 and have been playing the drums my entire life. Onto the questions shall we.
- I have always wondered, with being on the road so long; how does a musician financially support themselves? Do musicians have to live on credit cards? I just can’t see carrying around enough money to do an entire tour.
- I have played Zildjian all my life but lately have been growing fond of Sabian. Is there any specific preferred cymbal that you would recommend to me? Do you still have the Zildjian cymbals you used to play?
- What is your most enjoyed STYX song to play? What is your most enjoyed non-STYX song to play?
One day I hope to gain the courage to pursue music for a living as it is my number one love. I love seeing you and STYX so come back to Pittsburgh soon. And thanks for the facebook add.
Respectfully,
Bill
PS- Bring back the STYX medley!!
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Hi Bill,
On to your questions…..
1. Well, one supports himself by being on the road. That's how you get paid. Checks are usually direct deposited automatically and you have a weekly cash per diem. It not difficult at all. Couldn't be easier actually.
2. I sold off a majority of my old Zildjians but still have a few from the old days lying around. I can't really recommend a cymbal to you because I don't know what music you are playing. You must use your own ears and follow them---and choose what is right for the music.
3. Hard to answer but I always enjoy playing "Fooling Yourself." My fav non Styx song is whatever song I'm playing at that exact moment. My favorite song is whatever I'm playing at any given time. Make sense?
Thanks again, Bill
Todd
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Mr. Sucherman,
I attended your clinic at PASIC 2006 and loved your tips and performance. However, I can not remember what demo you performed for the audience. I know it was a while ago but I was hoping you could spark my memory. You were featured on another artists album who I believe was either a saxophone player or a violinist. Two completely different instruments but as I said before I can't remember. Can you help me out?
Adam Rodriguez
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Hi Adam,
Thanks for the kind words. I most likely did the song "Tears of Joy" by genius electric violinist Jerry Goodman. The song is available on my DVD here:
http://altitudedigital.com/todd-sucherman-methods-and-mechanics.html
Hope you decide to pick it up!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
I just saw your clinic in San Jose with Jimmy D. GREAT playing. Your technique is amazing. Left hand is phenomenal Lots of index finger working there. Great licks all around. I was sitting in the front row and wanted to ask about your left hand but all the questions seemed to be for both of you so didn't want to get too specific. I'll watch your DVD again...I bought after seeing you in San Jose last time...for technique stuff. AND I noticed NEW SHOES! What are those? Have those replaced your sketchers that were discontinued? All the tracks you brought were gorgeous, and I especially liked the one with the cymbal intro and outro...very tasty stuff. Is that HHX Power Ride something new for you?
Thanks for the fantastic drumming. Looking forward to seeing you play somewhere again,
-Steve Turner
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Hi Steve,
Thanks for making it to the clinic. I had fun with Jimmy and we were swingin' by the seat of our pants but that made it extra fun. As far as the shoes go, I can't remember! If they were smooth leather--they were black Sketchers. If they were suede, they were ankle boots by John Varvatos. Those have been my "go to" foot ware as of late. All of those cymbals were not mine as they were supplied by Sabian/SJ Pro Drum. I usually travel with my own cymbals but I flew in that day from a run with the band in Mexico, so that's where there were some models that were "new" to me.
Hope that answers 'em for you. Thanks for the note and for the compliments!
Take care,
Todd
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Hello Todd,
Congratulation for your beautiful career, I am impressed by your sound and your left hand. If God could give me one like yours, my sound on the drum would be enhanced. So, here is my question, is it possible for a drummer with short fingers (small hands) to control traditional grip? You know, I'm very clumsy with my left hand when I try traditional grip and I think its because my fingers are too short.
Thank’s a lot!
Stephan Bouchard
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Hi Stephan,
I can't see how the size of your hands could have a negative effect on anything. Just put in your time and be patient. Stay loose and check out your hands in a mirror while playing on a pad. I talk about grip and trad grip in my DVD so hopefully you have that--and Jojo Mayer's DVD is great. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the kind words and I wish you luck-
Todd
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Hey, so first of all I just wanted to say that I've enjoyed watching
your drumming skills via youtube(I will be getting your dvd at some
point, just too poor right now..). I just wanted to ask you about
stick work, I saw something in one of your clinics (on youtube of
course) about holding the sticks, how exactly do you work the
traditional grip? I have no power in my left hand, so any advice would
be lovely.
Thanks so much for your awesome and innovative playing Todd.
John Fox
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Hi John,
Thanks for the kind words. Well, the answers you seek lie in the DVD. So I sincerely hope you do indeed pick it up as I could never type out all I said in the contents in the section on hands. So you know, the DVD was originally going to be priced at $59.99 due to the expense of the production and for the shear length of the DVD. But when the economy dipped even more, we decided to price it at $29.95 thus taking a massive hit on it---just so we could get the information out there for the people. So the support of folks like you will help offset the costs and ensure that more productions will be like this in the future. But in short as to your question, it's basically a karate chop.
Thanks, John! Hope things turn around for you!
Todd
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Hey Todd, It's Lucas.
I wanted you to check out my band's website. Here is the link www.10foldmusic.com check out anything you want. I am a drummer if you haven't figured that out yet. I am only 12, Styx is awesome. I went to one of your concerts in California. You rocked. I have Pearl Reference. They are awesome! Your masterworks kit is pretty sweet. Anyways, check out the website, we want a professionals opinion. Cheers!
Lucas
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Hey Lucas,
You have a sweet kit and you guys are going for it. Keep making music and stay on that path!
Thanks again, man. Keep it up-
Todd
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Hey Todd. To tell ya truth I didn't even know who the drummer was for Styx. But I remember listening to the music while I was growing up and I know the drumming was good and complex and" tight" would be a good word.Long story short, im 46 years of age and been beating on these things for thirty years now, never had any formal training. The mechanics are there but sometimes I just don't know what the hell I should be hitting while playing. Will these videos help? Thanks...Jamming in Alaska
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Hi______,
Thanks. Well, I've been in the band 14 years, so I wasn't the guy you were hearing back in the 70s and 80s. As far as video lessons go....the answer is yes. As far as my DVD goes, you can go back each month in the archives here and read people's comment on it. I'm humbled and flattered at the feedback.
I wish you the best-
Todd
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Hi Todd,
I've been attempting to make the switch from matched to traditional grip, but for some reason I seem to have developed some moderate pain in my thumb (about halfway down around the joint). I suppose this is the point on my thumb where I've been absorbing the impact from frequent rimshots. Not only are the rimshots painful, but they're also terribly inconsistent, which was not a problem for me when playing matched grip. Do you have any tips regarding grip, rebound, impact absorption, consistency, which finger(s) should absorb the impact, etc? I know this is a bit of a vague question, but this has truly been a hindrance to my playing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
And by the way, your "Methods and Mechanics" DVD is truly inspiring. I've learned far more from your teaching than I have from any lessons/teachers/books/DVDs I've had in my years of playing. Thanks for being such a huge inspiration!
Bryan
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Hi Bryan,
Sorry to hear or your painful situation. I have a callus on my left thumb inner knuckle (halfway down) and I remember dealing with some issues there around 20 years ago. I think flattening my snare helped with that as back then I had it slightly angled towards me. Also maybe trying to get the fleshy part inbetween your first finger and thumb to absorb a little more---I don't know. There's not a whole lot of rebound if you're playing strong 2 & 4 backbeats. But you can loosen up on impact like cracking a whip. As always it's hard to properly help without seeing you play, so I hope my suggestions help put you in the right direction.
Thanks for the compliments in the DVD--always great to hear and I appreciate it deeply.
Best of luck to you, Bryan!
Todd
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Hi Todd, Congratulations on your dvd. I've been telling people about
you since the day we met at the House of Blues, backstage with your
band Styx. (Ayotte double bass drum kit.) You certainly gave a nice
performance. I was so glad to have spoken to you. You are like you
said about Paul M. He's just like every other human being. I am glad
you behaved very humble and nice.
Surprisingly, you made my trip to L.A. memorable. I love the way you
play rock music. I told myself that's the way to rock. Your dvd was
also brilliantly produced. The sound and the lessons were well
planned. I wanted to go support you on your MD Festival 2008, but due
to my schedules on the road, I think I will have to catch you up with
another dvd from MD's 2008 Drum Fest. Keep rocking and keep slamming
brother. Peace and Joy. Cheers.
Alan Wong
R.O.C. Taiwan
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Hi Alan,
Thanks for that nice note! I do indeed remember meeting you on the front deck of the LA HOB quite well. I hope that all is well with you over there!
Thanks again, Alan. Hope our paths cross again soon.
My best to you!
Todd
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Hey Todd.
im a huge fan of yours. i saw you in clinic a few months back. it was very insightful. anyways, i have watched your youtube clips of you playing at Pancho's live with the blue oyster kit. i am just curious to know what sizes and what that kit is. also, did you use mics for that gig? thanks...
-ben
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Hey Ben,
That kit belongs to a buddy of mine who was lending me a kit to use while I was in town that night. I think they are '72-'74 Ludwigs 12", 13", 16" 22". No mics except for the bass drum. I always love playing there with those guys.
OK, man. Thanks for the note and for your kind words.
Cheers,
Todd
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Dear Mr Todd Sucherman, was wondering if in your life as a drummer , if you ever had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or or any other medical drum related problems.
I like your new set of Red Pearl Drums.
cheers
Ted
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Hi Ted,
I'm fortunate to have never really had a medical problem as a result of playing.
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
I am looking into setting up a project studio at my home and was curious what type of set up you have going on in your drum room. I am pretty sure what mics to use etc… I am more interested in what interface you are using. I have asked several people that record at home what they use and have been given different answers from each…soooo You Rock so I figured why not find out what you think is ideal from a drummers perspective. I will be doing mainly singer songwriter type stuff…laying down tracks myself.
Thanks,
RB
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Hey RB,
I'm just running Pro Tools 7 LE with an M-Audio interface. Is that what you mean? What will make the biggest difference is getting good mic pres. I have a Neve Portico, Presonus ADL 600 and a Digimax. The Audix mics are killer on drums. D6, i5, D2s and 4s, and the SCX25A overheads are astounding.
Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Todd
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Todd,
Not really any questions here. Just a few comments. My wife and I caught the Valdosta, GA show this past Saturday (4/17/10). You and the band were incredible. Your playing is always mesmerizing. Super solid, yet technical. Flams are the best I’ve ever heard. I also enjoyed the gong drum. The way you incorporated it in “Renegade” (as you did in your dvd) is very cool. And I can’t say enough about the dvd. Simply awesome.
This was our third Styx show. You may recall (photo attached) the meet-and-greet at Cypress Gardens in Florida a few years back. Every show tops the one before. I’ve been playing the drums for 23 years now. I’m going to be 37 on May 5. I’ve done some cool stuff and met some cool people along the way (including yourself). However, I haven’t reached many goals. At my age, with the musical window of opportunity slowly closing, it’s hard to stay upbeat and positive. The Styx comes back to town. You’re certainly motivating and inspirational. Your music touches a lot of people, and don’t ever forget that.
I picked up a 9” bell a few months back. Like we emailed about before, it’s a one-trick-pony, but it’s a cool little effect. I was glad to see the Pearl Masterworks bubinga kit. That is a great looking and sounding set of drums. And thanks for taking the time to sign my MD magazine and drumhead on the front of the stage. Thanks for the stick, too. I’ve attached a photo from the show.
Take care, and have a great tour. My wife and I hope to catch another show sometime. Thanks for a great show. And most of all, thanks for the inspiration.
Aaron Strickland
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Hey Aaron,
Cool to see you down front at that gig. You know, I got a wood chip from a stick caught in my eye near the end of "Miss America" and was in serious pain through the end of the show. They had EMTs ready to flush out my eye when I walked off stage. They fixed me right up but man, that was crazy, and that had never happened before.
It's important that you remain upbeat and positive regarding your career. The more desperate you become, success will become afraid of you. If you relax and take it easy good things will float to you. I think that's how the universe works. That's how it has with me.
Thanks for the compliments, Aaron. They are truly appreciated! And I wish you the best---keep your thinking straight and serve the music.
Cheers,
Todd
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I recently purchased your dvd methods and mechanics. Under the solo, solo on a motif chapter I was wondering what the name is of the cymbal that you are using that is just to the right of your ride cymbal and positioned a little lower that the ride. And it is underneath the hhx crash. It has a trash cymbal sound. Thanks
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Hey______,
The cymbals in question are both from Sabian's HHX Evolution line. It's a 14" Mini China on the bottom and a 12" Splash on top.
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd!
Lucas here, just asking what kit you used to record, "On My Way" and the album "Brave New World," I have been wondering for a long time. And could you send me all of the specs of the kits. You don't have to though, but I would like that. Another thing, have you ever played zildjian cymbals? Why do you choose Sabian over Zildjian? Cheers!
Lucas
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Hi Lucas,
I recorded the records in question when I was playing Sonor drums. "On My Way" was done with the same Sonor Designer kit I used on the '96 tour shown on the Return to Paradise DVD. Brave New World was done with a rental Sonor Designer kit that was basically the same as mine. I played Zildjian from when I started playing until 1998. I went with Sabian because I loved the cymbals and I really dug all the people at the company. Having good relationships is very important to me and I like my inner circle to be people I really like, no disrespect to anyone else. It just felt right. And I really love the cymbals most importantly.
There you go!
Thanks and take care,
Todd
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hi todd,
i'm loving your DVD...great concepts, exercises and music!
do you have any plans at all of doing a book to accompany with DVD
with a play along CD? something i would definitely be putting my hand
up for!
thanks for the inspiration....
cheers mate...grant
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Hi Grant,
Play along CDs carry special publishing and licensing legal headaches. Many "Play Alongs" have compositions that were written especially for that kind of use. That is fine and dandy, and a useful resource. But dealing with Sony to license, say Jerry Goodman's "Tears of Joy" or anything from the Styx catalogue would cost huge dollars from the get go (out of yours truly's pocket). Plus there may be some artists who would not want their works posted on the internet with drummers of varying degrees of caliber playing with them.
That being said, I might think of something for the next DVD, but a play along special book/CD from me will not be forthcoming. Nonetheless I appreciate your support and interest--thanks!
Cheers!
Todd
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Wonderfull DVD , Smooth as Honey and Very , Very , Musical ..!
I am Lucky enough to have Have a "Stanbridge Kit " But I am
not able to Get the exact sound I want out of the Bass ... It's a 16
Inch Drum and has Two "Overtones " .... No hole in the front
Skin ..... and I have a Strip of felt inside .... Question : would
Cork or Wine Corks inside eliminate some of the Overtones...?
Thanks, L Jay Nfld Canada ....
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Hi L Jay,
You're very lucky to have a Stanbridge kit. Not many exist. So, are you saying your bass drum is 16"? That's tiny....unless you are describing the shell length. Sometimes overtones and ring can be cool depending on the music. But for basic rock stuff I'll use a Remo Clear Powerstroke 3 with a down pillow inside the drum. I'll have a 5 or 6 inch hole cut at around 4 or 7 o'clock in the front head and a Danmar Disc on the front batter (the single thin plastic one, not the metal one). Maybe that will help out. I would think wine corks would bounce around like crazy and cause you even more problems!
Thanks, and good luck-
Todd
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Hi Todd,
I hope all is well. I met you in 97, my aunt Shawna was workin for Styx and JY at the time. Anyhow, I'm currently touring with Devon Allman (son of Gregg) I just recorded my first record with him. I just wanted to let you know that you totally inspired me! I still follow your career.. That was my first concert that night! Now I do close to 300 shows per year US, Canada and Europe.. Just wanted to say thank you! I'm still learning from you just as I did 13 years ago.
Thanks again!
Maybe we'll cross paths on the road!
Gabriel Strange
Devon Allman's Honeytribe
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Hey Gabriel,
That's great! I'm quite happy if I contributed to you success at all, but you really did it yourself. Nice work! See you down the dusty perennial road.......
Cheers,
Todd
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Todd-
I’m curious, what is the vertical distance between the top of your snare and your hi-hat. Playing traditional grip, I sometimes get a conflict between my left stick (on the snare) and my right stick (on the hi-hat) especially had louder volumes.
Also, after playing for over 30 years, I’ve just now started to play double bass (just for fun). Any tips? My body tends to want to fall forward as I’m playing with heels up. Playing single bass isn’t a problem since I would always have my left foot to stabilize my body.
Thanks in advance for your time.
Doug
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Hi Doug,
Well, I'm not really sure of the distance as I'm sitting on an airplane at the moment. I'm guessing 7 to 10 inches? I've never thought about it really. As far as your balance goes, sit with your back straight and that will help center you on the throne. Think of the end of your spine as a continuation of the seat tripod. You should never need your legs to stabilize your body. Your butt and torso do that so your feet can dance. As far as double bass goes, not sure I can offer any more tips than what was in the "Methods and Mechanics" dvd. That's the best I can do!
I wish you luck-
Todd
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Hello from Austria Vienna Europe!
I have some questions and I hope I dont bore you with them!
i studied classical music in Vienna and played all the youth
orchestras and some major orchestras including Vienna philharmonic. i
played a lot of classical gigs in town in china and Japan...i really
had the time of my live.
but i always wanted to play the drumset at the university and my
teacher kind of like said: hey you are studying classical music not
drumset! but i always loved to play the drumset and i didn't wanted to
stop. at this time i worked in an American international school as a
druminstructor and i always loved the way the people are in that school.
so i saved some money and took a flight to Los Angeles...just like
that i thought! and this trip changed my live and my thinking about
music totally! i saw so many people struggling and that its so hard
to make it into the musicbuisness. in Vienna everything has been so
easy for me...i practiced a lot a lot and a lot in my childhood so i
was really a well player...but i always wanted more. now i understand
when the people in America say: making a living with music!
so to come to a point: i really feel with one year focused practicing
I will have a chance to survive come back to la and give it another
try. The place over there inspired me so much and gave me so much
energy to keep on playing the drums. But now im 27 and have this
feelings...its too late what is if not aso and i really hate that!
my schoolmates have kids now and regularly jobs...but they never saw
another country
i know i need to find the right decision by myself but maybe you can
give me an advice!
thank you volker
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Hi Volker,
You get one life, so do what you want. I moved to LA when I was 27 so it's not "too late." It's never really to late to do what you want. But know that many do struggle out there. It's a city of broken dreams in many ways. But it is the city of dreams nonetheless. It depends on what kind of life you want and what you want out of life. Only you can answer these questions!
I wish you luck with your decisions and executions of them......
Cheers!
Todd
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Hi Todd!!
I recently bought your DVD Methods & Mechanics for my husband. I have to tell you I wouldn't normally watch a instructional drum dvd but yours is amazing. He was watching it one night in the garage and I opened the door to tell him something and your running through several triplets and I totally forgot what I was going to say. It was like there's Todd and forget everything eles!! I have liked you with Styx since the first time I saw you all togther and I have always realized you are a very gifted drummer but after watching some of your dvd I was even more convinced!! Anyway, I'm sure you hear things like that all the time. I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday. My birthday just happens to be the same day add a couple of years but who's counting!! I'll have a shot in our honor tonight!!
My husband and I will be at your Indy show in June. If you would like to have a belated birthday drink just let me know!! Hope you have a great tour!!
One of your biggest fans with the same birthday!!!!
Roxanne Reynolds Indianapolis IN.
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Hey Roxanne,
Thanks for the kind words and hope you enjoy the show in Indy.
Take care!
Todd
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Hey Todd, Absolutely love your drumming!
I was wondering what you can tell me about the Sabian Prototype Ride you use (size, weight, lathing style, profile, etc.).
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Gabriel
Dallas, TX
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Hi Gabriel,
It's a 20" cymbal with a medium weight HH, with raw 22" size bell shaped between an AA and HH. It's a great ride with crashability with a rich HH tone.
Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hey Todd,
I'm a big fan and it's great news to hear that you are in fact conceptualizing another DVD. Can't wait, I love your playing and all the insights you provide in your teaching. Just a couple questions...
You've mentioned that you use a Danmar kick pad on your bass drum. I noticed in your DVD that you use a single round pad (as opposed to the double pedal pad Danmar advertises), which I thought was interesting since you occasionally whip out a double bass lick. Do you just center the pad so that both beaters hit it? I'm also curious as to what kind it is. It looks like Danmar has 'metal kick' pads, 'impact' pads, and so on, but I couldn't really tell what kind it was just from watching the DVD.
Thanks for info and all the inspiring music,
Seth
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Hi Seth,
Thanks for the kind words. I use a regular Danmar single that's the thin plastic. The main (right) beater is the only one that hits it, the left doesn't. I think the double one is too much stuff on the head for my taste and I like the slightest difference between the two stroke. So, there you go!
Cheers,
Todd
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Hi Todd I'm a big fan. Your drumming just blow me away. I play drums
in a local band and I wanted to know what size cymbals do you use I'm
trying to get a good sound. What are the names of your DVDs thank you,
keep rockin
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Hi______________,
17,18,19,20 crashes mostly. All this info (and 5 plus hours more) is available on my DVD "Methods and Mechanics" available at Altitudedigital.com
Thanks for the compliments!
Todd
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I have a question for you. Why are you so awesome and cool?
Your answer would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Dom.
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Well, Dom.....I don't quite know, but thank you.
Cheers
Todd