Hey Todd,

Just wanted say it was an absolute pleasure to see you perform in 
Reading, PA on Friday night! I came home after the show and 
immediately bought your dvd!

I just wanted to ask you about a possible drum clinic here in PA. Do 
you think you could ever make an appearance at Dale's Drum Shop in 
Harrisburg, PA? Seeing you perform at a clinic would be an absolute 
honor, and I'd be there in a heartbeat if you ever came to Dale's!

Take care man, and good luck with the tour!

Chris Berg
---------------------------------
Hi Chris,

Thanks for coming to the show and for picking up the dvd!

OK, here's how clinics work.  I do not choose where I do them.  The store has to invite me to do a clinic and they ask through my drum/cymbal companies.  It is an expensive endeavor that takes the efforts of many to put together and is no small feat.  So if I'm never asked, I never come.  It's that simple.

Thanks again for your kind words and hope to see you at a clinic at some point-
Cheers,
Todd

Hi Todd, 

I don't have a specific question I simply want to tell you thank you! I recently attended a drum clinic you held in Richmond, VA. I can't tell you what an impression you made on me and my son. Not only was your drumming instruction and display fantastic, the fact that my stuck to your commitments was far more valuable and impressive. Thank you so very much for coming to VA (partly at your own expense) to do what you clearly and absolutely love to do. It was obvious that you were not there to please corporate bureaucracy, but rather to support and teach the very substance that allows you and many others lasting longevity. You truly are an amazing drummer … no one who attended the clinic can phantom an argument. But more importantly you are an amazing example, a beacon, in a world that is all too often filled with ill motivated intent. I felt your sincerity and appreciated the opportunity to meet you, if only for a second, and enjoy the art of drumming. I'm sure at some point we'll see you perform with STYX. Keep up the great work and I can only hope our paths will cross again! 

Take care!
rob
------------------------------
Hi Rob,

Thank you so much for your feedback and kind words.  They mean a great deal and I'm so happy you and your son pulled positive things from the Richmond clinic. I was a bit sleep deprived but did the best I could that night!

Really, thanks for coming in the first place and for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

My best  to you both-
Todd

Hey Todd I am coming to see Styx/Reo tomorrow so I would guess you wont be answering this before that and that's OK.
I am just your average basement drummer who plays out occasionally doing mostly classic rock stuff.
I am looking to add a cymbal to my set and I do not see where there are a lot of larger crashes used. I currently have 16" Zildjian A Custom Fast crash ,17" Zildjian A Custom, 18" K Custom and a 20" Zildjian China. I am thinking of a 19 or 20" paper thin crash but you usually cant find one at a drum shop so I cant hear it before I buy it. What would you recommend to compliment what I currently have? I know I need a splash too and was thinking of a 10 or 12".

Next thing is and you might not be able to respond to this part but my friend works for a large company that has a band every year for their clients. It is a small venue of less than 1000 people and it is in Chicago every year. Last year they had Foreigner and the year before was Jackson Brown. Do you know if Styx would fall into the financial category of either of these acts? The show is on a Saturday night in May and if it is possible I would love to see you guys there.

Thanks for your time and I appreciate that you actually engage your audience! Incredible!

Mike Abrams
-----------------------
Hi Mike,

Hope you enjoyed the show-----

As far as cymbals go, I always use my ears to guide me.  I'm note sure anyone makes "paper" thin crashes that big.  Obviously I'm a Sabian guy.  I like the 19" or 20" AA thin crashes, or AAX Fast Crashes, or the Vaults.  The Vaults are a little heavier but still really musical.

Any booking questions would have to go through the management.  Everyone does these "corporate" private shows from Sting, Don Henley, etc.  So if the price is right.  But I'm guessing we have every weekend in May filling up by now.

OK, thanks and I wish you luck in your cymbal hunt.

Todd

Hi Todd

My name is Serge Fortin I'm a 48 year old drummer from Matane, Canada,
Quebec. I saw you in Rimouski with STYX some years ago and I was happy
astounded by your playing.
Then I bought your Dvd and it is a joy to watch.

I would like to know if it's possible to buy Tears of joy MP3 without
clic with drum score? It is very hard to find it here.

Excuse my English, I'm a French Canadian.

Serge Fortin
---------------------------------
Bon Jour Serge,

Thanks for getting the dvd!  I remember that Rimouski show as it was the only time I was ever there.  To answer your question, "Tears of Joy" is not available as a drumless play-along.  Sorry.  I do not own the rights or publishing, and that would be a very expensive endeavor to pursue.  It wouldn't be cost effective!

Hope to make it back there at some point and thanks for writing!

Todd

Hey Todd!    


                                            
I am a Senior in high school and am starting the stressful process of going to college and am starting a new chapter in my life. For as long as I can remember drums have always been the most important thing in my life. My dad has been playing his entire life but never truly went professional (which I feel he should have) and gave the drummer jeans to me. During my life I had phases where I would play the drums just to jam out as a hobby and not really care how it sounded (but still loved playing) and then I would play to a CD and it would be the best feeling in the world and knew I wanted to make drumming my life. I would say over the last year all I can think about is drumming; looking up YouTube videos, repeatedly watch concert DVDs and play to CDs imagining that I was actually the drummer of the band. Now that I am getting ready to go to college, I feel already as if my drum career is over because I do not have a band (never had really been in one besides some jam sessions with friends) and because I am not a world wide known and endorsed drummer. I know that all those amazing things almost never happen so early at the age of 17, but I just feel that with the stress of college and getting a degree in something I don’t have a passion for, drums will end up just falling to the side as a hobby like my dad (which I do not want to happen).

I have always played by ear and have never taken a formal drum lesson. My dad has taught me the basics and drum fills when I ask him what 'the heck did that drummer do there?!’ like when he showed me the Captured CD with one of my favorite drummers Steve Smith. My dad also got me to love the music he listens to and I played constantly to Rush, Toto, Journey, Styx and all the other amazing 1970's progressive/arena rock music. All their drummers have influenced my play style and everything I know about drumming comes from those drummers. I know for a fact that the biggest turning point in my drumming experiences came when my dad bought me your DVD for Christmas and I learned so much from it. Ever since I got that amazing DVD I have been practicing everyday and have been so inspired by your musicianship and how you execute the drums, and I want to have that similar feel and musical approach. I have truly noticed my speed increase along with the feel I have with the drums, and now playing traditional, it brings a whole new perspective to the drum set and how I play.  

I recently had a house crisis and your DVD got lost and haven’t had the chance to watch it again to see if anything was mentioned about your child hood and drumming during high school and college. I have hundreds of questions for you if I really thought about them, but ill just ask the most important to me during this part of my life, and what you possibly have gone through as well.

My first question is how you got better as a kid and if you took a lot of formal lessons (is that the main way you progressed)? Also if you were in a lot of small bands with school friends and how much those helped your drumming?

Next, I am very curious about your one year at Berkley College of Music and how much you learned from there and how much it helped your drumming and to get a start in the industry, also if you ever went anywhere else for college?

Lastly, at what age, or how long it took you, to reach the level of amazing professional drumming you have in the Methods and Mechanics DVD? (Just curious)

My most important question would have to be how you got gigs and promoted yourself out to the music world to be chosen over so many other great undiscovered drummers, and to have the opportunity to join the amazing Styx!? Were you considered a studio working drummer before becoming a member of Styx ?

Thanks very much for the inspirational drumming DVD that made me take drumming a million times more serious to hopefully make it my career. I saw the Styx concert in Phoenix at the Dodge Theater and just want to say that you played AMAZING and I think I was the only one air drumming the entire concert to every song!!

Take care and enjoy the rest of the tour,
Matt Hernandez

P.S. – My favorite live concert DVD is the Styx Return to Paradise 1996 tour and I was wondering if you were endorsed by Sonor (8 piece Force 2005 I have now) or if that was your own set?
-----------------------------------
Hi Matt,

I'll try to answer all your questions as I have your letter set up next to the one I'm typing.  Hopefully you've found the dvd by now, as some information you seek is within that package.  Certainly some of it goes into greater detail than I can here, such as the notes on how to electorate your career.  But I'll continue with your note.

I was already working with my father on reading music by the time I was five and had older brothers who were great musicians so I had a colossal head start.  I can't over emphasize the importance of reading music and how it helps with a career.  A pop star has a short life span (if you are incredibly lucky to come anywhere near being a pop star) but a musician can work forever.  And as a musician, why would you want to be illiterate?  Reading is important.  That helped me play with older and more experienced musicians while I was a kid growing up.  I was in the jr. high school band program from the time I was in 1st grade all the way through high school, and then one year at Berklee in Boston.  I worked hard, studied hard, played and gigged hard.  I really wasn't in bands (except for a few fun projects) with guys my age.  Honestly, I was a professional working with older professionals.

My one year at Berklee was amazing and I learned a lot.  Did it give me a head start in my career? No.  Because when you play music with people no one cares where you went to school.  Is the music you're playing NOW working?  Does it feel good?  That's what matters.  I ran out of money and entered the "real world" after my one year there.

It took my whole life to get to where I was on the DVD and I'd like to think I'm better now than when I filmed it.  I'm certainly older and wiser.  I can put that into my playing.

As far as getting gigs, I couldn't say anything better than I did in the dvd, disc 1 in "The Right Reasons" at about 2:29:49.  And continue on to the next bit too.

It doesn't matter whether you want to do this for a living or not----be involved with music and play.  But if you do want to do this for your livelihood, you have a lot of work ahead of you.  Be smart and put in the time....and use it wisely!

And yes, the kit from '96 was mine that I purchased myself in '95.

I wish you luck, Matt.  Keep your head on straight-

Todd

Dear Todd,
 
First I just want to tell you that Styx is my favorite band and is inspiring me to start one of my own. (me as the drummer) witch brings me to my question do you have ant tips on how to be a better band?
 
From Your Biggest Fan
 
Addison Camp
--------------------------
Addison,

To answer your question, you should record your band and make honest assessments of how it sounds. Ask yourselves what we can do to sound better.  Everyone should be able to take constructive criticism (and not everyone can) but that will help.  When playing......listen to each other.  Just don't blast each other.  A band works together for a common good, you know?  Listen to each other, record yourselves, talk, communicate (musically and orally) and work it out.  That's the best 2 cents I've got for you!  I wish you luck and thanks for the kind words.

Cheers,
Todd

Just wanted to drop you a note to say my son and I are looking forward to seeing you at the drum clinic in Keizer, Oregon on December 2nd. I wanted to bring my son Jeris to see you. He is 13 and has been rocking on drums for a few years. He spent all summer at rockband music camps at the Lesson Factory in Eugene, Oregon practicing and performing live. He is currently in there Rockstars program and playing in a band Called Audiophobia.

Anyway I'm hoping he will learn what it really take to be successful drummer and musician (he plays guitar too) from attending your clinic. We look forward to meeting you and learning from your wealth of experience and knowledge.

Thanks
Jeff Johnson
------------------------
Hi Jeff,

Ironically I'm on an airplane answering these letters on my way to Oregon.  I'm without internet at the moment and am not able to access the links you provided so my apologies.

Hope you both enjoy the clinic and see you then!

Cheers-
Todd

Hi Todd,
I saw you very recently at the show at ASU in Jonesboro, AR.  In my 20 years, I had never been to a rock show before that.  I just never did that kind of thing.  But a couple months ago when I heard that Styx was going to be swinging through our state, I knew I had to be there.  I dragged some friends along and they complained the whole way there about going to see a band that was popular when our parents were teenagers.  No surprise, though, once you guys started playing, they were completely blown away.  We were so bummed when you finished Come Sail Away, hopped off your instruments, and left with just a brief wave goodbye.  And of course we were subsequently elated when you came back and tore up Renegade.  That entire performance was incredibly inspiring for me.  And it was very interesting to hear the powerful rock arena sound of your kit, as contrasted with the studio sound of it. 

Also, your dvd is fantastic, which I'm sure you've heard a million times.  I love it and I take away something new every time I watch it.  Which happens to be fairly often.  Out of that, I have also come to be a pretty big fan of your wife's music.  Very talented.  And Brian Wilson.  I love the Beach Boys, but I never knew about Wilson's solo work.  Anyway, if you do make another instructional dvd, I know there's one copy that's going to be sold the moment it touches the shelf. 

I can think of dozens of questions to ask you, but I know you're busy and I've already written a long enough message as is.  So all I'm wondering is, in terms of musicality, what are some of the factors that go through your mind when you're deciding which cymbal to hit?  I understand how one would decide between a splash, a crash, and a china, but how do you pick which crash or which china?   If there's one thing I've learned from you, it's that I would rather do things with musical purpose ("this cymbal has a darker tone, which fits this passage of the song") than arbitrarily ("this cymbal is close").  I notice that with the exception of your 19" Vault and 18" Dark crash, all of your cymbals are arranged increasing in size from left to right (within each type of cymbal).  Or at least they did as of the Modern Drummer interview which showed your setup.  They're clearly configured in this way for a purpose, so I'm curious how that plays into what I'm asking.  Whatever input you feel like providing on that would be much appreciated. 

Anyway, keep at it.  Congrats on your placings in the MD readers poll.  They come as no surprise to me.  I absolutely admire your technicality, but more so your musicality and finesse.  They're the reasons you're my favorite drummer (well actually you're tied with Ray Luzier, but hey, that's not bad). 

Thanks for the advice and inspiration,
Seth

---------------------
Hey Seth,

Thanks for all the kind words and cool feedback.  I really do appreciate it!

To answer your question, which crash to go for is largely instinct. And really, it's just being sensitive to the music.  The way you hit a cymbal and the density of the strike play an even bigger roll.  But as the music builds I might go for one of the larger models.  I might go 17" into the verse and then 19" into the chorus.  It's kind of common sense in a way...or it is to me anyway.  Then the sounds of the cymbals come into play as well.  Hopefully this makes sense to you....

OK, man.  Thanks again and hope to make it back down there soon.

Take care!
Todd
Todd, good morning, afternoon? evening? Wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed your DVD - absolutely fantastic! I'm a late student in life (57 years old) trying to get caught up on lost years. After 31 years in the Navy, I finally started taking lessons two years ago. Got rid of the electronic kit (so what about the noise?) and got a Pearl Vision Clear Birch kit. What a beautiful kit! It has been a painfully slow process but I enjoy the challenges. Any suggestions, besides taping, on how to monitor/gauge one's progress? I do not feel like I have to meet any timetables - just wish I could progress a little quicker (rudiments and speed and everything else in between) with better use of limited practice time. Your great technique/abilities notwithstanding, I thoroughly enjoyed your insights into music and how you approach them in your DVD. Makes me realize I'm fortunate to have the ability to study and to enjoy. Its amazing to me how great musicians on similar equipment can have such unique and individual styles. Greatly looking forward to your clinic here in Virginia Beach on December 14th. Told my girlfriend Kathy (God bless her for her patience) if she liked the Lang and Bozzio clinics, she's really going to like yours!!!! My utmost respect. Best Regards to you and yours, Phil
----------------------------
Hi Phil,

Great to get you note, and thanks for the kind words.  It's cool that you are back spending your time playing.

Patience is the key to practicing.  There are no short cuts and there's no substitute for spending time on the instrument.  That's why recording your sessions as well as being focused and organized for your time and what you work on will facilitate your improvement.  Have a goal, a plan in place.  Or if you have only an hour you can spend 10 minutes on hands, 10 on grooves, 10 on reading, etc.  Whatever you want to work on but if you have a focused system you'll get more out of less time.  That's really all I have--but time is paramount.

I wish you luck and I hope you and your girl enjoy the upcoming clinic.  Thanks again for your note.
Cheers!
Todd
Hey Todd,

My name is Zack Bratton.  I'm a 15 year old drummer from Bartlett, TN, and I have to say, you are one of my favorite drummers.  After seeing videos of your clinics, the demonstration of the Pearl Demon Drive Eliminator pedal, and seeing bits and pieces of your Methods and Mechanics DVD, you have become a major inspiration to me.  I loved your drum parts to Tears of Joy. It was one of the most beautiful performances I have ever heard.  Your drums and cymbals sounded magnificent and had such beautiful tones to them. 

I recently joined a band myself, and my playing sounded horrible.  I cracked three goo cymbals in less than six months.  My Zildjian A crash is in such horrible condition, it has the tone of a china cymbal.  My drumheads had no tone in them after two months.  After watching you play, I learned you can still get a powerful hit out of the drum and cymbal without playing extremely hard. You are a very talented drummer and thank you for the insight on drums.  I hope to see you perform a clinic at the Memphis Drum Shop one day

Respectively, 
Zack Bratton
------------------------------
Hi Zack,

Thanks for the kind words.

Yeah, you don't have to beat the hell out of the drums to get good strong sounds. Drums and cymbals will only get so loud, you know?  Well, I hope Jim from Memphis invites me in for a clinic some time soon---and I hope you pick up my DVD.  It's better than youtube!

http://altitudedigital.com/todd-sucherman-methods-and-mechanics.html

I wish you luck!
Todd
Hey Todd,
Always have admired your playing.  At 23 and having been playing for 13 years now, I can say that you were one of the main reasons and inspirations for me to begin playing the drums.  Thank you for that.

I am looking into purchasing the demon drive double pedal.  Ive tried them out at the store and they feel great; better than any pedal I've ever played or owned, and better than any other pedal I've tried that's on the market.  Given that, I'd like your opinion.  I see you still use the eliminators.  Do you have any experiences you can share about the demon drive?  I am trying to do my research before i drop $600 on a pedal, you know? 

Hey, also, I've seen some of your mini solos in concert.  What is the stick/foot pattern you do at the end of the solo for the finale (where you are only using one hand up and down the toms with double bass underneath)?  I have some idea of what you may be doing but cant reproduce it myself.  It sounds cool as hell when you do it!

Thanks for your time and keep rockin' man. 

Sincerely,
Jeff
Pittsburgh, PA
---------------------------
Hi Jeff,

I'm comfortable with both pedals--the Eliminators and Demon Drives.  I use what's available or what I'm feeling on any given day.  So its no big deal for me to go back and forth.  But if you are nervous about dropping 6 bills--don't.  If you are sure, they feel like what you want--do it.  Make sure you want whatever you buy and what the return policy is if you ultimately don't like something.  And the lick in question is just triplets....one hand, two feet.  It's a little "showbiz" but it's effective!

Thanks for writing, Jeff-
Todd

Hi Todd!
Erik from Sweden here!
 
I Actually saw you guys when you played the Sweden Rock Festival in 2005.
I'm always thrilled when I watch your DVD! I'm studying Jazz drums right now at a school in Sweden called "birka", and one of the teachers there
is Roy Okutani(he plays trumpet), who actually was a teacher at berklee for 11 years. Anyway, I showed him your dvd, and he was blown away by your skills as I was!
I also bought the Modern Drummer Festival dvd, and it kicks ass too!
You've been a huge inspiration for me, and I just wanted to say thank you!
When you come to Sweden I'll definitely go to see you guys play! I'll be in the front row begging for a drumstick!
 
My questions for you is:
How do you work out four way independence stuff?
The ride you use as a main ride for the Dvd (on your bigger kit), what is that prototype ride? It sounds awesome!
Do you know if Sabian could make more of those?
 
btw, I just ordered the Pearl Eliminator Demon Drive! I know I'll be happy with it
And I saw the video from Pearl when you demonstrate it!
But I visited your page on drummerworld.com, and there it says that you play DW pedals.
I also checked with dwdrums.com and there you are. Did you switch to their pedals?
-------------------------------------------
Hi Erik,

I remember the Sweden Rock Fest gig very well---it was a fun day!  And thanks for the compliments on my playing and dvd.  I really appreciate it.  On to your questions.....

I really don't think of my limbs doing anything "against each other" but rather working together.  I don't feel I have any extraordinary independence things happening.  I just play what I'm hearing--or I attempt to, so I'm thinking big picture rather than all the gears working for something complex.  Make sense?  If I am working something out that is feeling strange or is not working I just slow it down.  Way down.  And I see where everything falls and then I internalize it slowly.  It may take a few days for the idea to sink in and get comfortable (or usable) so I'm patient with that process.  As far as the pedals go, I used DW prior to 2001 and they still have me listed on the website I guess.  I'm comfortable of both the Eliminators and Demon Drives.  The ride in the dvd is a 20" Prototype I picked up at the Sabian office in LA back in 2005.  You can contact your dealer to contact Mark Love at Sabian and ask him to whip you up a prototype "like the one Todd Sucherman used in his dvd."

OK.  Thanks and I wish you the best of luck!  Hope to make it over there again-
Cheers,
Todd