Q: How would I keep a groove consistent while I switch from riding on the Hi-hat to riding on the ride cymbal?

A: Please make excerpted exercises. Make an excerpt of the passage you need to learn. Don't just learn the notes. Learn the groove. Use your ears. Make up your own exercise and use the three phase practice procedure. Record yourself and judge the time. Utilize "airplay" Make the drum set conform to you rather than you conforming to the dreamiest. Utilize the "Ready Position " exercise and Air play.

Q: How could I improve the LH (I switched to matched). I WANT MORE strength.

A: Simple: practice LH technique (haha it's not a four letter word, it is a 9 letter word). Here: practice playing 16th notes with your LH only. Play at quarter note equals 72 . Repeat over and over and over.

Q: Sight reading- haven't done it for a while.

A: Please bring Ted Reed's "Syncopation" book read the pages I assigned in the "course #1 ("sync" stands for Ted Reed's Syncopation)

Q: Walfredo and Ignacio independence?

A: Bring in the New Breed book. :-)

Q: How can I make the music satisfying for the band but still do my thing?

A: Strengthen your sense of SELF AND COMPASSION.

Q: What methods of practicing can I use. 2 or 3 hours is not practical.

A: Focus and do your absolute best. absolute best ABSOLUTE BEST! JUST ADVANCE!

Q: Does this following question pertain to drums? What is the best way to present yourself so you can be recognized by the audience when they see you.

A: Get hyped by a publicist. Do as many recordings and videos as possible. What do I do? Dress well play well FOCUS ON EXCELLENCE. I hope you don't just think "What should I dress in tonight?" Why not think : "How well can I dress tonight"... "Never let anyone in your audience look better than you do"- Duke Ellington. I hope you don't just think "WHAT should I play tonight?"...why not think "HOW WELL can I play tonight.?" I hope you go by your own standards and constantly seek to grow and to advance your standards.

Q: What is funk?

A: American music which is predominantly characterized by 16th note syncopated rhythms on drums, electric bass, guitar, electric keyboards and vocals,horns, which was particularly made prominent by James Brown, George Clinton, Kool and the Gang, Sly Stone, Tower of Power, AWB, Ohio Players and others in the 60's and 70's. It was born from R&B and Soul musics, and has largely African American roots. :-)