It works as advertised. I'm now able to quickly change surfaces without exchanging sticks with beaters. However, when time allows, I can still play the triangle with a beater in the old fashioned way. 

Last week percussionist Rick Dior showed me how to set it up and even do rolls on it. 

​David

I've been working with Rick Dior since December 2023. A recent assignment was Wilcoxon's Rhythmania. Starting slowly, I've worked it up to this tempo. 

I have regretted everyone that I've sold.

It's that time of year again. 

​David

Should a musician play through pain? The short answer is no. In my personal experience years ago, it will lead to catastrophic consequences. So here I am, my right shoulder is a bit uncomfortable. Not sore or painful, just uncomfortable. Am I over practicing? Perhaps after all there are dangers to over practicing. However, in my 65th year, the dangers can be more serious than at 20. So, what I'm I doing?

1. I booked a physio appointment for early next week.
2. No extra practicing. I will have to run on the gas in the tank until my commitments are met. 
3. No pushups or other activities that put pressure on the shoulder. 
4. Follow the physio's advice. 
5. Rest

Nipping problems before they are chronic is the key to playing at this age. 

​David

Juggling practice is difficult when you play three instruments.
1. Piano practice is required for my job as a piano teacher.
2. Drumming is required because brass band music is difficult, and I want to keep the chair in the band. Furthermore, endurance takes time to build and repetition to maintain. To improve my skills, I take a weekly lesson and lesson preparation requires daily attention. 
3. Mallets. I love playing the malletkat and xylophone. And it is a required skill, on occasion, in the brass band. 

How do I do it?
1. Piano practice maintains my skills to the level required to serve my students well. I'm not preparing for concerts or gigs anymore. Therefore, endurance is not required. 
2. Drumming. I have a ritual I've been following for a few months. It starts with 20 minutes on hand warmups and chops building. I follow-up by reviewing a lesson from a drum kit book for 10 minutes. Then I tackle Brass band music. However, I only practice the tricky bits as there is no time for fooling around. With this I've covered chops, endurance, skill development, and being ready to contribute to the band. 
3. I do a few minutes in the evening working out of a lesson book and slowly chip away. 

​David