DrumLife Studios

This made my day! So cool to see former students still playing. Kayton was 1 of my Vacaville students and Student of the Year back in the day.

BTW, just because spaced-out practice is more effective doesn’t mean that you (or your students) will automatically prefer it! There’s a classic study on typing from the ’70’s, where the researchers found that the participants who spread out their practice over a longer span of time were actually not very fond of this spaced-out schedule. Participants were much happier with their training when it was crammed into a shorter span of time - even though it was less effective. So it could be more of a challenge to make regular practice a habit at first - but you’re probably going to improve more consistently, experience less frustration, and enjoy yourself more in the long run if you practice a tiny bit every day. 😁 If you’d like to explore more practice strategies for maximizing your learning, and learn how to manage nerves and ensure that your work transfers to the stage as well, I’ll be teaching a live 4-week performance psychology class in October on four essential skills: effective practice, beating nerves and anxiety, getting into the zone more consistently, and playing more confidently on stage. Registration for the Performance Psych Essentials class begins this weekend. For all the dates, times, and details on what you’ll learn, click the link in bio, then the first green button! And in the meantime, if you need a bit of a nudge to get into a more regular practice routine, you might enjoy the 1-week "Pressure Proof" practice challenge where you'll learn the number one thing effective practicers do differently. Just type “Pressure Proof” in the comments below to get started!

John X. was an awesome teacher (10+ years) for me during my teenage and young adult years.

During my last year at Berklee, John was gracious enough to let me interview him for my Careers in Music class. He will be greatly missed.

The drumming community is saddened by the news of Bay Area Drummer and Educator John Xepoleas passing. He was a kind and generous man and always had a positive outlook… He will be dearly missed.

John performed in a variety of musical settings ranging from jazz, rock and fusion, to big band, R&B and funk. He had numerous articles published in Modern Drummer magazine, wrote a top selling drum book titled, "Style Studies for the Creative Drummer" and many of his lessons can be found on his website as well as his popular YouTube drum lesson channel. In addition to his thriving teaching practice, John was dedicated to his role as the music director for the Soundwall rock ‘n’ roll summer music camps, as well as being a freelance drummer performing and recording in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Our hearts go out to his family and friends.

Sincerely,

The Drum Workshop Family

So, so, so good!

Video 2 from the Meinl Cymbals Drum Fest 2023 🎶

Some of the most tastiest playing I’ve seen/heard in awhile.

Drum Solo on the house kit at Jazz Club A-Trane in Berlin. . #drums #drummer #jostnickel #drumsolo #drumcam

We have new openings this June. Existing students will have priority to new days/times typically during the last week of each month.

Tuesdays
2:30 pm
8:00 pm

Wednesdays
3:30 - GONE

Thursdays
2:30 - GONE
8:00

Friday
5:30 (lefties)
6:30

Big shoes to fill but Josh is definitely able. If you check his bio, he has played with SO many different artists. So talented!

Repost from
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Foo Fighters reveal Josh Freese as their new drummer for their summer tour.
I have had the pleasure of working with on numerous occasions, particularly with and this portrait was with .

Please check out some of the latest student videos.

https://youtube.com/

This reminded me of a new young student who shuts down EVERY time he doesn’t get something right away.