Well, blogging has been more than a bit lite over here at Four on the Floor lately, over the past few months. Things have just been really busy these days with numerous projects on the go and I've already been on the road for a good portion of the Summer.
Anyways, all is good around here however this will also likely be the last blog post for the Summer and I'll resume things and try to get back into a proper regular blog groove again once the Fall hits. I've still got plenty of interesting things to share with the world.
Thank you for your continued support!
In the meantime check out Quincy Davis' latest on-line instructional series Mastering the Swing Feel.
Sign up for this excellent resource here and check out the trailer for his new course here:
I've been a big fan Quincy's teaching and YouTube series for a long time and I usually make a point of sharing his wonderful video tips here on my blog.
Quincy was nice enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about his latest endeavour:
Quincy Davis: Mastering the Swing Feel
1) Tell us all about your new instructional series! What is it all about and what are the goals of your course?I'm really excited about this project because it's something I've wanted to create for a long time. It's called Mastering the Swing Feel on the Drum Set, and it's entirely focused on what I believe is the most important and, at the same time, one of the most challenging aspects of jazz drumming: developing an authentic swing feel.
There are countless jazz drum lessons online, including plenty on my own YouTube channel, but those lessons are naturally limited by time. I wanted to create something much more comprehensive. A place where we could slow down, connect all the dots, and really take a deep dive into what makes this music feel the way it does.
So instead of jumping straight into ride patterns or comping ideas, we actually begin with the origins of swing. We explore how swing evolved, how the drummer's role changed over time, and then build everything progressively, from the feet, to the ride cymbal, to developing an internal pulse, comping, brushes, learning tunes, and ultimately playing with a live bass player.
My goal wasn't simply to give drummers more exercises. It was to give them a deeper understanding of the music itself.
My goal wasn't simply to give drummers more exercises. It was to give them a deeper understanding of the music itself.
By the end of the course, I hope drummers have a much better understanding of the evolution of swing, a stronger and more authentic swing feel, and greater confidence expressing that feel through comping, brushes, and playing tunes.
2) What was the motivation and inspiration for putting together this method?
The response to my YouTube videos really opened my eyes. A lot of drummers were looking for something deeper than a ten minute lesson. They wanted one place they could go instead of trying to piece together ideas from hundreds of individual YouTube videos. They wanted more context, more history, and a better understanding of why this music feels the way it does. That inspired me to create a course where all of those concepts are connected and build on one another.
The response to my YouTube videos really opened my eyes. A lot of drummers were looking for something deeper than a ten minute lesson. They wanted one place they could go instead of trying to piece together ideas from hundreds of individual YouTube videos. They wanted more context, more history, and a better understanding of why this music feels the way it does. That inspired me to create a course where all of those concepts are connected and build on one another.
I also grew up wearing out VHS instructional videos by drummers like Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Ed Thigpen, Herlin Riley, and even Elvin Jones' Different Drummer. I watched those videos over and over, and they had a tremendous impact on my own development. I wanted to create something that could have that same kind of lasting impact on today's drummers.
This course is really the culmination of many years of studying, listening, performing, and teaching jazz. It's also a reflection of the countless conversations I've had with drummers through my YouTube channel, at the university, in masterclasses, and through my online community, Q/MUNITY.
I hope it not only improves drummers' swing feel, but also deepens their appreciation for this incredible music.
3) How does your course differ from other jazz drumming courses currently online? What makes it unique?
3) How does your course differ from other jazz drumming courses currently online? What makes it unique?
I think one of the biggest differences is that we don't just talk about what swing is. We spend a lot of time exploring the nuances that actually create a great swing feel and the different approaches drummers can take to developing it.
Another thing that's pretty unique is the historical perspective. Most drummers know how to play a ride pattern, but very few really understand how swing evolved or why we play the way we do today. I think understanding that evolution gives you a much deeper appreciation for the music and ultimately helps you make better musical decisions behind the drums.
Toward the end of the course, I also bring in a live bass player so we can explore one of the most important relationships in jazz: the connection between the drummer and bassist.
Every drummer also receives my new Ultimate Practice Guide as part of the course. While it's certainly valuable for drummers, it's really written for musicians in general, and I think it'll help anyone practice more efficiently and get more out of their time in the practice room.
4) How do you recommend drummers and teachers approach working through your materials?
4) How do you recommend drummers and teachers approach working through your materials?
I'd recommend working through the course in order and at your own pace.
While I do plan on making each module available individually, I designed the complete course as one progressive learning experience. Each lesson builds on the previous one, so you'll get the most out of it by following that sequence.
That's one of the biggest differences between this course and my YouTube channel. My YouTube videos are designed to stand on their own, but I wanted this course to be a one stop resource where drummers could learn everything in one place instead of having to search through hundreds of separate videos and figure out how all the concepts fit together.
There's no rush. Pause the lessons, spend time at the drums, revisit sections whenever you need to, and really let the concepts become part of your playing.
5) What are some of the challenges of putting together an online instructional course and series? What advice do you have for anybody potentially interested in creating and producing their own?
5) What are some of the challenges of putting together an online instructional course and series? What advice do you have for anybody potentially interested in creating and producing their own?
The biggest piece of advice I'd give is to create the curriculum first. Spend a lot of time organizing exactly what you want to teach and in what order. Be as detailed as possible because, while things will naturally evolve a little once you start filming, having a solid roadmap makes the entire process much smoother.
I'd also recommend hiring professionals for the things that aren't your specialty. A great audio engineer and a great videographer make a huge difference in the final product, and they allow you to focus on teaching instead of worrying about the technical side.
I'd also recommend hiring professionals for the things that aren't your specialty. A great audio engineer and a great videographer make a huge difference in the final product, and they allow you to focus on teaching instead of worrying about the technical side.
Another thing I wasn't fully prepared for was just how mentally exhausting it is. You're standing in front of cameras talking for hours with no feedback from anyone. Your voice gets tired, your brain gets tired, and it takes a lot of concentration to stay clear, organized, and engaging.
I filmed everything over two days, and for me that was about right. I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to film an entire course in one day.
I filmed everything over two days, and for me that was about right. I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to film an entire course in one day.
Finally, make sure it's a topic you know inside and out. You should feel completely comfortable not only demonstrating the material but also explaining it from different angles. That's what separates a collection of lessons from a truly great course.
6) Tell us about your other current activities as a drummer and teacher.
I'm currently Professor of Drum Set at the University of North Texas, where I teach applied drum set lessons, jazz chamber music, and serve as Chair of the Drum Set Department.
Outside of the university, I stay active performing, presenting clinics and masterclasses, and creating educational content through my YouTube channel, where I've been fortunate to connect with drummers from all over the world. Many of those drummers have also become members of my online drumming community, Q/MUNITY, where we continue learning together through live sessions, discussions, and exclusive educational content.
I feel really fortunate that performing, teaching, and creating educational resources all feed into one another. Everything I learn on the bandstand influences how I teach, and the conversations I have with drummers, whether they're at UNT, on YouTube, or in Q/MUNITY, continually challenge me to think more deeply about my own playing. I think that's what keeps both parts of my career exciting.
