The purpose of this blog will be to keep friends, students, clients and other interested parties updated about the happenings at Acoustic Barn as well as my performances and teaching activities. I will be posting links to video and audio examples as well as pictures. From time to time I will also post different thoughts and experiences from my life as a studio owner as well as a professional musician and teacher. I welcome all comments.
Welcome to My Blog
December 8th, 2009UNCC concert video
February 23rd, 2010Here is a video of a concert I played on 2/2/10 with my wife Jennifer. It’s with the UNCC Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the piece is Dance of the Southern Lights by Eric Richards. This is a very large file so please give it time to load.
Southern Lights
Recent Article: Mike D’Angelo
February 21st, 2010Here’s a nice article about one of my former students Mike D’Angelo who was up for a Grammy this year (which sadly he did not win.).
link
Anne Trenning Wins Music Awards
February 1st, 2010Pianist Anne Trenning who has recorded all three of her CD projects at Acoustic Barn is getting great press for her latest CD “Watching For Rain” which Rick produced, arranged, orchestrated, performed on and recorded. “Watching For Rain” was nominated for 4 ZMR Awards, including “Album of the Year.” by zonemusicreporter.com. The CD was also named a “Best of 2009″ pick by Michael Debbage. Look at Anne’s website for numerous reviews on this recording, as well as reviews on “All One World,” (also produced by Rick) which was named one of the top five contemporary instrumental recordings of 2005. Her music is in the new age realm and she has a very large and loyal fan base as the following press reveals. Here are some more links and reviews:
You can buy the CD here amazon
review1
review2
and a link to Annes site
Annes site
New Percussion Ensemble Piece
January 24th, 2010Here is a new percussion ensemble piece I have just completed called minor infraction. It’s for 13 players and is a grade 4 level. It was commissioned by the Jay M Robinson High School Percussion ensemble which is directed by Blair Smith. It will be performed at the North Carolina PAS Day of Percussion at UNCG on April 24th 2010. The recording is me overdubbing the parts in the studio.
minor infraction
Video Lesson: Second Line Drum Solo
January 24th, 2010Here is a Drum Set Solo in a New Orleans Second Line style.
Second Line Solo
Video Lesson: Soloing in 3/4 time
January 23rd, 2010Here is a video of me soloing over a 3/4 time hi hat ostinato. Please exuse the just woke up look and the hilarious expressions-Ahh, to be young again!
3/4 solo
Video Lesson: Playing Jazz in 3/4 time
January 23rd, 2010This video demonstrates different ways to approach playing and soloing in 3/4 time. Please allow plenty of time for the video to load.
3/4 Jazz
Video Lesson: Jazz Ride Cymbal Technique
January 23rd, 2010In this video I demonstrate how to develop jazz ride cymbal technique at many different tempos. As usual please allow time for the file to download.
Jazz Ride Cymbal Technique
Video Lesson: Jazz Coordination Exercises #1
January 23rd, 2010Here is a video which demonstrates how to work on the Jazz Coordination Exercises from my book. Please allow plenty of time for download since this is a large file.
Jazz Coordination#1
Video Lesson: Jazz Coordination Exercises #2 Advanced
January 23rd, 2010Here is a video dealing with the Jazz Coordination Exercises from my book. Please alow ample time for download since this is a large file.
jazz coordination