ISSUE #16___\__\__\__\__\__________/__/__/__/__/ APRIL, 1998 THE TEMPO DISPATCH FREE Newsletter For Drummers and Drumming Enthusiasts Copyright Bill Powelson 1998 all rights reserved. ___/__/__/__/__/__________\__\__\__\__\___ 'IT'S ALL ABOUT DRUMS' Tips * Tricks * Hints * Ads * Freebies * Lessons * Gigs? NOW 1,350+ SUBSCRIBERS!!! ___________________________________________________ "THE TEMPO DISPATCH" is a FREE publication *** Originating From *** BILL POWELSON'S SCHOOL OF DRUMS on the web Where the Drum Lessons are FREE! http://www.catalog.com/drummers/bphome01 E-MAIL: drums01@worldnet.att.net ___________________________________________________ The focus and intent of this publication is to unite, enlighten, instruct and entertain all the percussion enthusiasts of the Internet. If you wish to receive NO further issues, simply reply to the address at the top of this message and type "REMOVE" on the subject line or body of the message. Your address will be removed immediately. ___________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS What is in this issue? Contents: 1. Feature Article: Feeling The Backbeat 2. Bass Player Joke 3. Drumset Posters 4. Advertisements 5. Musicians Wanted (Free service) 6. Land of Lost URLS ________________________________________________________ The Backbeat And Its Importance To Aspiring Drummers The BACKBEAT is the key to everything rhythmic in music! My experience with thousands of young beginning drummers has taught me one thing. Some students seem to possess a natural feel for the backbeat while others must be trained to feel it. VERY IMPORTANT! The ability to feel the backbeat of a song is crucial to becoming a drummer. If you feel the backbeat strongly enough, it is possible to become a drummer without formal instructions and lessons. Without a special sensitivity for the backbeat flow in a song, you may never become a drummer, no matter how many lessons you may take. If you know what I am talking about and possess this feel for the backbeat already, then this lesson isn't for you. This very special lesson is for those of you who do not know what I am talking about. WHAT IS THE 'BACKBEAT'? The backbeat in a song is usually the dominant repeating snare sound that flows through the music. In all forms of 4/4 the backbeats are on the counts of 2 & 4 in each bar. The secret to 'feeling' the backbeat is in developing PATIENT LISTENING HABITS . . . DO THIS, NOW . . . (Learn to 'feel' the backbeat.) 1. let a 4/4 tune play on your stereo system or radio. (Almost every song you may hear will be in some form of 4/4.) Find something with a moderate tempo . . . Get a song with a solid but simple drum part . . . at a medium tempo (not too fast and not too slow.) .......................................................... NOTE: ABOUT 99% OF ALL THE MUSIC PLAYING RIGHT NOW ON YOUR RADIO IS IN SOME FORM OF 4/4 . . . .......................................................... 2. Get one ear into the speaker system or headphones. 3. Pick out the dominant, repeating, accented snare sound in the music. In some complex songs, you may hear additional snare notes that are falling around the backbeat. Ignore those! Just listen for the strongest, loudest accented snare notes. Now clap your hands in-time with these 'BACKBEATS' as the drummer plays the song. YOU HAVE FOUND IT! Virtually every song you hear will be held together by this 'flowing' backbeat. The other musicians in the group tend to rely on the drummers backbeat to get their tempo and timing correct. Our job (when we do it correctly) is to maintain this 'backbeat' with 'swiss-watch' precision. If we can't hold it steady . . . the band usually disintegrates and we get a thumbs down, 'raspberry', haha. (BAD DRUMMER!) But IF we can hold a SOLID backbeat through out ALL songs . . . we are considered a WINNER and a candidate for MUCH praise & worship, haha. It really doesn't matter to the other band members how fancy we play. They usually don't give a hoot about that. They want us to make THEM 'feel' the backbeat while they impress the audience and the world with their ingenious musical technique ;>0 . . .(<--sly wink) So . . . the DRUMMER IN DEMAND is the one who can lay that backbeat in there with no mistake . . . consistently . . . in every piece of music. HOW TO 'FEEL' THE BACKBEAT . . . How do we acquire this indisputable perfection with our time measurement and 'feel' for the backbeat? Practice, Practice, Practice (with recorded music)! Memorize the BASIC 4/4 Dancebeats first, then Jam with every conceivable type of recorded song . . . listen for the recorded drummer ALWAYS. Strive to acquire an indisputable 'feel' for tempo and solid 'backbeat' no matter how softly we may be required to play. (This can prove to be a contradiction at times with some forms of soft, laid-back, music.) Anyway, the secret to ALL drumming is buried in this backbeat concept. The 'backbeat' IS the quintessential 'BACKBONE' of the music . . . ALL MUSIC. If we feel the backbeat strongly, and learn to lay it in there dominantly . . . we can BE THE BEST! EVERYTHING . . . and I mean EVERYTHING in music is based around that backbeat flow of the song . . . This includes fancy fills, complex syncopations and all of the intricate jazz techniques that a drummer might play. Those other incidental intricacies just CAN'T HAPPEN until the backbeat has been established in a commanding way . . . (usually by the drummer.) . . . BUT, * NOT ONLY * THE DRUMMER! The other (rhythm) instruments in the band are normally working as a team with the drummer, to help establish a solid backbeat flow. The rhythm guitarist will usually play a 'chucking' rhythm sound on the backbeat . . . Pianists and keyboard players will usually compliment the backbeat throughout a song with repetitious notes (normally played in the higher register) on the counts of 2 & 4 in 4/4 time . . . accenting the 'backbeat'. NOTE: 3/4 time usually consists of 2 backbeats per bar on the counts of 2 & 3. 5/4 and other odd time signatures usually contain 3 or more backbeats per bar. These 'lop-sided' signatures are only used rarely in jazz and other complex music styles . . . it is best to stick with common 4/4 music styles in the beginning until that unique 'feel' for the backbeat has been developed, then move into 3/4 grooves before progressing on to the really complex signatures. ENCOURAGING NEWS! We can miss cymbal notes . . . No problem! We can blow it with our fancy bass drum licks . . . NO PROBLEM! We can omit most of the intricate rhythmic variations! That's OK too. The BACKBEAT is the important thing! If we lay it down PERFECT we are OK! If we don't? Well, we had better enjoy slinging burgers or pumping gas! You will find the above to be true in nearly all professional situations. Remember it always! ............................................ ________________________________________________________ |__________________HUMOROUS STORY________________________| Bass Player Joke Near-Death Experience A bass player had a near death experience that has changed life his forever. The other day, he went horseback riding. Everything was going fine until the horse started bouncing out of control. He tried with all his might to hang on, but was thrown off. Just when things could not possibly get worse, his foot got caught in the stirrup. When this happened, he fell head first to the ground. His head continued to bounce harder as the horse did not stop or even slow down. Just as he was giving up hope and losing consciousness, the Wal-Mart manager came out and unplugged it. .......................................... Thanks, Keith (of Keith's Korner). ________________________________________________________ |_________________*** DRUMSET POSTERS ***_______________| Here is a way to receive FREE wall posters for your drum-room or bedroom. Visit the following URL . . . http://www.catalog.com/drummers/wallpost.html GURU WANTED!!! If you would like to work with me in making these posters easily downloadable, drop a note to Bill P at powelson@america.com. I will explain the problems in detail, then we may give it a try. You may have the answers I need . . . ________________________________________________________ |_________________*** HOMESTUDY COURSE ***_______________| HOMESTUDY DRUMSET LESSONS $35.00 (Complete Course) USE YOUR COMPUTER TO STUDY DRUMS! Study anytime . . . At home via floppy disk (offline), or study online via secret website. * DRUMMING TECHNIQUES, Beginner thru ULTRA Advanced. * For ALL ages, (10 and above). * Student sets the pace & the schedule. * Drumset lessons at home on the computer ANY TIME of day. * Submit questions via E-mail. * Study drums online via secret website. * Or, study drums offline via (2) IBM compatible floppy disks, mailed to your home. * Also includes optional downloadable zip file of entire drum course (for offline study). * THESE PROVEN METHODS REALLY WORK! (38 years in development) * This course in drumset techniques also includes FREE additional lessons via this E-mail newsletter. * No scheduling hassles and no rush hour traffic. Getting to your drum lesson is easy. Just turn on the computer! * Private (E-mail) help too, with your instructor, Bill Powelson. * Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. No hassles. TO SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF LESSONS IN THE HOMESTUDY PACKAGE, DIRECT YOUR BROWSER TO: http://www.catalog.com/drummers/contents.html * * * * * * $35.00 (US FUNDS) CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED TO PURCHASE WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD NOW, GO TO . . . https://www.realtimecommerce.com/powelson/ * * * * * * $35.00 US FUNDS WILL BUY IT ALL!!! SEND CHECK, CASH or MONEY ORDER in US FUNDS to: Bill Powelson 107 Douglas Dr. Holly Hill, Fl. 32117 NOTE: Please include your E-mail address. ___________________________________________________ AD #2: ***BEATBUG*** What is a BeatBug? The BeatBug is to drums, what your speedometer is to your automobile! Finally!!!! Visit the following URL then leave a short E-mail note asking about the BEATBUG. The BEATBUG is the miracle gadget of the 90's for all drummers! It is a high tech answer to the age old problems of tempo & 'BACKBEAT' uncertainty. In this webpage discussion I will show you how to keep ROCK SOLID TEMPO and put an end to the tempo-wars with your band members. . .for good! Http://www.catalog.com/drummers/z.html TO PURCHASE THE BEATBUG WITH MASTER CARD OR VISA NOW, GO TO . . . https://www.realtimecommerce.com/powelson/ ___________________________________________________ AD #3 "OLD DRUMS INTO NEW MONEY" (FREE with purchase of Homestudy Course) BUY IT SEPARATELY FOR. . . $18.00 (US) Via Secure Credit Card https://www.realtimecommerce.com/powelson/ E-MAIL BOOK & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY: This new book is a motherload of buying and selling tips! The music dealers hate me for writing this! Turn old drumsets into fast cash and big profits! Discover how to gain a strangle hold and squeeze BIG discounts from your neighborhood music stores. This book contains too many secrets to mention here. LEARN MORE BY visiting this quick-loading page: http://www.catalog.com/drummers/oldrums.html TO PURCHASE WITH MASTER CARD OR VISA NOW, GO TO . . . https://www.realtimecommerce.com/powelson/ One thing is certain! These lessons will never be priced any lower than $35.00! This price may go up at anytime! SIGN UP NOW! ___________________________________________________ AD #4: *** UNIQUE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY *** The Information Freeway $14.00 (US) $14.00 could put you into a very lucrative internet business! Take it from me, this one works! It is not a MLM! I will provide you with your own information product! You will be in business for yourself almost instantly. Learn how to do it at: http://www.catalog.com/drummers/ifreeway.html TO PURCHASE WITH MASTER CARD OR VISA NOW, GO TO . . . https://www.realtimecommerce.com/powelson/ ___________________________________________________ AD #5: *** KEITH'S KORNER *** DRUM SHOP BUY! SELL! TRADE! BARTER! If you seen Keiths Korner before check it out again!!! *** Check out our new cymbal page *** *** Check out our new low low prices *** *** DRUMMERS HELPING DRUMMERS *** http://www.catalog.com/drumsale/drumset.html OR E-MAIL: Keith Burgess hitide1846@aol.com LET'S TALK!!!! ___________________________________________________ AD #6 (P) *** AMAZON ONLINE *** "Amazon Online" FREE E-Zine! Developed to give women working online a place to announce opps/URLs, find tips/tricks/FREEBIES, get help, and make contacts. Find out how to get UNLIMITED FREE ADVERTISING! mailto:subscribe@takeaim.net?subject=Subscribe(disp) http://www.takeaim.net/amazon.htm ___________________________________________________ AD #7 (P) LOOKING FOR MORE MONTHLY INCOME? You can get it w/ our 100% e-mail recruiting system. Ask for FREE details from mailto:webmaster@cashconnection.com. Put "E-Mail Income" in subject. ___________________________________________________ AD #8 INTERNET WEALTH SECRETS REVEALED! Free report by Dr. Jeffrey Lant gives you step-by-step details on how to make real money on the Internet now and for years to come. $7 value free for limited time only. Mailto:webmaster@cashconnection.com put "Internet wealth report" in subject. ___________________________________________________ SPECIAL NOTICE!!! ELECTRONIC CHECKS US residents! Now you can pay by check via E-mail. Any of the drum school products or services will be on their way to you in minutes! Send an E-mail enquiry to: powelson@america.com. Mention E-Checks to get details on how to pay instantly, electronically with an E-mail check. ___________________________________________________ Place your own inexpensive ad in the Tempo Dispatch! Reach a target market of 1,350 avid drumming enthusiasts! (5) 10 word lines/$5.00 (US) per insertion 4 MONTHS OF ADVERTISING $20.00 4th insertion FREE! ____________________________________________________ |____________________________________________________| THE LAND OF LOST URLS 'Webpages that are buried on the bottom of the search engine dog pile.' _________________________________________________ *** WALL POSTERS *** Cool wall posters. Art? & Ads for the drum school See: http://www.catalog.com/drummers/wallpost.html _________________________________________________ KEITH'S KORNER DRUM SHOP BUY! SELL! TRADE! BARTER! Drums & Accessories http://www.catalog.com/drummers/drumsale/drumset.html (Keith Burgess) hitide1846@aol.com ________________________________________________________ |________________________________________________________| *** DRUMMER WANTED *** (FREE SERVICE) ********************** NOTICE: If you have knowledge of job openings anywhere in the World (Male or Female), let us know. Job opening announcements will always be free! ________________________________________________________ |________________________________________________________| *** TEMPO DISPATCH ARCHIVE *** I have put all twelve issues of the 1997 Tempo Dispatch into a zip archive (viewable with IBM compatible only). It will be selling for $5.00 per archive very soon. That is 12 of my best lessons for $5.00. All paid students can receive this archive free . . . just ask. Let me know via e-mail if you are interested. Bill P. ___________________________________________________ If you enjoy this little 'e-zine' please show your support by reading the ads and buying the products. The 'Tempo Dispatch' and free drum school will soon die without a few sales. TO PURCHASE ANY OF THE DRUM SCHOOL PRODUCTS WITH MASTER CARD OR VISA NOW, GO TO . . . https://www.realtimecommerce.com/powelson/ ___________________________________________________ END OF TEMPO DISPATCH #16 APRIL, 1998