ISSUE #29 \__\__\___THE____/__/__/  May 5, 1999 _____________TEMPO DISPATCH _____________ Newsletter For Drummers and Drumming Enthusiasts     Copyright Bill Powelson 1999 all rights reserved. ____________'IT'S ALL ABOUT DRUMS'__________ Tips * Tricks * Hints * Ads * Freebies * Lessons * _________NOW 1,850 SUBSCRIBERS!___________ "THIS NEWSLETTER IS TOTALLY FREE               From Bill Powelson's HOMESTUDY INSTITUTE OF DRUMS On The Web * Where Beginners Learn FREE http://www.studydrums.com/drummers/bphome01.html              E-MAIL drums01@att.net _____________________________________________                 Removal Instructions For instant REMOVAL, simply hit reply and type REMOVE on the subject line. _____________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS  What is in this issue?       1. Feature Article  (DRUM LESSON):           TEMPO TEAMWORK: Eliminating Self-Doubt                        AND . . .           HIDDEN WEB SITE NEWS       2. Humor: (: Cool Bumper Stickers :)       3. Advertisements       4. Drum Instructors Wanted!       5. Special Message for Paid Mac Students ______________________________________ |__________FEATURE ARTICLE___________|                              TEMPO TEAMWORK     We drummers often get the blame for EVERYTHING! If a singer 'phrases' out-of-time . . . WE  GET THE BLAME! If the musicians in the band run away with the tempo . . . we drummers take the heat when they lose the beat!      I call it the drummers curse!!!!     Vocalists and others in charge of the melody do not always feel the same responsibility towards tempo as we drummers (and bass players) do.  Very often the tempo- offenders will cite their right to creative license.  They may use this as an excuse to play havoc with the tempo of a song.  If it works . . . they take the credit . . . you can be sure of that!  But, if it doesn't work . . . guess who gets the blame?  Of course!  It's that lame drummers fault!      Many singers tend to consider certain dragging or rushing of the melodic and lyrical timing as an element of their musical style  . . . and sometimes it CAN be the very thing that WILL make a vocalist sell!  So, naturally they'll defend their 'style' to the hilt  . . . even if it may occasionally cause the total collapse of the song, the band or even the gig.      If one member of the group tugs at the tempo and another in the group follows the first . . . it may cause a chain-reaction of total chaos.  The drummer may become 'out-numbered' as each member of the band (like sheep) fall in line with the tempo- offender.  The drummer will either be forced to give-in and 'drag' or 'rush' with the rest of the band  . . . OR end up in PERFECT TEMPO ALL ALONE!  It can be the loneliest feeling in the World!  Because . . . of course, everyone in the band will swear that it was the drummer who lost the beat!       What's a drummer to do?      If you experience this problem in your group or band, take heart, YOU may not be the villain!  And, there are definite solutions and remedies that will resolve most of these problems. SOLUTION #1:     #1.  We drummers must become TEMPO ENFORCERS.  This means we may need to work harder at making the entire band 'feel' a steadier tempo.  In a sense . . . they must be *enticed* into staying with us.       We need to handle this situation with kid gloves!  Many GREAT vocalists sing 'over-&-under' the beat.  They call it "style"! Willy Nelson made Millions singing that way.  Andy Williams was notorious for singing that way too.  Sometimes Andy would drag his phrasing completely into a reverse-polarity situation where the backbeat would be completely reversed.  This can be a drummers worst nightmare . . .  I've seen situations where an entire band might be forced to play a 5 count bar to compensate for the lost time in a vocalists phrasing. WHAT WE MUST DO . . .       We must lay that backbeat in there strong and solid!  It is important to be sure of ourselves . . . we must always know when we are right (and we must always be aware when and if we are wrong.)       Our job is to enforce the tempo in such a way that the band (or the majority of the band) will be inclined to stay with OUR SOLID TEMPO rather than follow the tempo-offending member into the pit-of-doom.      It may not be necessary to play excessively loud . . . but we must remain solid at all costs and dominate with volume as a last resort. SOLUTION #2:      We need an alliance . . . hopefully with our bass-player. If only we can persuade the bass player to stay with us (and vice versa) it will create a welding or solidifying element that will work to stabilize the bottom of the music in such a way that the tempo will become virtually unshakeable. The weaker band members who might otherwise follow the tempo-offender (like sheep) into the pit-of-doom will now be compelled to stick with the strongest force in the band . . . That's the bass-player/drummer alliance I'm talking about.      At this point . . . the bass player and drummer become invaluable members of the group.   This is the point where an otherwise 'lame' band . . . begins to take on real dynamics and fire!      Together . . . a strong bass player and a strong drummer can take total control of nearly any band and keep it.   HERE'S HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN IN YOUR BAND:      It's all in the 'ears' and learning to listen!  We must really listen and anticipate our bass-players every move!  It is important to know what your bass player is thinking . . . memorize the moves . . .  the kicks, the licks, the musical phrasing.  In one word . . . compliment the bass-player (musically) in every way you possibly can.  Then,  encourage that bass-player to do the same for you ( with a baseball bat if necessary, haha.)   This is the sort of teamwork that can take a band out of the dives, and straight into the top paying jobs. SOLUTION #3.       THE BEATBUG IS THE ANSWER!!!!       Now for the BEST SOLUTION!       CONFIDENCE!  It's all about confidence!  How do we know for sure when our own tempo is perfect . . . or less than perfect? How do we know for sure if bad tempo is our fault or the fault of someone else in the band?  We must be sure or we can't really be confident!  This is exactly what the Beatbug is all about!       Now you know why I am sold on this little jewel.  The Beatbug becomes the great arbitrator and confidence-builder! Like the speedometer . . . it senses the tempo of the beats we play then reports back if we are right or wrong!       The BEATBUG will show us immediately when we are on-tempo and it will also inform us when our tempo is less than perfect . . .  It is a great confidence-builder and a guiding-light in the fog.  I really can't say enough about it!       Though a BEATBUG is especially helpful onstage, I personally feel that EVERY drummer (amateur or professional) should own one.  It's a necessary piece of hardware that will make playing easier and more fun!  And, there is no substitute for the confidence a BEATBUG will effortlessly provide.      When was the last time you saw an automobile without a speedometer?  Can you imagine driving without one.  Why try to drive the music without a BEATBUG?      Check out the BEATBUG at the following lesson:       "How to Avoid Bad Gigs, Forever'!       www.studydrums.com/drummers/z.html                      OR ORDER HERE . . . https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/nlccard.html ......................................................................... HIDDEN WEB SITE NEWS (For paid members) .........................................................................               ***  7 NEW LESSONS ***       I've added another 7 lessons this month . . . Remember!  Your membership is always valid, no matter how long ago you enrolled!  If you have lost your password, just drop me a note.      Drop by and study the following NEW lessons at the secret website . . .      *  Jazz Waltz (Swing based)      *  Classic 5/4 (Swing based)      *  Calypso      *  Lambada      *  Mambo      *  Salsa      *  Rimshot techniques            .............................      If you aren't a paid member yet . . . What's the hangup? _______ENROLL HERE AND NOW!__________           *** Become a member *** COMPUTERIZED DRUMSET LESSONS ** $35.00 (US) STUDY DRUMS FROM YOUR COMPUTER ANYTIME! *  It's like having a pro helping you at home. *  Study at home anytime via floppy disk (offline), *  Online lessons via password authorization. *  E-mail questions ENCOURAGED & WELCOME 24 hrs a day! *  DRUMSET TECHNIQUES, Beginner thru ULTRA-ADVANCED. *  For ALL ages 10 to 90 . . .(almost) *  Student sets the pace & the schedule. *  Optional downloadable zip file of web site drum    course lessons (for offline study). *  BONUS!!!!  28 additional lessons (TD Archive.) *  THESE PROVEN METHODS REALLY WORK! *  This course in drumset techniques also includes    FREE additional monthly 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. *  Don't you owe it to yourself to learn all you can? TO SEE THE LIST OF LESSONS GO TO:  http://www.catalog.com/drummers/contents.html All for one SPECIAL price.         *   *   *   *   *   *        $35.00 (US FUNDS)       WILL BUY IT ALL!!! * Homestudy Course (35 html lessons) * BONUS #1 Old Drums Into New Money (E-Book) * BONUS #2 Tempo Dispatch Archive (28 lessons) ____________HOW TO PURCHASE__________   The Homestudy Course in Drum Set Techniques _________ONLY $35.00 US Dollars___________ HOW TO PURCHASE: (Method#1)    WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD * PURCHASE NOW WITH YOUR AMEX, MASTER OR VISA, GO TO . . . https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/nlccard.html One thing is certain!  These lessons will NEVER be priced any lower than $35.00!  This price will soon increase to 49.95! I am currently adding new lessons. Buy now and get everything (all updates) at this limited one-time low price . . . or wait and pay more. SIGN UP NOW! COMPLETE COURSE ONLY $35.00 (US) https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/nlccard.html ___________________________________________________ HOW TO PURCHASE (Method #2)                                   US RESIDENTS                            May pay instantly with ******************** 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 drums01@worldnet.att.net . . . Mention 'E-Checks' to get details on how to pay instantly, electronically with an E-mail check. _______________________________________ HOW TO PURCHASE (Method #3)    REGULAR MAIL $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. FOREIGN STUDENTS:  Visit your local bank and have them prepare a check or money order for $35 in US funds to Bill Powelson, then mail it to the above address. _____________________________________ Ad #2_________BEATBUG______________                 $139.00 (US FUNDS)      If you purchase a BEATBUG through the school, I will include the entire $35.00 HOMESTUDY PACKAGE (above) for FREE. Trivia question::           WHAT IS A BEATBUG?? DON'T KNOW?           Find out here . . . Http://www.catalog.com/drummers/z.html           Or order here: https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/nlccard.html BUY A BEATBUG ($139) AND GET MY ENTIRE COURSE FREE! ________________________________________ AD #3      "OLD DRUMS INTO NEW MONEY" 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 IT'S FREE with purchase of the HOMESTUDY COURSE                        OR A BEATBUG! OR, BUY IT SEPARATELY FOR. . . $18.00 (US)                 Via Secure Credit Card https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/nlccard.html           "Old Drums Into New Money" __________________________________________ AD #4      *** ANOTHER UNIQUE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ***                          (Unrelated to drumming) 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 AMEX, MASTER CARD OR VISA NOW, GO TO . . . https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/nlccard.html ________________________________________ AD #5                    NEW!________DISCOUNT DRUMS ONLINE____NEW!                                           at                         *** VERMONT DRUMS ***                      E_MAIL:       jacj@together.net DISCOUNT BRAND-NAMES & ENTRY LEVEL DRUMS SETS* ACCESSORIES OR SUPPLIES. Tama, Mapex, Ayotte, DW, Dixon, Trick, Grover, Dunnett (high end snares), Brady (Autralian Exotic woods), Sunlite, CB, Adam, Enforcer. Atom, Sound Source, Royce, Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian, UFIP, Istanbul, Meinl, Tosco, Camber, CB and most of the economy off brands.      DRUM SET REFURBISHING & RELATED SUPPLIES (Shells * Rims * Hoops * Covering Materials, etc., etc.) Just drop Jim Casey an e-note and tell him what you need:          E-MAIL:      jacj@together.net (Jim Casey) MY PROMISE:  If you make a purchase of $300 or more through Jim Casey at VERMONT DRUMS . . . I'll give you my entire Homestudy Package (online drum course) FREE OF CHARGE! ******************************************************************* AD #6 Join Over 11,000 Drummers and Percussionists World Wide. DrumNetwork.com - A Place for Rhythm Nuts. Send email request to... drummers-request@list.to Leave Subject line BLANK and enter the word SUBSCRIBE in the body of the email message. or Visit Us http://DrumNetwork.com ******************************************************* AD #7 GET THOSE DRUMSTICKS OUT OF YOUR EAR! Get totally organized with a Drummers Tray.  It will keep all your spare sticks at your finger tips. SEE IT AT:  www.drumweb.com/webbs BUY A TRAY AND GET 4 FREE DRUM LESSONS RIGHT HERE! ______________________________ |_________Train yourself to_______|                 TEACH DRUMS *** THE DRUM INSTRUCTORS GUIDE ***     If you have some stage experience, why not TEACH DRUMS???? Teach my methods in your locality.  I WILL SHOW YOU HOW!  Great income potential in most areas. TO ENQUIRE  Mention The Instructors Guide in a note to  Bill Powelson  ______________________________________ YES!!! You can  *** MAKE  MONEY *** on the Internet www.a2zmoney.com/drummers/money/a2zmon01.html _________________________________________ If you enjoy this little 'e-zine' please show your support by reading the ads and buying the products.      TO PURCHASE ANY OF THE DRUM SCHOOL PRODUCTS WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD, CLICK HERE https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/nlccard.html _______________________________________                 *****NOTICE!!!!! ***** Your e-mail drumming questions are always welcome at I LOVE E-MAIL!!!! END OF TEMPO DISPATCH #29  May 5, 1999