#419 Bruce Becker- Drummer, Educator, Author and More!
This week’s guest is Bruce Becker. Spanning more than four decades as an educator, Master Teacher Bruce Becker has been bringing forward unique concepts in developing “The Flow”! Drawing from his more than thirty-year association with drumming guru Freddie Gruber, Bruce is carrying on the torch of a unique approach in getting the student to understand the natural principles of the physical body’s interaction with the drum set.
Through the years Top Drummers like David Garibaldi, Tris Imboden, Mark Schulman, Daniel Glass, Glen Sobel, Tim Carman and many more have sought his guidance.
Bruce Becker co-led the David Becker Tribune for 35 years recording 10 CDs. He has performed/recorded with Ron Carter, Mike Stern, Russell Ferrante, Barbara Dennerlein, John Abercrombie, producer Ken Caillat, Frank Gambale and many others.
Bruce has conducted master classes all over the world and most recently has been a regular contributor to Drumeo creating the very successful Drum Technique Made Easy course. He is the author of “Puzzles, Rhymes and Riddles” (Hudson) and the DVD “Concepts and Philosophies” (Hudson).
His latest book released through Hudson Music, “The Ultimate Guide to Syncopation”, is an in depth guide to the classic book “Syncopation“ by Ted Reed to achieve fluidity of movement, phrasing and independence.
“What’s the difference if you don’t know the difference?” Experience the difference!
R.I.P.
Rest in peace to William "Kachiro" Thompson, Puerto Rican percussionist who passed away at the age of 54 in Puerto Rico.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Kristen Klehr! Kristen is a drummer/percussionist and singer new to the Bay Area. Prior to moving to San Francisco, she toured internationally with Scrap Arts Music from 2017-2020 and was based in Los Angeles when not on the road. She’s performed on stages as big as Coachella and as small as Hotel Café, with the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra and Juneau Symphony Brass, from orchestral to pit musicals to singer+songwriter and pop - in short, she loves it all. Kristen received her first GRAMMY® Nomination on marimba with The String Theory in 2020, and was honored to be a featured artist at the Mallet + Voice Fest 2023.
Kristen is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music earning a bachelor’s degree in Percussion Performance, holds a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Florida State University, and a continuing education certificate in The Business of Art from the Los Angeles Center for Cultural Innovation. She has studied percussion primarily with Joel Smales, Josh Ryan, and Valerie Naranjo as well as Randy Messing and Joanne Uniatowski in voice. A serial entrepreneur within the music industry, she owns Produced by BEAR, is the founder of The Den Collective and Pawprint, and is currently the Professional Development and Engagement Center Director at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Kristen is proudly endorsed by Marimba One, Dream Cymbals and Gongs, Vater Drumsticks, Black Swamp Percussion, and Earasers. She is represented for screen, commercial, and print by Instrumental Casting.
Happy Birthday to Dr. Andrea Venet! Dr. Andrea Venet is a percussion artist, soloist, educator, and composer specializing in contemporary and classical genres. She is currently Assistant Professor of Percussion and head of the department at the University of North Florida, where she directs the UNF percussion ensemble, teaches applied lessons, pedagogy, methods and percussion literature. Her creative activity includes performance, composition, and commissioning new works.
As an international soloist, chamber musician, and clinician, Andrea maintains an active performance schedule, having held appointments in Europe, Japan, Canada, and Trinidad. Andrea has been a featured soloist at the Celebrate Marimba Festival, The Steve Weiss Mallet Festival (Barnes Foundation, PA), Prairie Music Residency (SK, Canada), with the Kutztown University Symphony, in addition to being a featured performer with SNL percussionist Valerie Naranjo, Ivan Trevino, the Lawson Ensemble, Project Trio, and the Eastman Percussion Ensemble. Early in her career, Andrea was a member of the award winning Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps from 2002-2004 and performed with Grammy winning alternative band TOOL with the Gilbert Drumline in 2001.
Andrea has performed and presented at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention multiple times, the Florida and Virginia Music Educators Association conventions, The College Music Society National Conference, the International Trombone Festival, and has been invited to co-present at the World Symposium of Choral Music in Auckland, NZ in 2020 with Dr. Cara Tasher.
Dr. Venet’s percussion duo, Escape Ten, maintains a steady performance schedule touring as guest artists and clinicians nationally and internationally, consistently featured as chamber artists and clinicians at music festivals, concert series, conferences, and universities. Through collaboration with composer Eric Guinivan, they are the recipients of a marimba duo commission awarded from the prestigious Fromm Foundation entitled Illuminations (2018), which they premiered at the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, FL. In 2016 they performed a Showcase Concert at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, giving 3 world premieres. Select appearances include performances in Spain at the Ágora Actual Percussion and WASBE 2019 festivals, the Academy of the Performing Arts (UTT) in Trinidad, at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, The Eastman Summer Percussion Festival, and at the Leigh Howard Stevens Marimba Seminar. They have collaborated with composers Michael Burritt, Russell Hartenberger, Aurél Hollo, Emmanuel Séjourné, Ivan Trevino, Joe Locke, Steve Danyew, Steve Ridley, Drew Worden, and Kelly Rossum. As signature artists, Escape Ten has their own mallets (2020) and publication series of new percussion duos through Malletech/Keyboard Percussion Publications (KPP). You can hear them their albums, My Favorite Things (Parma Records, 2020) and Colours of a Groove (2014).
Andrea’s compositions and arrangements can be found self-published via her website, through Keyboard Percussion Publications (KPP), Tapspace, and Alfonse-Production, in addition to articles published with PercussiveNotes and Rhythm!Scene magazines. A passionate educator, Andrea’s research involves pedagogy, with focus on college percussion education at various levels, classical improvisation and historically informed Baroque performance practice techniques for Bach on marimba. She has presented her lecture recital entitled “Affekt and Execution: Historical Performance Practice and Contemporary Techniques for performing Bach on Marimba” multiple times across the country. Andrea holds a DMA in Performance and Literature with a minor in Pedagogy, and the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. She received her Masters and Bachelors degrees from Rutgers and Arizona State University, respectively. Andrea is endorsed by Malletech, Remo, DREAM Cymbals, Black Swamp Percussion, and currently serves as the Percussive Arts Society Florida Chapter President.
Happy Birthday to Matthew-Lee Erlbach! Matthew-Lee is a writer, actor, and filmmaker from Chicago and New York, whose work largely focuses on erased histories as well as the impact of technological revolutions on capital, labor, race, spirituality, and democratic movements. He also writes comedy. It’s dark. He loves pudding.
A proud graduate of the public school system from K-College, Matthew-Lee created a writing program for single mothers transitioning out of homelessness and prison and is a team leader for Habitat for Humanity, locally and globally. He is the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the Arts Hero campaign and co-founder of Arts Workers United, where he is lobbying for a landmark Arts & Culture worker relief bill he co-wrote, called the DAWN (Defend Arts Workers Now) Act.
For his organizing, activism, and policy work on behalf of Arts Workers, he has been interviewed/featured in multiple national media outlets including NPR, MSNBC, CNN, PBS, WGN, Washington Post, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Reader, and Playbill, among others. He is also an advocate for ethical AI and ethical transhumanism.
He has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Laurents/Hatcher Foundation, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Puffin Foundation, was a member of Ars Nova's Play Group, MVMNT Theatre’s Play Group, is a HUMANITAS New Voices recipient, and is a proud member of the Dramatist’s Guild, WGA, and SAG-AFTRA.
Matthew is the co-founder of Be An Arts Hero.
Happy Birthday to Terence F. Clark! Terence is a Memphis based drummer, producer and overall creative. Known for his impeccable and soulful performances, his professionalism and discipline of craft, Terence has traveled the world building relationships with and through music. As Terence finds inspiration in his travels and engaging other cultures, he always lends inspiration with his unique brand of performance, solid groove and musical knowledge and excellence. It's always been more than “just about the music”, to Terence; it's about creating the very best and discovering a community of artists with which to learn from and create with along the way.
Terence began to dream about making music at the age of two. His father, Marc Clark, an organist and pianist and grandfather Loyce F. Clark, a guitarist and legendary quartet vocalist, became his early mentors along with music producers, Kevin Paige and Niko Lyras. Terence developed the gritty elements of his style while playing with local bands on Beale Street. Those experiences stirred up his love for the city’s music legacy and heartbeat of all musical forms. His professional career has spanned from touring nationally and internationally as well as recording with an eclectic array of artists of many genres. He currently tours with the legendary, Robert Cray Band. A musical education and real-life experiences have refined his talents.
Terence is also a Producer and Co-Founder of The Undertone Collective, a production company that enables artists by providing a vast range of media and production services. He's passionate about furthering the legendary music that Memphis has always heralded, while creating a support and resource system for new and experiences artists. Terence is currently mentored by David Porter, Tommy Sims, James Waddell, and Steve Jordan. His musical inspiration stems from the likes of Steve Jordan, Al Jackson Jr., Howard Grimes, Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, Dennis Chambers, William Kennedy, Dan Needham, Dave Weckl, Marvin McQuitty, and Austin Bradley.
Working with Terence means working with an artist whose creativity and versatility are only matched by his personal warmth and dedication to the project. His passion is not only for the art, but for the artist.
Happy Birthday to Amaury Acosta! Amaury (aka King Klave) is a Cuban American Drummer, Producer, Composer, & Educator. He authentically blends his Afro-Cuban roots with the various Musical influences he experienced growing up in Hell's Kitchen NYC! Amaury Acosta (aka King Klave) is a Cuban American Drummer, Producer, Composer, & Educator.
Happy Birthday to George Sluppick! George is an American drummer born in Memphis, Tennessee, specializing in blues, funk, soul and R&B music. In 1986, he graduated from Overton, a prestigious creative & performing arts high school, where he studied music theory, sang 2nd tenor in the concert choir and played drums for their award-winning gospel choir. Growing up in Memphis, he shared the stage with many legends, including BB King and Rufus Thomas and just one year after his high school graduation, he went on the road with blues guitarist, Albert King, which opened many doors allowing him to become a full-time musician. George was 19 years old.
He moved to San Diego, California in 1991 and quickly became a major player in the local music scene, which included a two-year gig drumming with 50’s revivalists, Sha Na Na, touring the U.S. and Japan. During their second Japanese tour, they recorded a live album which he is featured, titled Sha Na Na: Live in Japan, (Sony). In late ’99, he began touring with Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, which lasted for three years and he is featured on Giving up the Ghost, (Magnatude). In 2003, he began drumming with North Florida’s MOFRO with whom he spent nearly five years touring the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia and is featured on three of their albums: Blackwater, Lochloosa and Country Ghetto (Alligator). - Read more.
Happy Birthday to Steve Kroon! Here is his professional bio!
My name is Steven Kroon. I’ve been a professional musician for the last 50 years. I was born in Harlem, and lived there until the age of nine. In 1957, we moved to St. Albans Queens. My experience of being raised in Queens was very influential. At the time, there were many great Jazz and R&B artists living right in our neighborhood. At home I mostly listened to my father’s records, which were Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito. Then when I would visit my friends, I would listen to all the great Jazz artists. Right in my neighborhood was Lester Young, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Count Basie and many more. Also a great influence on me was the great producer Henry Glover, who lived right on my corner. With all that diversity and style, I would say most of my musical appreciation began with those early years. At this early stage I progressed to playing percussion. My brother Bobby and I would practice along with the recordings of these great artists, then, as I progressed, I undertook studying with various music teachers. A great influence on me was the great Tommy Lopez, Sr. I took conga lessons with him for quite some time, shortly after that I studied with the great percussionist Dom Um Romao.
As my career progressed, I began working with such notables as Luther Van Dross (from 1981 to 2001). I've appeared on seven platinum albums, fifteen world tours, which include two live video performances. Also, an array of television shows from the Tonight Show to David Letterman, Jay Leno, as well as the Grammy’s. I've also performed with Ron Carter from 1987 to 2004, which included extensive tours of the U.S., Japan and Brazil, as well as the well-known NY Jazz scene. Some of the places we've performed include the Village Van Guard, The Irriidium, and The Blue Note chain from the U.S. to Japan. I've also recorded with much of the "Who's Who" in the recording business, names such as Ron Carter, Roberta Flack, Luther Van Dross, Bill Cosby, Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall, Stanley Turrentine, Bette Midler, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, just to name a few. I'm also proud to announce that I made the Downbeat Critics pole Rising Star for 2016, and 2017.
For the last Fifteen years, I've been working on my own solo career, which includes having released the following 6 CD’s under my own label Kroonatune Records, LLC: In My Path; Senor Kroon; El Mas Alla (Beyond) ,Without A Doubt, On The One, and my latest "In Your Dreams". At this point in my life, I have chosen to devote my time and creativity to pursue my own career.
Happy Birthday to Stephen Bidwell! Stephen was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in the Virginia suburbs. Since first being handed drumsticks in the late 80s he has studied and lived in West Virginia, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and New York but has called Austin, Texas home since 2005. Somewhere in those travels, he earned a Bachelors’s degree in classical percussion (two of them actually) and a Master’s degree in Jazz studies. Since early 2018 he has been the drummer for the Grammy-nominated Black Pumas, a psychedelic soul group known for incendiary live shows. When not on tour with Black Pumas, Stephen plays in several diverse projects (Hard Proof, The Calm Blue Sea, Azmaris, Mood Illusion), works in any genre you can think of as a sideman and teaches lessons at his home studio.
You can see some of Steve’s interviews and other drum journalism over at ModernDrummer.com, he’s been a contributing writer since 2008.
Happy Birthday to Steve Jordan!
Gig Alerts
Bonnaroo has released their lineup for their festival happening in Manchester, TN from June 12th-15th 2025.
Love Rocks has announced the date for their concert/fundraiser, for March 6th at The Beacon Theater in NYC. They will also be donating some proceeds to help wildfire relief in California.
The Grammys were debating if they should proceed. They have decided to move forward with some changes, for Sunday February 2nd.
There is talk of having a Fire-Aid Concert/Benefit at the Inuit Dome in Los Angeles on January 30th. There are 50 acts that want to be involved with only 24 slots.
The Jazz Foundation of America will be putting something together as well. For now, you can donate from their page.
Educational Spotlight
Friends of the show, The Sandbox Percussion Ensemble announced that their 2025 Sandbox Percussion Seminar (SPS) application is now open! Join them July 16-22 at The New School in NYC. Special guest is friend of the show, Andy Akiho.
Iconic Recording
Bruce picked out the iconic recording for the week. It is the song, “Ethereggae” by John Abercrombie from his album, ‘Night’.
Music News
The musician’s union of NYC (Local 802) has a reimbursement program for musicians who have to travel into NYC during the time of congestion pricing.
Musicares is offering help with the wildfires.
So is Sweet Relief.
As well as the Entertainment Community Fund.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation is offering to replace instruments lost in the fire.
Here are some resources to aid in recovery from the wildfires.
This is a support masterlist with other and additional resources It is a comprehensive one-stop-shop collection of ALL essential directories and resources for anyone looking to help, find support, or want to donate to LA Fire Relief. Made by the people, for the people. Share this page with anyone that might find this information helpful.
Friend of the show, Kassandra Kocoshis (Episode 12, Episode 311, Ladies Roundtable) and family, lost their house and instruments. There is a GoFundMe page setup to help them.
Two other percussionists that lost everything are Brijean Murphy and Griffin Goldsmith.
There is a GoFundMe Masterlist if you would like to donate personally to someone else. At the bottom of the GoFundMe page, there are links to other charities you can donate to that are helping the affected.
Namm is still happening in Anaheim, CA from Jan 23rd-26th. The NAMM foundation donated $50,000 to relief efforts.
You can always donate to The Red Cross, and especially in this case, The Los Angeles Fire Department, who with the help of other fire departments are doing AMAZING work!!!
Bruce Becker Interview
The song leading into the interview is, “Anytime’s the Right Time”
Damon and Bruce met officially at the Drum Fantasy Camp last August.
Bruce talks about singing and playing the drums. Two of his inspirations are Micky Dolenz and Pete Rivera. Later on he included Don Henley, and Phil Collins.
Damon mentions Buddy Miles and Levon Helm.
Bruce talks about the Once Were Brothers documentary.
Bruce talks about his family, their travel, and his path to rock music.
Bruce started lessons with Bill James. He later took lessons with Henry “Hank” Bellson.
Bruce talks about teaching a student who was also taught by (friend of the show) Mark Schulman.
Bruce mentions how he started teaching more and a bit about Freddie Gruber.
Bruce mentions his books. You can GET THEM HERE.
Shout-out to the (Steve) Gaddiments book.
Damon mentions the Moeller technique.
Bruce mentions THIS BOOK by Roy Burns and Lewis Malen.
Damon mentions the video below that he has used in some lessons with students.
Bruce talks about Jim Chapin and Freddie Gruber’s relationship.
Bruce mentions THIS VIDEO with John DeChristopher.
Bruce talks how he got into teaching and realized his nack for it.
Shout-out to Karen Ervin, Jerry Steinholz, and Jeff Hamilton.
Bruce talks about playing with his brother David in the David Becker Tribune.
Shout-out to Drum Channel and their educational content.
Bruce is an avid yoga practitioner. He talks about how he combines that with drumming.
Shout-out to friend of the show, Brian Kilgore, who also got to study with Karen Ervin at Cal State Northridge.
Bruce mentions Vinnie Colaiuta and he was a guest on Vinnie’s podcast.
Bruce talks about the French Grip, German Grip, and American Grip.
Bruce picks the iconic recording.
Shout-out to Jan Hammer. Bruce mentions this as well, and Damon mentions this.
Bruce uses DW Drums, Evans Drumheads, Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets, and Zildjian Cymbals.
Shout-out to Freddie Gruber, Jim Chapin, Jerry Steinholz, Karen Ervin, Bill James Hank Bellson, and Jeff Hamilton.
You can follow Bruce on his Website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The song leading out of the interview is, “Kiwi Dreams” by the David Becker Tribune from the album with the same name.
