Bruce Becker Drum Clinic performance Tilburg, the Netherlands May 2002

Bruce Becker drum presentation from DrumWorks in Tilburg, the Netherlands May 2002
For more info go to http://www.brucebecker.com/
What do Neil Peart, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, and Bruce Becker have in common.....? All of these drummers have sought the unique insights and perspective on balance and motion from drum "guru" Freddie Gruber.
Gruber's reputation rests upon an approach that stresses a more efficient use of the drummer's anatomy. Gruber has often been referred to as the "zen" master of teaching. This rare insight into this approach was spurred on by Freddie's close 40 year friendship with Buddy Rich. It can clearly be seen in Buddy's playing.

Bruce started his studies with Freddie back in 1977. It was at this time when Freddie's activity was at its height. Bruce not only studied for 8 years, but watched Freddie teach. Over the years Bruce was present for hundreds of students and became increasingly aware of the value of Freddie's approach. He was also able to watch the evolution and changes Freddie made in response to musical styles and drum innovations of the time. "I was there at a unique time during the late 70's and mid 80's. The pace at which I saw Mr. Gruber evolve was mind boggling. I would literally spend hours and hang......and this went on for years", Bruce recounts in a June '93 interview in Belgo Beat (Belgian Drum Magazine).

Upon relocating to Europe in 1992, Bruce spent quite a bit of time traveling with Gruber. Together they did a series of Clinic and Masterclasses in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. While Gruber would pontificate, Bruce would demonstrate on the drums. At this time Bruce also became the Head of the Drum Dept. at A.I.M. (American Institute of Music) in Vienna, Austria. There he spent time actively putting his thoughts and concepts together based on all that Gruber had shared with him.

Bruce's conceptual approach and unique ability yields great results. His equation is Balance + Motion = Emotion. He offers the most comprehensive insight into the teachings of Mr. Gruber, and has been teaching since '82. Since returning to Los Angeles, Bruce teaches privately and has a steady stream of working drummers.

Here are a few words from some players who have studied or have seen Bruce in action!

"Bruce -- A Great Musical Drummer."
Your Friend and Teacher, Freddie Gruber




"Great Technique! Great Inspiration!"
- JimChapin (Legendary Teacher, Player, Author, Historian)


"Bruce's many years studying with the now legendary "guru", Freddie Gruber, has gained him the ability to, not only become a wonderful player, but has also helped him as a teacher to construct a very effective and easy to understand curriculum for the student to develop at their own pace, with all of the fundamental aspects of Freddie's natural approach to drumming being applied. Highly recommended!"
- Dave Weckl (the Dave Weckl Band, Chick Corea, Mike Stern)

"In my work as a clinician and lecturer at various institutions, schools and universities, I am repeatedly exposed to students of a great variety regarding interests, attitudes, expertise and capabilities. When I was invited to do a Master Class for some of Bruce Becker's students at the American Institute of Music in Vienna, where he was teaching at the time, I immediately became aware of the enthusiasm and the high standard Bruce had introduced amongst his students. Not only does Bruce make an effort to pass along a true understanding of drumming technique and some of its most vital 'secrets', he can also provide a profound insight into the artistic and mental aspects of the craft which, unfortunately, are too often ignored and overlooked by many teaching facilities. This has proven to be essential in the development and growth of any successful artist. Bruce knows what's up!"
- Jojo Mayer (Nerve)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Bruce Becker
• Drums
• drum solo
• Freddie Gruber
• Jim Chapin
• Moeller Method
• Jojo Mayer
• Drum Technique
• drum clinic
• drum education
• Dave Weckl

[ericrob2112]

that s the way drums should be played!

[bupp15]

Hi Bruce,

 It's amazing, and I love the hair.

-Ryan

[dafeval]

Bruce Becker knows how to play and how to teach!

[bluemooncat74]

Nice fluidity. Really great. I have heard about your teaching.

[bluemooncat74]

Wow! Great fluidity!  Really enjoyable performance.