It's SO VERY sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Dom Famularo. He was a mentor, a teacher, a player, an author and most importantly ~~~ a positive role model to us all..... R.I.P. Dom
In one hour, a single hour, this man gave an extensive and exhaustive recounting of the essential building blocks, skills, approach, and history of the drums......all with ageless, amazing enthusiasm and exuberance. What a blessing this wonderful man was to our craft. If you are not inspired by this video, perhaps the kazoo is a better choice for you. Truly exemplary.
Dom, I very much doubt you're reading this but I've just read the news about your health issues. Twenty years ago when I started playing you were one of the first instructional players I watched. Your relentless positivity was inspiring and continues to be. I wish you all the best of luck.
I had the pleasure of seeing Dom at a drum Clinic in the UK, probably late 80's/early 90's. What is particularly memorable is how, in the pouring rain, he walked the entire length of the queue of drummers outside the venue, and shook hands with all of us! He spoke a lot about drumming but also about living. A true gent. Someone asked him why he has his two mounted toms the opossite way to how most of us do. Unfortunately I can't recall his answer!
Went to a Dom clinic in the late 90's and was blown away. He is always striving to be the best he can be. His passion for drums can't be measured. Go see him live. He will change your outlook on playing. Cheers to Dom.
Wow, I've never seen anyone play with a bigger smile and obvious passion. Im sure he will be missed, I miss him already. His love for Drumming is insanely infectious. R.I.P. DOM
Studied with Dom in early 2000s. You simply cannot overstate how sincerely enthusiastic he was about drumming, and even more so about learning and life. My lessons would routinely go long past their allotted hour, free of charge. And not because we were exploring exotic styles or advanced rhythms. He lost himself in the moment, went into a flow state, teaching me the free stroke, the fundamentals of rebounds and grip. He simply cared that much about furthering the art form and wanted me to achieve my full potential. It was as exciting to him as if we were deconstructing an advanced Tony Williams polyrhythm. It was positively energizing being in his presence. Truly a light that burned twice as bright for half as long, because he had enough love and energy for two lifetimes.
I feel blessed to have met Dom. He was every great thing people are saying about him. Immensley talented, with the humility of one of the finest gentleman to have walked this Earth. The World has lost a part of it's good energy. R.I.P.
I first met Dom 35 years ago participating in a drum off in Long island..he was the host, a great inspiration and exactly the same guy he is now 35 years later with the same enthusiasm. I rank him up there with the Morellos and chapin's. I transfer his knowledge and similar analogies to my students daily
Hi Im loving this show. I am 61 years old . I just received a full shoulder operation , and when this one heals they will rebuild the other one . I stopped playing drums 14 years ago . I started taking lessons when I was 12 years old . I am rebuilding my old Ludwig drum set and this guy Dom Famularo gets behind this set and send a vibration down my spine and im feeling like I am in heaven watching this guy ,, Mr Dom has touched me with the hand of DOM!!!!.
I loved the Buddy Rich story. My next favorite part was Dom’s overview of fulcrums. I’ve never had the opportunity to take lessons with Dom but I have “studied” with him through his books, videos and the rare moments of speaking with him after clinics. There is no better motivational speaker out there and as drummers we are blessed to have him as our ambassador!
Absolutely my favorite thing in this whole video is Dom's constant smile as he plays. His passion pours out in his playing and teaching. A few years ago I had the opportunity to see him live at a drum clinic in Toronto, Ontario and was very impressed. This lesson brought back many memories from that event. He conveys a fantastic message for the entire drumming community. Thanks for making this video available to everyone Drumeo!
Dom is a legend ! He started a clinic late once for me because the guy putting it on didn’t allow young kids because it was too loud. My older brother and dad told Dom that they wanted to bring me since i was a young drummer but couldn’t because i was only 5 . Dom told them to go get me and was going to wait until i arrived. Something I’ll never forget.
I’ve been drawn to Dom Famularo’s detail to stick control for years. This week I saw this video and since I’m in NY for work I emailed him for a lesson. He got back to me and fit me in for a lesson tonight!!! Great guy, humble man and unbelievable teacher. He’s the real deal - worked on removing all tension in my hands with a proper German grip.
Dom, I just discovered you today. I was searching for a Neil Peart instructional video and ran across the drum lesson contest you are a big part of for our youth. I admired your generosity and I can appreciate your affiliation with the Peart family. I immediately searched your name and found this wonderful video. My gosh, you have the biggest smile, it’s infectious even over video. And watching you attack your kit like you haven’t seen a drum in months and months and missed it like a long lost lover. So much of this video is invaluable, I couldn’t mention one part that was a better lesson then another. I am a 63 year old man who just discovered I have a knack for drumming. I’ve always suspected it and dabbled on inexpensive kits my children had in their teens. I’ve played the piano since age eight and have a high end Yamaha DAW. But I find I’m a “Jack of all trades, master of none”. I enjoy music at higher level then an hobbiest or amateur, but could never reach a consistent pro-level performer. I bought a higher end E-Drum Kit by Alesis and fell in love with it. What I suspected was true, I have a knack. Plus the years on the keys have paid off with this instrument as far natural tempos, velocities, sonic sensitivity and I read music. I connect my drums to my cellphone to play along with cover songs I love through music apps..it’s a blast! I play at least three hours a night. I had already adopted some of your techniques just by playing, but didn’t know they were a real technique or even had names. I play my way, set up my kit-my way. My piano playing and lessons were extremely structured and it actually left me limited-unable to think outside the box with the piano. I didn’t want to do this with my new found love. Dom, I’m learning a new instrument at 63! And I love it. Thank you and team for making this important video. It’s excellent! I also wish you the best in your health. You’ve touched my life with this video,… and that big Ol’ smile, Thank you Sir. -Don
I smiled ear to ear the entire time watching this just as I did when I studied with Dom back at the Long Island Drum Center in Commack, NY for a short six months thirty years ago! The impressions he made on me then have lasted a lifetime, and it was exactly what was presented here - tools for a lifetime of freedom on the drums! Thank you Dom and Jared! - Tom Snyder
My favorite part of this video is the shear passion emanating from Dom. The man is probably the most unsung hero of the drumming world! The man’s genuinely sincere and warm and compassionate. A smile NEVER leaves his kind face, and he’s always cheerful and loving! I absolutely found Dom to be the best part (besides his incredibly powerful playing), of this wonderful, enlightening video! Many blessings to Dom and Jared, and the rest of the crew at Drumeo!
The best thing about this video is Dom's smile when he's playing and teaching. He really breaks down technique and inspired me to hit the woodshed with my beat up copy of stick control!
What... a... lesson!! Favorite part was the his last words, because you can tell that they're genuine. Can't say the same for most professionals who tell you "follow your dreams". Dom has a kind heart, and truly wants ALL to succeed and to find themselves in this amazing world, on drums or off drums! I don't think there's a better word for inspiration than that. Thank you a million for hosting this Drumeo!!!
The thing I love about these artist is that they really live the life of art. So if they speak they don't talk straight and when they talk and teach they inspire you, their words come knocking into your heart and tells you "Hey you understand me, for that you're an artist in your own unique way". These people are blessings tho.
wow Dom is the man . he is hell of a drummer and motivational speaker .really loved what he said you can never stop learning no matter how old you are . im 49 and haven't played drums in over 20 yrs recently bought me a used kit and fell in love again .lol with playing the drums its love passion and especially fun and learning . awesome GOD BLESS !
I'm devastated to hear about Dom's passing. How many times i've watched thsi video. Such a Master & Master teacher of the instrument. Thanx for all the inspiration. R.I.P. Dom - onwards & upwards.
Out of all the drummers i've seen on this channel. Dom's speech towards drumming clicked in my head faster than any other drummer featured in drumeo. Perspective is key.
I had the fortune to meet this inspiring man 24 years ago in London England. It changed my life for the better. Favourite bit of the lesson: Aged 65 and still learning, the moment we stop striving to learn is the moment we cease to develop. Brilliant. Thanks guys. An Excellent Lesson.
Wow, I love the spread of positive energy when Dom starts talking. He used to love what he did and he loved everyone. I learned a lot from just watching this video. Thank you Dom for your encouraging words. It is a great loss for not just the drummers but everybody who has come in contact with you either physically or virtually. Rest in Peace dear Dom. Thanks Drumeo for providing the video :). Lets prove Dom right!
Dom is one of the most inspirational, happiest, and constantly evolving drummers. I saw him back when he first switched from traditional to matched grip and he was so excited it was incredible. He is a great drummer and a great person.
Dom, your enthusiasm is so infectious. And your teaching is spot on. You remind me why I play drums. The joy, the exploration and the challenges run deep. I hope to play in my 80s and beyond.
I met Dom about 30 years ago at a drum workshop. I was invited in early and there was Dom getting to "know" the drums. Dom was doing that in the video were he would hit the bell of the cymbal and put his hand over it or hit the edge of the cymbal with the edge of the stick. He told me it was something he was working on. It was cool to see Dom still do that in this video, I like to throw it in at the end of a song if we are recording. So I got about 20 minutes of one on one with Dom where we talked sticks, correct way to hit a cymbal and tuning. The best advice Dom gave me and I pass it on to other drummers is what Dom says over and over in this video, Have fun. It dont matter what kind of set your playing, where your playing just have fun, have a great time playing, enjoy yourself. Thanks Dom for your wisdom and wanting to share your drumming knowledge with us. I hope someday to see you again. God Bless!
Every single second of this man talking about drums is so inspiring, it´s hard to choose a favorite part . And by the way last sessions panel at NAMM 2019, was one of the most life changing moments in my musical path. Trying to connect within myself the personal level with the musical level . Thank you so much Dom and Drumeo of course for sharing this incredible lesson.
It's really incredible to see someone who has such a strong passion towards anything. In Dom's case he was willing to search out the people he respected and try to absorb as much knowledge as he could. What makes him even greater is his want to continue the art form of drums. Dom is a fantastic teacher.
I'm in my final year of my MBA and swamped with work so I haven't been to Dom for a lesson in about 6 months. I'm fortunate to live 15 minutes from him and he's a fantastic teacher. I've played drums for 35 years and he's helped me recalibrate my playing style to become more diverse.
I saw Dom in Toronto about 20 years ago. At one point during his solo, he played triplets on his hi hat that got very quiet. He slowly leaned forward into the hats, until he was playing one of the notes of the triplet on the bottom rim of his glasses. I couldn't figure out where that note was coming from for a few seconds until I noticed his glasses were jumping up slightly. He waited until everyone reacted, looked up with a grin and brought everything up to a crescendo to end the solo. Such an awesome clinic.
Mr. Dom Famularo is the epitome of what a drummer is. My favorite part was absolutely the beginning of the video because we got to see Mr. Famularo become one with the drums and the music and the unbelievable control of the sticks on the cymbals, absolutely amazing. Excellent educator and excellent video.
I love Dom's playful passion!! I'm an avid drumming hobbyist for 2 years now. I've come across so many regimented, seemingly linear drummers and drum teachers (video and in-person) but none have shown the obvious discipline WITH the playful passion that Dom exhibits. What Dom speaks of is spot on in inspiring me ~ drumming IS art! and, be playful! Boom!
Such an amazing talent.. I saw him do this in a small classroom a few years ago and my jaw hit the floor.. Sitting behind him was the most comprehensive drum lesson I could ever have imagined.. He is a master of the instrument both technically and musically.. He is also one hell of a nice man who radiates his passion and shares his inspiration freely.. Thank you as always Drumeo
64, here, and back on 'em after a short 25 year haitus. Chops are a bit rusty but having a great relationship with a kit that was gifted to me about a year ago. Good stuff, gents!
Dom Famularo is just like an unputdownable book. I'd heard of him and books he'd written, but this is the first time I've heard him speak. I was really busy when the email arrived and decided to just watch the start so I could bookmark the link. Thirty minutes later I still couldn't tear myself away. He's enormously entertaining and my usual impatience with drum videos was completely absent. And his demeanour when he plays is infectious. Great player and inspiring teacher.
I've had the great pleasure to attend one of his clinics and got a chance to sit a few feet and n front of his kickdrum. The dynamic range of his playing is amazing! From very soft, delicate strokes to massive chest-thumping, ear-shattering beats, this guy delivers them all so effortlessly. The amount of power he unleashes on that kit is simply amazing. He's also a great educator and I love how he makes things so much fun. Easily one of my favorite drummers and clinicians!
I am so glad I watched this video. As a self-taught drummer, I have come across a lot of the grips and techniques that were mentioned in this video, but I never realized how important it is to know and practice all of them. It is just as Dom says, these are all tools in your drumming toolbox that you can use when you need them. My favorite part was the finger exercise. Dom told me to keep going, so I kept going.
So great to see Dom on here! In my 40 years of drumming, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the greats! Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, even Stanton Moore! A year and a half ago I reached out to Dom to try to tap into that heritage of teaching, that direct link to Moeller, Gladstone and Stone, along with their students Chapin and Morello, to learn it and be able to reference it in my own teaching. I got so much more. My hands have improved, my motions become more tension free, and little aches and pains gone. Little mysteries of technique which have eluded me for years are now cleared up. Can not thank Dom enough for what he’s brought to my playing and teaching career! And his positivity and enthusiasm are infectious. That can not be overlooked either. Love this man and his passion for drumming, teaching, and life! Onward and upward, Dom! -Kevin Lehman ps, thanks for this, Drumeo!!!!
My favorite thing about this lesson is Dom's attitude. There's a plethora of things in here that I had no idea I needed to be working on. Just a ton of things I needed to here as a drummer. An instructor or a clinician can kind of turn people off to a lesson based on their personality alone, and that can vary from student to student. In this case, the way and manner in which Dom presents his lesson is warm and inviting to me personally. Thanks, as always.
He’s such a great teacher. I’ve been working out of his and Claus Hessler’s Open Handed Drumming Book for a short bit now. It’s changing my playing like crazy! He’s one of the main drummers that also inspired me to set my kit up the way it is. Love it!
Love how Dom spreads motivation in every part of the lesson! He was my teacher during my time in NY and he revolutionized my playing. I really liked the part about the importance of all 3 grips!
Dom shows the level at which to play. Intensity whether sparse or dense. soft or loud. allows organized, controlled, expressive and in poetic movement, musical. What i love is he is always phrasing. one can sing what he plays .
Man, what a great video to watch in preperation of educating future drummers! I just wanna say, ever since I discovered dom a few years back, his set up has always stuck me as very unique and pleasing to the eye. Obviously his playing inspired me as well. I love when he does his double kick crash rolls,that was my introduction to dom.
Dom I discovered late, but found him playing behind one of my favorite guitarists when I was young on satellite tv. I can't even remember who he was playing with. And then found out how connected he is to my favorite drummers. Dude's passion is what keeps me going as a struggling musician.
I'm 61 years old, part of a church band playing drums of which I've played on and off for most of my life, I've recently felt the desire and inspiration to actually work to develop my drumming to a whole new level. Watching Dom, and especially the fact he said he's 65 years old, and still learning really confirmed to me that it's not over yet, to keep on learning and continue to grow. I kind of feel like I'm in my 20s again and ready to move into a whole new dimension of drumming. Thanks Dom for the inspiration, encouragement and most of all the freedom to play with the excitement he plays with. Great Video!
Such intensity. So passionate. Real love for the drums that beams from Dom as he plays. The HUGE smile too! Dom is always a wonder on the drums and he is so motivating! Thank you Drumeo for hosting this great session!
I had the fortune to met mr. Dom Famularo two times, when he was in Italy for a wonderful masterclass. I think the best parts are when he talk about the concepts of “movement and sound” and about our natural grip when we hold a stick. Lovely!
Absolutely phenomenal ! Dom, has an amazing ability to really make people want to learn from him. he is certainly one of the great minds who can articulate words combined with an immeasurable passion for drumming that has the ability to well up inside and provoke i believe anyone's desire to learn. Please never stop teaching this craft! He is certainly a tremendous addition to the faculty at Drumeo! The Buddy rich story was excellent and sure to be enjoyed by many. what a gracious person and also a man of great character to be sure. Thank you Jared !
He was a marvelous drummer, an exemplary music educator, and one of the most joyous, exuberant, genuinely radiant personalities I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was a magnificent human, and never let his illness dampen his spirit or his love of life. It was not without ample reason that he was known as "Drumming's Global Ambassador." Thank you, Dom, for being you.
Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a SIGNED pair of Dom's signature sticks, a signed copy of his book "The Cycle of Self Empowerment", or a copy of Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer SIGNED by Jim Chapin (how cool is that?) LESSON INDEX: 0:00 - Drum solo 4:40 - Introduction 7:16 - Kit breakdown 10:42 - GIVEAWAY details! 13:26 - Lesson overview 14:46 - The natural grip 20:00 - What grips should you practice? 30:10 - Billy Gladstone 39:46 - George Lawrence Stone 44:25 - Sanford Moeller 52:00 - Drum solo 54:29 - Dom's Buddy Rich story 1:01:44 - Drum solo
Dom is a living legend. The part I enjoyed most was from 0:00:01 to 1:03:19. This mans passion for playing the drums is an exact reflection of his passion for life itself. What a beautiful soul and ambassador of what is possible for all aspiring drummers.
Man, the solo at the beginning was MIND-BLOWING! Wish I could the cross sticks like that... Dom explained the lesson very well and I really respect that...
Wow what a great lesson! You guys are amazing to bring guys like Dom to drumeo. My favorite part was his saying: “ I hold wood in my hands and i strike metal and plastic and i make noise, and i make money by organizing the noise” . That is such a brilliant saying and it was an amazing lesson that really reminds us what drumming and playing music is all about! Thank you drumeo!
My 1st drum show in birmingham uk, Dom hung out near the entrance and greeted people waiting to enter. We chatted and he was genuinely nice and keen to talk. Nice guy and for a young drummer, it meant loads.
Amazing drummer but mostly an amazing person. His vibe, energy and love for what he's doing are motivating to all of us! My favorite part is when he talks in the beginning of the lesson about the drummer's journey. Music is the language and drums are our voice and the object is to discover it!
I've been playing drums since 1983, and it was only in 2017 that I became familiar with Dom Famularo through his Session Series. The man is a force for good in the drumming community; such a vibrant personality, such a committed teacher. Thanks DRUMMEO crew for bringing him to my screen and earphones in this lesson. Your organization is putting education on the radar of drummers of all ages and levels worldwide.
When I started playing the drums I got a cheap Mapex Q set, it was awesome, it came with a DVD in which Mr Famularo gave advice about all of the basics, and then he played a solo, it was mind blowing for 12 year old me
saying constant learning is so true! I have a passion for always to further my drumming vocabulary. Do you have said so many things I've for the longest time did myself so hearing your very informative lesson with classic stories like Krupp being in over 100 movies love him and never knew the cool trivia you told along with self expression again that is what it is all about you're a humble great musician and hope to meet you one day I'm a former drummer for Indian violinist L.Shankar and Duran Duran filling in for friend great guy Steve Ferrone. Another great Italian Famularo!! I couldn't shut this off what a good story teller and nice cat!!!
18:50 Wow that got me blown away 27:00 exercises the different grips with the book Stick Control. Choose the right playing technique at the right time and situation. 39:56 How do I learn the techniques like Moeller etc.? Find the best students of the best drummer. Thank you all for this great video! PS: I'm in the Rock Drumming Masterclass and would be really lucky if I won Dom's sticks and his book - there's still a lot to practice and catch up with.
For me, the best part of this lesson is Dom's extensive knowledge of the details of the body, music and instrument. The Grip section opened my eyes a little wider. I've always been that "why do i need french grip?" guy. Now it makes sense. I'm definitely going to be using this info to progress my playing.
Dom gets a lot of flack from the "purists" in the drum community for being a lot of feathers but not much chicken...but I love the guy and there couldn't be a greater ambassador for all that is the drum set. Kudos for bringing him on board Drumeo!
Dom has skills but I've never heard him on any recording & never saw him tour with anyone. It's a very unique career he's got going there. He's a drum preacher and he's a little too excited for my taste. After a while you see thru his shtick.
@@HadEnough745 being in a band or on a recording doesn't define a musician..sure he's got a shtick..but that shtick is empowering other drummers and spreading the word of positivity..not a hard thing to swallow in the least. Would I want to sit next to him on a 16 hour flight?..probably not, but many fit that criteria.
There's no right and wrong in this art form we call music. It's all about the joy you as an individual get out of it. For some, it's strictly theory, some the technical aspects, some playing songs. Is one really "better" than the other?
@@batwithglasses It's cool to be a motivator. I'm not putting him down for not playing with anyone. I think it's very interesting that he's been around for so long and never really played with anyone. It's unique. I'm still trying to figure out what he meant when he said the two words "military" & "intelligence" don't go together. I really hope he didn't mean to put down the military but it appears that way.
Technique is huge. I've been playing for mroe than 40 years, and I'm starting to struggle with hanging on to my sticks and playing cleanly and powerfully. What Dom said is spot on about. Love this guy! Thanks for inspiring me to learn again and improve my drumming.
I have the same. Had it for like 5 years now, and I'll never sell it. Even if I buy another one. The combination with maple and walnut is just phenomenal! No other kit will give you better quality for the price of a Mapex Saturn.
