Joe Crabtree - VIP Drum Lessons
In Depth Lessons Covering the Art and Science of Drumming
Enroll in Course"Joe Crabtree is one of the few online educators who can break down material systematically, play it effectively, and explain concepts thoroughly. If you're looking for quality video, audio and most importantly quality instruction, then look no further."
- Carlito Mendoza, Guitar Center Drum Off Grand Champion
Hi,
I'm Joe Crabtree, professional drummer for the trailblazing classic rock band, Wishbone Ash, and creator/developer of the popular iOS app, PolyNome: The Ultimate Practice Tool.
Over the span of 8 years, I've recorded hundreds of VIP drum lessons aimed at serious drum students—of all levels—who want new ideas and innovative ways to approach practice. My goal is for you to practice with purpose to get REAL results.
I began playing drums at age 11 on my cheap, red Kestrel kit. From a very young age, I was interested in figuring out how things worked, and it was no different with the drums. It wasn’t long before I began teaching drums to local kids—adults too. The curiosity stayed with me as I completed my degree in Astrophysics at Durham University, England.
By now, I’ve had over 25 years of teaching experience behind me and in that time, I’ve worked with many different learning styles. My teaching approach stands out amongst the competition as I really drill-in to find the art and science of drumming.
No matter what level you’re at – from hobbyist to thriving professional – my VIP lessons will help you improve your timing, transcribe drum parts, read music, strengthen hand and foot techniques, develop musicality, improve independence and coordination, refine grooves, tune your drums and so much more!
"I really appreciate your approach to teaching. Having taught for over 40 years myself, and always trying to find more than one way to transfer to the student my experiences, I find your lessons valuable. You continue to add to my vocabulary. Thanks"
- Paul Kush
What makes VIP lessons different?
I aim to make each lesson feel like a private lesson. I go into as much detail as I can, anticipating questions and sticking points, and explaining various topics exactly as I would if you were sitting right next to me.
Many of my lessons are a long format, ranging between 20-40 minutes. These aren’t quick soundbites that leave you wondering what to do next. I believe getting better at the drums isn't something that you can shortcut. It takes a real understanding of what needs to be done and then diligently applying yourself to the task.
In the VIP lessons, you'll see exactly how I apply various tools and techniques, and I'll lead you through all of the subtleties that are overlooked in most online classes.
Are you ready to put in the time and energy it takes to improve your drumming?
"I just wanted to thank you for GREAT videos on your website. You're really educational and gives the greatest advice to drummers. I've been to MI and Lama and they're also great. Your lessons really help by teaching the "secrets"."
- Daniel Arévelo
What Will I Learn?
Each lesson is intended to provide you with an "a-ha!" moment that will inspire you to apply something new to your practice.
I cover a wide range of topics from technique and tuning, to tightening up grooves, to finding ways to be more creative, and even transcribing entire drum solos. Although they're listed as a "Curriculum," the lessons aren't a start-to-finish course. Rather, each lesson is designed to be stand-alone with the aim of giving you a new idea to apply to your own practice.
‘Knowing is not enough; We must apply. Willing is not enough; We must do.’ –Bruce Lee
Will you join me and my insatiable appetite to learn the art and science of drumming?
Joe
"Recently purchased your class on reading drum music. I’m only through about two of the videos but would just like to say that you are exceptional at explaining this topic. I would venture to say you have a gift. Can’t wait to finish the videos."
- Jason Adams
"I have been searching for 3 years now online for lessons I could relate to and I really liked yours from the very first one I saw. I've already improved drastically from your very first lesson. Glad I found these! Thanks"
- Chris Krotke
Course Curriculum
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StartRead This First
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StartSoul Vaccination Intro (56:59)
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StartDoubles in Soloing (28:09)
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StartLeading and following limb concepts (22:24)
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StartShuffle Grooves (82:54)
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StartDrum Tuning Workshop (25:06)
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StartJeff Porcaro - Tandoori (12:17)
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StartActual Proof Style Grooves (27:10)
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StartDoubling Strokes In Grooves (18:02)
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StartSnare Drum Tuning and Experimentation (42:18)
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StartPlaying The Spaces (10:00)
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StartGrooving Over a Polyrhythmic Ostinato (10:27)
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StartLearning To Solo Over A Polyrhythmic Ostinato (10:01)
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StartOverlaying Rudiments Over Grooves - Part 1 (11:10)
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StartOverlaying Rudiments Over Grooves - Part 2 (7:13)
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StartCounting: Part 1 (22:00)
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StartCounting: Part 2 (17:38)
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StartCounting: Part 3 (16:54)
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StartRhythmic Displacement (9:05)
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StartThe Conscious Competence Model of Learning (5:23)
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StartTightening Up Your Grooves (36:50)
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StartCounting Summary (14:31)
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StartLeft Hand Lead; Intention; and Efficiency (23:08)
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StartQuick Tip: Are You Sitting Comfortably? (5:26)
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StartImprove Your Togetherness And Make Grooves Sound Better (32:04)
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StartFills, Flams, Bass Drum Control, and more (31:06)
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PreviewHand Technique (46:53)
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StartBasic Double Kick Grooves (45:54)
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StartGrooving Between Straight and Swung (33:08)
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StartAll About Cymbals (40:12)
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StartTwo Handed 16th Note Hihat Grooves (30:20)
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StartDrum Solos From The Road
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StartRhythmic Singing (23:33)
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StartFine Tuning Your Timing (21:01)
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StartHow To Transcribe A Drum Part (28:17)
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StartExperimentation With Hand Technique (36:09)
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StartSingle Stroke Roll Development (19:56)
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StartBass Drum Control And Endurance (30:38)
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StartThoughts On Soloing (39:30)
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StartSolo Analysis - Steve Smith (37:41)
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StartDeconstruction of a Groove (32:30)
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StartHand Technique: Strokes, Accents and Rudiments (63:54)
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StartEasy Soloing (32:34)
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StartGroove Breakdown : Felix Lehrmann (27:36)
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StartUsing Your Left Foot - Part 1 (18:13)
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StartUsing Your Left Foot - Part 2 (16:03)
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StartThe Secret To Grooving (26:15)
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StartAccuracy and Dynamic Control of Fills (35:40)
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StartPlay Time! (40:02)
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StartGroove Embellishments (23:35)
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StartDennis Chambers Lick 1 (28:33)
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StartParadiddle-diddle All Ways (22:08)
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StartDrum'n'Bass Style Grooves (18:53)
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StartOverlapping 16ths (46:35)
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StartHeel Down Bass Drum Technique (39:33)
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StartCreativity and Intention (30:17)
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StartSolo and Practice Ideas (34:58)
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StartTechnique Tips (24:46)
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StartLeft Foot Hi-Hat Technique (40:57)
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StartIn Time Part 1 - One Handed 16ths (37:48)
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StartIn Time Part 2 - Coordination (26:46)
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StartIn Time Part 3 - Verse Groove (30:43)
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StartOwning The Territory (30:24)
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StartSpicing It Up (22:13)
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StartPlaying Open Handed (17:28)
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StartExpression In Grooves (35:45)
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StartTechnique: Hi-Hat, Cross Stick & Push/Pull (31:34)
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StartDave Weckl Triplets (30:08)
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StartIncreasing Your Resolution (39:34)
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StartOverlapping In Grooves (28:57)
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StartSmooth Grooving (Actual Proof 2) (49:43)
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StartConcepts and Licks (39:43)
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StartEfficiency and Relaxation (34:13)
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StartBasic Ostinatos (33:15)
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PreviewINSANE Vinnie Colaiuta Lick (0:26)
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StartINSANE Vinnie Colaiuta Lick Explained (57:37)
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StartSamba Ostinato Part 1 (36:25)
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StartSamba Ostinato Part 2 (33:29)
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StartBass Drum Concepts & Technique (40:51)
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StartBass Drum Triple Strokes (31:00)
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StartPractice Setup and Playing with a Click (31:34)
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StartHow To Improve Accuracy (31:27)
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StartPlaying With Sequencers (31:31)
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StartHome Recording (59:06)
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StartSticking Variations Part 1 (23:26)
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StartSticking Variations Part 2 (26:41)
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StartStickings & Overlapping Motions (39:01)
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StartPurdie Singing (34:00)
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StartLearning and Remembering New Rhythms (31:21)
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StartExperimenting with the Bembe (23:19)
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StartGrids, Road Marks, and A Cool Bembe Groove (20:34)
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StartPhrasing, Overlapping Groups and more Bembe (35:35)
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StartA Very Cool Bembe Groove (23:34)
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StartStudio Recording Approaches (41:25)
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StartTriplets and 9:8 (37:58)
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StartIrrational Rhythms Part 1 - Triplets (7:10)
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StartJazz Ride Foundations (37:21)
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StartIrrational Rhythms Part 2 - Quintuplets (8:52)
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StartExploring Quintuplets (33:53)
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StartIrrational Rhythms Part 3 - Septuplets (7:31)
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StartStudio Recording Part 2 (42:40)
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StartSounds, Textures, and Stickings (29:33)
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StartIrrational Rhythms Part 5 - 10s & 11s (7:41)
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StartHalf Time Shuffle (32:44)
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StartIrrational Rhythms Part 6 - 13,14,15 (11:29)
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StartThe Black Page - Part 1 (39:50)
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StartMore Recording Tips - American Century (39:32)
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StartThe Black Page - Part 2 (28:49)
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StartSongo - Part 1 (21:10)
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StartLeft Foot Clave (11:56)
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StartSongo - Part 2 (2:42)
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StartAnika Nilles Fills - 1 (29:56)
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StartAnika Nilles Fills - 2 (28:07)
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StartAnika Nilles Fills - 3 (32:47)
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StartHeel Toe Bass Drum Technique (65:37)
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StartConstant Release Bass Drum Technique (33:31)
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StartBass Drum Rudiments (40:35)
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StartHiHat Foot Independence (34:52)
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Start"That" Vinnie Groove - Bass Drum Lesson (53:27)
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StartHow To Practice (44:58)
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Start7779311 - Playing Like A Drum Machine (34:25)
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StartTraining and Warming up (40:25)
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StartHand Technique : 3 finger/4 finger control (23:15)
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StartGroove Experimentation : Benny Greb (29:06)
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StartTime Keeping Tips (35:57)
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StartA Cool Lick (17:26)
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StartCreative Fill Concepts (21:43)
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StartFree Soloing (30:54)
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StartAlternating Licks (27:54)
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StartHeel Toe Triplets (20:45)
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StartSerious Practice: Part 1 (43:18)
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StartGregg's Groove (23:08)
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StartSerious Practice: Part 2 (17:06)
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StartMoving Leading Limbs (22:39)
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StartSerious Practice: Part 3 (15:56)
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StartSlave To The Rhythm (almost) (17:55)
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StartSerious Practice: Part 4 (16:48)
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Start15 Seconds (19:40)
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StartSerious Practice: Part 5 (14:58)
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StartSerious Practice: Part 6 (26:57)
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StartOakland Stroke (29:57)
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StartSerious Practice: Part 7 (20:10)
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StartSteve Jordan Groove (24:52)
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StartDisplaced Grooves Part 1 - I'm Tweeked (24:21)
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StartDisplaced Grooves Part 2 - I'm Tweeked (18:09)
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StartInverted Double Stroke Grooves (24:49)
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StartDrew's Groove (0:05)
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StartI'm Tweeked Fill (27:08)
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StartBlues Shuffle Part 1 (39:19)
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StartBlues Shuffle Part 2 (24:44)
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StartDave Weckl Ostinato - Part 1 (14:19)
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StartDave Weckl Ostinato - Part 2 (18:18)
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StartDave Weckl Ostinato - Part 3 (23:28)
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StartDYnamics! (13:19)
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StartMore Open Handed Playing (25:28)
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StartMuscles of the Hand (25:25)
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StartFast Jazz Ride (23:17)
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StartRuckus Maximus - A Simon Phillips Groove (21:53)
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StartPush Pull Technique Part 1 (16:45)
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StartPush Pull Technique Part 2 (25:24)
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StartBig Band Style Fills (21:15)
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StartBass Drum Substitutions (18:23)
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StartPreparation (the 6 Ps) (26:11)
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StartPractice 5s (20:43)
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StartHip Hop (20:21)
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StartHip Hop Follow Up (20:45)
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StartSnarky Puppy (33:27)
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StartSnarky Solo Ideas (30:25)
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StartTriplet Doubles (17:41)
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StartTriplets to 5s (13:00)
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StartDrummer's Toolbox (25:25)
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StartLoud Jazz (18:39)
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StartManic Depression (19:25)
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StartMachine Gun Snare (17:29)
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StartBembe Kick part 1 (24:53)
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StartBembe Kick part 2 (28:19)
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StartBembe Kick part 3 (20:31)
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StartCounting Systems (24:03)
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StartGospel Chops part 1 (25:06)
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StartGospel Chops part 2 (22:03)
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StartChris Coleman Legend (12:30)
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StartNew Breed Hand Speed (16:05)
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StartGetting Inside Rudiments (19:37)
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StartTarget Practice (24:12)
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StartDisplaced Click - part 1 (14:02)
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StartDisplaced Click - part 2 (10:18)
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StartTour Thoughts (23:18)
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StartDrum Words part 1 (26:15)
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StartDrum Words part 2 (23:59)
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StartRolling In Grooves (25:02)
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StartRobert 'Sput' Searight Special (24:30)
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StartExtending the Sput Lick (15:57)
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StartOpen Road (27:53)
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StartTriplet Phrasing Part 1 (22:29)
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StartTriplet Phrasing Part 2 (18:12)
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StartMixing Rates (17:49)
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StartPlaying Behind The Beat (22:12)
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StartI'm Tweeked - Solo Vamp (20:12)
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Start4 vs 3 Polyrhythm (17:15)
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Start16th Cascara vs 8th Triplets (14:26)
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StartA Little Gadd Lick (16:05)
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StartShuffle Kick Ostinatos (16:52)
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StartDeveloping Linear Fills (27:19)
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StartBass Drum Overrides (22:55)
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StartWanna Be Startin' Somethin' (22:03)
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StartLeft Hand Lead Shuffle (34:17)
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StartLeft Hand Shuffle Ostinato (19:57)
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StartSongo Fun (19:47)
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StartBlue Horizon part 1 (25:33)
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StartBlue Horizon Part 2 (29:37)
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StartTest Your Timing (20:19)
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StartTiming With A Band (23:02)
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StartGroove Inspection (21:40)
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StartFurther Groove Thoughts (23:53)
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StartGroove Ostinatos (18:53)
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StartSingle Handed 16th HiHat Grooves Part 2 (20:07)
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Start32nd Note Fills - Part 1 (14:01)
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Start32nd Note Fills - Part 2 (25:18)
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StartDoubles In Grooves (17:05)
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StartRolling in Creativity (15:10)
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StartAbakwa (14:36)
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StartRhythm Of The Heat - Peter Gabriel (14:30)
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StartExercising Accuracy Part 1 (14:22)
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StartExercising Accuracy Part 2 (20:11)
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StartExercising Accuracy Part 3 (18:56)
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StartMind The (Triplet) Gap (24:46)
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StartBembe+ Straight 8ths (29:17)
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StartBembe+ Straight 8th Grooves (27:34)
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StartPractice Routine - Part 1 (23:16)
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StartPractice Routine - Part 2 (20:34)
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StartPractice Routine - Part 3 (16:15)
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StartPractice Routine - Part 4 (22:46)
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StartNate Smith (27:38)
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StartSteve Gadd Lick (26:34)
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StartQuick 6 and 8 Note Licks (26:05)
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StartSteve Gadd Samba (20:44)
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StartHand Foot Lick (18:53)
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StartTogetherness (24:05)
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StartUntogetherness (28:05)
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StartThe Ringo Thing (16:14)
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StartTwo-Handed Left Lead Grooves (18:19)
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StartLeft Lead Fills (17:16)
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StartI Have The Touch - Part 1 (22:16)
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StartI Have The Touch - Part 2 (21:06)
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StartThe Secret to Soloing in Odd Times (Timetable method) (18:25)
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StartCatching Hits - Part 1 (21:43)
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StartCatching Hits - Part 2 (24:45)
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StartCatching Hits Part 3 (16:59)
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Start50 Ways - Part 1 (19:40)
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Start50 Ways - Part 2 (21:38)
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StartVinnie Colaiuta 3,4,5 Lick (26:52)
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StartDeveloping Simple Licks (11:51)
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StartMaking Things Easier (18:37)
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StartPyramid Coordination Exercises (16:04)
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StartShuffle Coordination (20:57)
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StartThe Touring Drummer (66:57)
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StartFocusing by Muting Limbs (20:38)
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StartQuick Licks Hand/Foot 3 (17:58)
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StartQuick Licks Hand/Foot 4 (23:03)
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StartThe Hidden Components of Drumming (57:24)
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StartPattern Development - Part 1 (18:35)
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StartPattern Development - Part 2 (20:26)
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StartSnarky Puppy Solo Ideas (25:53)
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StartClap Hands (27:19)
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StartStudio Recording Tips (64:06)
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StartSteve Gadd Ratamacue (13:29)
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StartSteve Gadd Triplets (21:31)
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StartSteve Gadd Combo (12:33)
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StartPad Work : Simple Stick Control (17:55)
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StartPad Work - Push Pull (20:20)
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StartPush Pull on the Kit (13:37)
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StartIdeas Behind Simple Fills (23:21)
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StartDouble Paradiddle Grooves (16:28)
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StartFills in Double Paradiddle Grooves (18:32)
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StartA Stickings Approach To Fill Creation (20:05)
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StartLinear Limb Coordination - 1 (11:41)
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StartLinear Limb Coordination - 2 (18:17)
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StartOpeth - Porcelain Heart (25:36)
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Instructor
Joe Crabtree started playing drums at age 11, and by age 14 his teacher declared there was nothing further he could teach him. By 15, Joe was spending his free time teaching 20 students of his own, many of whom were two or three times his age. They came to Joe for his reputation as a drummer who could break down problems and explain concepts in a way which was easy to understand.
Joe went on to use his analytical mind to gain a degree in astrophysics at Durham university, yet moved to London in 2004 to pursue a professional career in music. He joined King Crimson's David Cross for shows in Japan, and later toured with progressive rock band Pendragon with whom he recorded two live DVDs.
In 2007, Joe became the drummer for Wishbone Ash and to date has recorded 4 studio albums, 8 live albums, 4 DVDs, and played over 1,000 shows worldwide.
Keen to widen his skill set, he taught himself to program in his free time and developed the iPhone app PolyNome - The Ultimate Practice Tool. It is used by many of the world's top drummers including Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Peter Erskine and Virgil Donati.