On the afternoon of January 12th, Haiti was changed forever.  A 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook the country and left thousands of people injured and without their homes.  Hundreds of thousands are thought to be dead and many more have yet to be found. Much of this video is footage from trips to Haiti. Watch this to find out about ways you can help Haiti.

Check this out! Straight from www.aaronivey.com

Music For The City, a non-profit org here in Austin, is hosting a benefit show on Monday night.  “After witnessing the mass devastation in Haiti this week and hearing of the incredible needs of the relief organizations already pressed for money and supplies, we knew we had to bring together artists, local businesses, and concerned Austinites to raise money for relief. We are doing this because it is the right thing to do.” (taken from www.musicforthecity.org)

We are excited to play this show along with some great artist friends of ours!  The line-up includes us and our friends Matt McCloskey, Miranda Dodson, Kevin McKinney, and Courrier.  100% of the proceeds of the night benefits Real Hope For Haiti, where Amos is currently living.

Please spread the word and come to the show!  Music, art, and helping Haiti.

HOPE FOR HAITI BENEFIT CONCERT
Monday, January 18
The Parish – Doors at 6pm – Show at 7pm
$10

also, HELP HAITI shirts will be for sale that night, as well as prints by local photographers, including our very own Mr. Steven Bush.

Follow Music For The City on Twitter here.  Please pass the word about the show!

I’ve been drumming professionally for about 10 years and for about the last 5 I’ve been using a charting technique that helps me learn and play artist’s music in the studio and live. I’ve probably learned over 500 songs in the past 5 years, some are songs that I’ve had to learn in a week to play at a gig, and some were songs that I had to learn within the hour at a recording session.

I have actually had band leaders ask me "How did you play all those songs with so little rehearsal and not miss a beat? The truth is I just figured out a method of charting songs out on paper that allows me to basically read/play through any tune no matter how long or how complicated the song/drum part is. I always tell beginning drummers 3 things if they want to get better and get more gigs:

1. Play with anyone and everyone every chance you get – constantly playing with other musicians makes you better, even if they aren’t very good!
2. Start using a click track now. Practice and performance.
3. When learning a new song, chart it out.

I recently came across an ebook that shows you a method very similar to mine, (probably better than mine) and thought I would share it with you. You can check it out here. I haven’t actually bought this book since my method seems to work for me, but if you’re a drummer that doesn’t have a charting technique and you want to actually get more gigs and impress other musicians/band leaders with your amazing ability to play songs perfect every time – this book is for you! Keep drumming and good luck!

This stand can be taken apart to fit in my hardware case just like any other stand. It’s made of scrap wood laying around in my shop. I stained it and put non-slip shelf liner on the top and bottom.

Come check out this kit at a house show!