Benny Greb Master Session Recap

What an unforgettable week!

Truth be told, I didn't know much about Benny Greb before I was asked to assist him during his first Master Session in the US. I had seen a few clips on YouTube and remember thinking he had great feel, but left it at that. What a great surprise that the drummer I was offered to work with ended up becoming one of my favorite musicians...and even a greater friend.

I picked Benny up at Newark Airport early Wednesday evening. Before he said "Hi," he reached for a hug. We spent 2 1/2 hours traveling north towards the Catskill Mountains, never once turning on the radio. We shared stories and dreams, and he willingly asked questions to help me clarify my business and personal paths. He may have been voted "Best Drum Clinician" three years straight, but I could tell from the start that Benny is much more than a great drum teacher.

His teaching philosophy is rooted in the notion that it's more than just playing the drums—it's about making music. I told him that it goes one step further than drums or music—it's about leading a successful life.

The workshop started on Thursday night, went three full days from 9am-10pm, and wrapped up Monday afternoon. There was plenty of drum instruction, but there was just as much discussion about being a better, kinder, more effective person. In the way that my work is rooted in wellness and enhanced by drumming, Benny's is just the opposite. Still, the coin remains the same.

The workshop connected me to 25 awesome, passionate people from as far as Singapore and Australia. I'm glad to say we will all stay connected. On Sunday we welcomed David Ciauro from Modern Drummer magazine who will be writing a feature piece about the camp. Coincidentally, he is also a drum therapist!

We ate well, were surrounded by the finest nature has to offer, and had fun.

Truly, and by definition—an unforgettable week.

In the upcoming weeks I plan to post more lessons, stories, and pictures from camp. Cheers!

"Spring Forward" Update

Source: UK WeatherForecast

Coming off a weekend of warm weather and an extra hour of sunlight, it seems to be a good time to share with you some exciting updates-

After many years of graduate training and three internships, I mailed in my licensing application to the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. As a licensed clinician, my opportunities to share the healing effects of rhythm and music-making will exponentially increase. Until then, there's a lot of good stuff I have lined up...

I leave tomorrow morning to pick up Benny Greb at Newark Airport, en route to the Full Moon Resort in the Catskill Mountains. Benny is one of the world's most accomplished drumming educators. He's coming from Germany to share his Master Session for the first time in the US. It will be an honor to assist him and the 25 students from around the country over the next six days.

Just as I return home, I head back to Loyola University to lead a Beatwell workshop with another graduate-level psychology class. Sharing my work with college and graduate students always makes for an awesome time. I'm looking forward to more opportunities like this.

In the months following, I'll be sharing similar workshops with all types of groups and events including: Mesh Baltimore SkillShare, Hot August Blues & Roots Festival, Baltimore City schools and community festivals, and more!

I'll continue to teach drums, guitar, (and now xylophone), privately every day and am also working on a four-piece series to be published on WhatWeekly.com describing the development and evolution of my Beatwell workshops.

I appreciate you for taking the time to read this and will continue to share my path with the world weekly! You can also follow me on Twitter: @BeatwellBmore

Beatwell is coming to Mesh Baltimore!

I'm very excited to announce that I've been invited to share a 1-hour workshop at the next Mesh Baltimore SkillShare event— "Beatwell to Be Well: The Art and Science of Group Drumming."

I will be sharing some of my most insightful experiences as a drumming therapist and educator, review the wealth of scientific research proving its many effects, and of course leading the group through all types of musical experiences.

Mesh Baltimore is a 3-hour event in which attendees choose from 4 unique workshops each hour. I'm eager to contribute and participate as I feel this type of event should be a part of every community. Mesh Baltimore is a great opportunity to have fun and learn, strengthen community, and gives entrepreneurs a welcome platform to share their work.

Mesh Baltimore SkillShare
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Digitial Harbor High School in Federal Hill

Tickets purchased before March 24 are only $10—grab one here!