Billy Ward Lessons?

I really like Billy's playing. He's not note-perfect and he's not Mr. Technique but I don't see that as = no value. I've read his book and have his DVD and recommend them for different ways to look at drums and music in general than the average video. I think it's important to step back from the technique wars and see people who have let that go in favor of music. (I study technique plenty so maybe that's why I appreciate the different approach) I like Keith Carlock for the same reason.

To me though, no one is worth $100 an hour. Not Vinnie, not Virgil, nobody. There just aren't enough "secrets" to music or drumming to make it worth that kind of money. If you have basic hand technique that is solid, the rest is up to you. You'd be better off buying some CD's in a style of music you don't listen to or going to see an inspiring gig.

I think studying privately is very valuable if you can do it long term and on a regular basis; otherwise (again, to me) it's pretty much pointless.

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I just don't think interacting with Virgil is the best way to learn from him.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well said [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

Funny how some will easily pluck down $100, $150 or more for a lesson with Virgil, SS, Weckl, etc, because they're your superhero drummers. And it's not about the lesson or what you get out of it; instead, it's all about the hang with your idol.

Clearly a few of you know so little about Billy Ward that it becomes an automatic response to announce that he charges too much since he's a "no-name" drummer. And it's obvious you have no idea of why he charges what he does; instead, you accuse him of overcharging because of his name. Can't have it both ways. Either he's a no-name drummer and, therefore, can't charge based on his name or ... well, I hope you get the idea.

And just because he's not your superhero doesn't mean he's any worse than the ones worshipped here. While I won't entertain a side-by-side comparison, to suggest Billy's in a lower league in regards to his groove or technique is absurd. Snobbishness at its finest.

Man, that is exactly how I see it.

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I think it's important to step back from the technique wars and see people who have let that go in favor of music

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">& those are 2 of the same reasons I like BW & KC, also...[& not that I don't think they have their own style & modicum of technique]
[img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img] [img]cool.gif[/img]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 26, 2005 02:10 AM: Message edited by: fuseU1 ]</font>