Conversations with Tommy Igoe: On Learning About Music

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ABOUT TOMMY IGOE
Tommy Igoe is one of the world's most prominent drummers and bandleaders. He began drumming at the age of 2 and has gone on to craft a unique and diverse career, traveling the world with Art Garfunkel, Blood Sweat and Tears, Dave Grusin, Stanley Jordan, and the New York Voices amongst many others others.
For the last six years, his Birdland Big Band has been the most popular weekly music event in New York City, maintaining it's Friday residency at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club. In 1997, he created the drumset book for "The Lion King" on Broadway also serving as principal drummer and conductor. Igoe is dedicated to world-class music education, writing some of the world's best-selling books and DVD's and is a globally in-demand clinician.
He currently lives in San Francisco where his new band, The Tommy Igoe Big Band, enjoys a weekly residency at the Rrazz Room.

[@ChrisBakerDrummer]

Could. not. agree. more. Took piano lessons starting when I was 6 years old and continued into jr. high school while I was starting to take drum lessons. It has been INVALUABLE for so many musical situations since I've been playing drums/percussion in various ensembles.

[@Stefano50]

Also, compliments to VIC FIRTH & Company for posting several Tommy Igoe videos with not one drumstick in use !! THAT is a wonderful & powerful commitment to your loyal customers and the public. Thank you !

[@paulrevelli]

As a kid growing up I had already started playing some kind of drums when I was about four or five. But the elementary school I went to didn't have drums, so I decided to take up the clarinet just so I could be involved in music making. And during that time, I learned how to read music, become familiar with key and time signatures, music theory in general, how to follow a conductor, how to play in ensembles, etc. I'm glad I did it and it has served me well, especially the ability to read charts now. And while playing the clarinet is not the same as taking up the piano, I would agree that any instrument learned concurrently with the drums is beneficial. But this video has definitely got me to thinking about looking for a piano teacher! Thank you, sir.

[@knish69]

it's 1988-89ish. My private drum teacher shows up for my lesson, we sit down at the practice pads to continue my work on the Lifetime Warm up. I had began studying the piano that was in front of us at the time. My teacher gives this quick look and starts noodling out about 16 bars of "Got a Match?" by Chick Corea. I'm like... "Huh? No way!" I can remember it like it was yesterday. Thanks for the inspiration Tommy. And yes, studying the piano and later bass guitar did nothing but good for my playing in respect to time and over all musicianship. No brainer...

[@jerrywitowski4360]

Tommy: Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are a great educator and even better drummer.

[@Stefano50]

T.I. ~~ In my opinion, YOU are a national treasure, and a FANTASTIC inspiration to all of us!!! I love all that you do for those of us passionate about appreciating music, performing music, creating music, and appreciating OUR world. As a "mature" amateur Jazz Bass player who is also an aspiring developing Drummer (coming to the drums in mid-life) I totally dig every word you say in this video !! Your books alone helped me to pursue my drumming passion. I THANK YOU MANY TIMES OVER...EVERY DAY!

[@Caleb-lu3zl]

Tommy is the best teacher i have seen

[@TheAngelofThrash]

Felt this very strongly in the reverse, actually. My guitar playing certainly changed drastically when I first started playing drums, because I finally had a circumstance where I had to truly focus on rhythm, without thinking as much about melody and harmony. Just wanted to point out that it works well both ways :D

[@wuffb]

While I was late to learning the piano, I can say that I picked up guitar when I went to college and couldn't take my drums with me. THE best lesson I ever had of how to be a drummer came from playing guitar and singing with a band while another drummer played behind me . . . I quickly realized the damage that can be done by a "drummer" who was a "drummer" and NOT a musician. If you don't have a piano, get a guitar . . .

[@jamievespa]

I agree completely, I learned keys before drums and it has always helped my playing

[@Winchinmagic]

Great, totally true. Your approach on the drums will change even the sound.

[@ronaldgenendlis6423]

Hello!!! Gary husband!!! There you go. Thanks.

[@SightNSoundBand]

Yes! Tommy is completely correct here...knowing how music works and moves makes you a better drummer...it simply does...it puts you "in the know" which translates into better, more authoritative drumming...thanks for this video...

[@drumtavo]

GREAT , GREAT !!!!!!

[@billbradleymusic]

Wisdom. The More You Know.

[@FijiFresher]

Been playing the kit for two years. I've decided that's what I wanted to become, a drummer. Funny enough, I started taking piano lessons a few months ago for the exact reason Tommy had just explained.

[@seagraveholmes9429]

I'm going to have dust off the keyboard I bought 12 months ago and actually learn how to play it! Tommy knows what he is talking about!

[@drv30]

I heard Bill Stewart say this in an interview, but he didn't seem to want to explain the reason for it. He can seem a bit dismissive in his interviews, but thanks Tommy Igoe for explaining everything so clearly! Great video!

[@davidmcaninch4714]

I’m a drummer/percussionist, but I also play rhythm guitar!!!!!!!!!

[@mallorga1965]

Yes's two great drummers, Bill Bruford and Alan White, they both play piano.

[@DxC04]

I guess Ilan Rubin is an exception to the rule :)

[@stephenmahlstedt8533]

Sage advise. And the dentistry thing made me laugh out loud.

[@owlcu]

Case in point: Jack DeJohnette. The better you hear, the better you'll play.

[@airicsnider7572]

Does it have to be piano though? I'd much rather invest time in the guzheng, because that's what I want to play as a 2nd instrument.

[@billbradleymusic]

Airic Snider ... it is a rhythmic instrument.

[@trevormcmanis]

Piano and Drums are both percussive instruments. Learning any instrument will make you a better drummer, but piano has a special relationship with the drums.

[@DavidMcmenemy]

Dentistry. He's basically saying choose another career path.

[@markbra]

3 chord music drummers too ?