Making Metronome Practice Fun | Mark Kelso

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We recently had the very special honour of hosting Mark Kelso out to our studios! The lesson topic was "Making Metronome Practice More Fun" which we knew was going to be beneficial for all drummers of all levels. Needless to say, I think you're going to like it.
Mark's ability to play a wide variety of musical styles has scored him gigs with artists such as Michael Buble, Shania Twain, Gino Vanelli, and Pete Townsend. Mark has been featured in Drums ETC., Canadian Musician, and DRUM! magazine and has also been a featured clinician for many different drum festivals such as Montreal Drumfest, Musicfest, and Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC).
If you leave a comment with your favourite part of the lesson, you'll be automatically entered to win 1 copy of Mark's new album "Mark Kelso and the Jazz Exiles", as well as his upcoming DVD titled "Musician First, Drummer Second".
Lesson Index:
00:13 - Spoken Word of Rhythm
02:22 - "The Jazz Exiles" by Mark Kelso and The Jazz Exiles
10:06 - Introduction
14:30 - Making Metronome Practice More Fun
49:45 - "Aqueous" by Mark Kelso and The Jazz Exiles
55:50 - Q & A
01:06:04 - "Fred's Fast City" by Mark Kelso and The Jazz Exiles
Mark Plays:
Yamaha Drums: usa.yamaha.com/products/musica...
Paiste Cymbals: www.paiste.com/
Evans Drumheads: www.evansdrumheads.com/
Headhunters Sticks: www.headhuntersdrumsticks.net/
Follow Mark:
Website: www.groovydrums.com/
Facebook: / markkelso
KZbin: / @markkelso7311

[@carloshenriqueiq]

The best part for me was defenetely the humility of the drummer! His humility, saying how hard it was at the beginning of his studies is really refreshing for me! Thanks for the lesson!

[@otherdrummer5409]

You know, we all have that phase in our musical career where we just want to give up. We tell ourselves "everyone else is better than me", "ill never make it big", "I'm not that good, so whats the point?" etc. But man, that speech Mark gave at the beginning really did help me realize that it isn't about making it big, it is about getting better. I remember meeting Mark backstage after playing with Horacio Hernandez. The guy was amazing and super nice. One of the most talented people I have ever met.

[@JustSean714]

Dude I needed to read this, bless your soul sir.

[@theDOAdrummer]

My favorite part was honestly the entire thing, and how humbly he presented the material when he's light years ahead of most.

[@patrickbourke2385]

This guy has so much groove

[@EntidadLibre]

The spoken word of rhythm was really moving! Thanks for this awesome lesson.

[@hunterthompson5220]

This guy is an incredible instructor! As a young drummer I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my time, and this concept of metronomic displacement is just great for practicing that!

[@yikelu]

Been using the offbeat metronome exercises for a few months now, progressed from 8ths to 16ths, and now to triplets. I was inspired to do that from several different videos ... this one, Benny Greb's, 80/20 drummer's. It is an awesome class of exercises, they mess with my mind and I hear things differently after getting decent at one of them. I can really hear very clearly the space between the subdivisions and where I am inside of that. Absolutely great.

[@KDMI86]

My absolute favourite part of this tutorial was the mentioning of "Before, Burying and Behind" the beat. This was the biggest topic that I as a drummer had to succumb to, and still find myself tested by every day. Groove is by far the secret weapon and knowing how to place it within those "Three B's" is your ammunition. A wise percussionist will always have this ideal at their core.

[@gabrielgomer]

What a phenomenal drummer. I mean that timing is UNREAL!

[@GamerFreakMachine]

My favourite part of the video was Marks positive vibe and just his happiness that made me hooked to continue watching the lesson :) and damn! His playing is super smooth too.... I felt a little butter when I touched my screen!

[@Radika95]

Wow, I got goosebumps from that intro.

[@freedom13245]

jazz drummers are always the sickest!

[@glud800]

He's a metal drummer ffs -_-

[@freedom13245]

a metal drummer playing for herbie hancock and Chaka Khan and with that left foot tecnique and jazz feeling and jazz songs he's playing in this video...?!?!

[@lukerogers151]

+Gabriel Ludwick No, he isn't. Dumbass.

[@peanutter99]

+Gabriel Ludwick Wtf, he is not a metal drummer.... did you not even listen to his cd's band name?

[@glud800]

I was kidding guys :) I know he's a jazz drummer :)

[@dominicmancuso]

I love the Kelso shoulder shrug. Ok on a serious note i have been around Mark's drumming for a very long time. Whether it has been watching him in various contexts to performing with him in various scenerios, one thing remains consistent; the pulse and subdivisions are constantly flowing through him. It is a physical manifestation that Mark internalizes allowing the pulse of the music into and through him. He's down right one of my favorite drummers!!!! Cheers on a fantastic offering brother.

[@KayZee1957]

I'm not a big jazz or jazz fusion fan but that is some kick ass, musical drumming. I'd go to the crossroads and makes the devil's deal to play about half that well. Jared, what you and the rest of the Drumeo crew have accomplished in just a few years is really remarkable. The constant push for quality in presentation and material really shows. Through it, you define the state of the art in online music education.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

LESSON INDEX: 00:13 - Spoken Word of Rhythm 02:22 - "The Jazz Exiles" by Mark Kelso and The Jazz Exiles 10:06 - Introduction 14:30 - Making Metronome Practice More Fun 49:45 - "Aqueous" by Mark Kelso and The Jazz Exiles 55:50 - Q & A 01:06:04 - "Fred's Fast City" by Mark Kelso and The Jazz Exiles If you leave a comment with your favourite part of the lesson, you'll be automatically entered to win 1 copy of Mark's new album "Mark Kelso and the Jazz Exiles", as well as his upcoming DVD titled "Musician First, Drummer Second".

[@XxBurningCorexX]

Jared, please keep your beard forever. Sincerely, everyone who cares

[@louisnadeau1]

+Drumeo I never understood the concept of playing in front, on or behind the beat, but the demonstration was really clear. I can hear the difference!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

+BurningCore It's already gone. The person who matters most, my wife, hated it. So that was the end of that. #endofanera

[@XxBurningCorexX]

+Drumeo aww man.. Well, the wife definitely has more of a say than we do, so glad you did the right thing!

[@capitancambio]

+Drumeo and Mark Kelso thanks a million for this great lesson. I've specially enjoyed the part about playing ahead and laid back I've started to take drumming a bit more seriously recently after fooling around for long time. One of my favourite drummers is Matt Cameron, and I always wondered why in tunes such as Light years by pearl jam or in blackhole sun the groove had such a great feeling, and I think it's just that laidback bit and how the notes seem to be dragged a bit behind the actual tempo. I never though of it and that's the next thing I'll tackle in my next practice. Thanks again!

[@alekscarrillo3974]

Best part, min. 53:10, that stick swipe on the hi-hat was on point! Musically amazing!

[@alancarver2511]

Yeah and did you see how he turns his stick around at 53:03?!

[@bryancarson6935]

My favorite part was the demonstration of the click on the last 16th accent. The reason I enjoyed it so much, was mainly because I have been playing drums with worship bands or garage bands for a while now--and being self taught--was always worried that I've somehow ruined my playing by not focusing on the right things, or learning classically. That part of the lesson--and the fact that I could play along with the click to force it to other sixteenths without getting too caught up--really empowered and encouraged me. Thanks for this lesson Mark, and Jared. Well done.

[@tedbest2124]

My favorite part of this lesson is when he said musician first, drummer second. I don't know how many time i have seen drummers so concerned with how fast they are playing or if they cal play that "sick" fill. As a drummer I am always thinking of ways to better the music that I am playing. Dynamics are one the most important things about music it creates the feel. Mark Kelso is an inspiration to anyone who considers them self a musician.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

+Ted Best - Congrats, Ted! You've been chosen as the winner for Mark Kelso's NEW DVD: 'Musician First, Drummer Second". Please message me at [e-mail]. :)

[@braydonmaritagordon7568]

Love having a different way of looking at using metronomes for practice purposes. Also loved watching him play. Working on time and feel being one and the same is key for all drummers

[@norwaydude6]

Hey, you guys should really try to get Mike Mangini to do a lesson where he talks about his technique (hands and feet), and how he hears the music and stuff like that

[@tronlady1]

All the recent DT stuff sounds like it has a drum machine to me. I can’t hear any dynamics and everything is exactly on the beat. Such a shame as he can probably play like mark....

[@kaakatin]

This is probably my favourite Drumeo clip. I keep coming back to this.

[@cfyves]

This is an incredible session. Thank you very much for having Mark Kelso in the Drumeo studio.

[@wolfpack9iloilo]

I'm from Toronto and every drummer here knows how he's the most influential drummer here. His groove is amazing as always. Had a blast seeing and meeting him in person. Jared is right, he is the most underrated drummer in the world. And the lesson is amazing and that Spoken Word is on point.

[@DrummerJesus]

I can't get over that poem in the intro. it's perfect

[@hwangman]

That first song was great. Not normally a fan of that style of music but Mark's playing and energy made it really fun to watch. Thanks Mark and Drumeo!

[@aaronrivera4745]

That poem and that jam in the beginning blew me away.

[@SteveToccoDrummer]

I saw Mark Kelso perform when he was on tour with Gino Vannelli. Mark blew me away with his perfect groove, chops and technique. I've been a fan ever since. So glad to see him featured on Drumeo.

[@petergammon4458]

Best part of the lesson; when Mark said he is born in Belfast :) Made my day!

[@EmmaSunertonBurl]

loved the speech at the start, and the way you describe the use of making the click not on the one to create a good feel. inspiring!

[@dbaerg]

Favourite concept - using the metronome on the 4th sixteenth note, and pushing your focus. Amazing and creative use of such an important tool!

[@TancrediLoCigno]

Hey guys, so I want make a statement about Mark and his lesson. Talking about playing around the metronome, I really enjoyed his philosophy. The majority of drummers, me included, conceive the displacement as a rhythmic illusion, something that 'in a good way' bothers the groove. Obviously it depends from the genre, the situation and how you want to use it, but Mark thinks about this concept as an accent to follow, like some sort of melody that leads the groove and this opens a whole new world of perspectives. It's a way more musical approach, I really appreciated it. Plus, that ride is unbelieveble

[@fustin]

Mark's clinic's are some of the best, most informative clinics I've ever been too. Plus he's a pretty swell dude.

[@jharvey6930]

I've been playing drums for over 40 years and I HATE playing with a click. Mark inspired me to put some time into practicing with a metronome more often. It's really a must to become a solid time keeper. I especially liked his clear cut explanation of playing around the click to alter the feel.

[@daynelawless]

Brilliant lesson. Brilliant teacher. Brilliant production. 5 stars!

[@danielgoldstein5258]

As a student of Mark's at Humber College, it was really awesome to see him give a lesson like this. Hopefully I can get to take lessons from him at some point! My favourite part of the lesson was when he put the click on the 4th 16th note and went crazy with all the modulation, so cool!

[@flotuc]

it is good to see and hear someone, who overcame such problems, as of feel or rushing etc... inspiring approach!

[@sheylasantos4704]

I´am starting from Brazillian rhytms in pandeiro, single drums, capoeira rhytms, for a complete drum set,,,its a crazy world!!! The poetry was amazing!! Congratulations for your work.

[@Jack--gu3lc]

My favorite part of this video was when Mark was playing the jazz swung beat with the off note metronome! I Love watching all of your videos! Keep it up!

[@SethAdamMusic]

This was really insightful and helpful. I think playing "in between" the metronome is totally going to help my groove and feel. Thanks for the lesson!

[@gavinglover-composer993]

My favorite part was being inspired for the first time in probably two years to actually have information that moved me (including the poem). I feel now that progressing in music, while it can be slow, has very rewarding life lessons as well as physical rewards in talent increase. Absolutely spectacular lesson.

[@lucabarone8215]

just his knowledge throughout the whole lesson is great all of it is wonderful. very insightful. thanks for everything

[@TheDazz1964]

Great lesson love the first track and the way he explains the before /on and after the beat. Also the beat shifting around 39min.

[@drummershort]

Practicing on the off beat is enough to keep me busy for the next year. I've been playing for over 40 years, but the concept of putting the click track in different spots really opens up the creativity for fills and off rhythms such as sambas. I've always learned mainly by mimicking, but the concepts presented here will help me to develop my own style. This lesson gave me quite a few "AH! now I understand" (even in understanding what I have been doing with my own rhythms.) Thank you for the lesson.

[@sharrythedave4758]

Mark is warm and humble .

[@derekbaker2665]

My favorite part was at 31:40 and Mark is playing to the click on the upbeats. Sounds fun. Can't wait to try it.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

+derek baker Congratulations, Derek! You've been chosen as the winner of Mark Kelso and the Jazz Exiles NEW CD: 'Stealing From My Youth'. Please message me at [e-mail]. :)

[@jamsjr44]

I have never heard of Mark Kelso but you have definitely picked up a new fan in me! This was awesome!

[@97lyrics97]

jamsjr44 haha if you around toronto you would!! hes head of percussion at humber college was never considered good enough to be excepted. haha

[@Bigdrum2]

jamsjr44. I agree. Me as well. This was awesome.

[@bodaris99]

his speech and drumming in the begining was the best part

[@ZX9RDan]

Kelso moves his head somewhat like Michael Shack. I love it! He's actually grooving. It sounds and feels like a human is playing, not a metronome slave or a stupid beatbox.

[@austinjohnd]

My favorite part of this lesson is him explaining the lay back playing. Awesome lesson!

[@Zmaslanik]

The best part of the lesson has to be setting the metronome to the "a" of 4. Having it on a non-down beat is so challenging and awesome!

[@Zmaslanik]

+Zachary Maslanik Also, Aqueous grooves so hard!

[@yutongsun2405]

I was a little surprised too when the lesson started with the poem, but then as soon as the drumming started I was like holy crap this guy surely knows what he was talking about! Too good

[@okguy1282]

I am a big, big smooth jazz fan. And this guy just kills it in a good way on those drums. As a beginner drummer I am like WOW!! Loved everything about this lesson....at this point in my drumming my favorite was the 'The Jazz Exiles' part!

[@MadEagleUSA]

I really enjoyed this lesson, because it teaches that all Drummers need to expand their Boundaries and Mark Kelso explained very eloquently why its Important. Excellent lesson. I always look forward to these lessons in my Email. Thank you Jared Faulk for ALL you do for Drummers Everywhere!! 2 Thumbs Up!!

[@yarpyarp85]

What an amazing man and an amazing teacher. Thanks Mark!

[@theethanatorem]

Beautiful musicality. Absolutely inspiring.

[@rhythmsaint73]

MArk/Drumeo I really enjoyed this. As a drummer Ive had the fortunate to be able to have it as my job all my life and it's people like Mark who represent its meaning.

[@jeanjaille4225]

the part about the metronome is really awesome, such a simple concept.... that i never thought of lol ! thank you drumeo and Mark of course

[@CameronMSaliba]

My favourite part of the lesson was the poem at the start, it was awesome! Thanks Mark Kelso and Drumeo!

[@HadEnough745]

Great Lesson! Practicing with the click the 3rd sixteenth note was challenging at first but like Mark says, keep a positive outlook and do not get discouraged if it doesn't come right away. I worked at at it for an hour or so and now I'm tearing it up.

[@JAYDIZLEx]

My favorite part is when mark described how to maintain and control time and feel within the same tempo. Showing how to pull back and push forward rather than let the click control me as the player. I really can't wait to practice. Very practical!

[@97lyrics97]

JamesPlev some people are so fortunate to be able to have him as a teacher

[@rmcfee]

Fascinating!! Incredible lesson.

[@JS45678]

I just learned my first jazz beat a few weeks ago and I’ve gone from being a beginner drummer who loves hard rock to jazz! As much as I love GnR, I feel my jazz beat much more naturally and less mechanically than my rock beat. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be the next great jazz drummer but I’m going to just enjoy my simple jazz beat for now. 🚬😎

[@alfredogurreaescajedo9040]

awesome lesson!. My favourite is the entire lesson...the concept of use and modulate the tempo

[@karin9765]

I'm practicing to the intro song and I never get tired of it, so much variation!

[@dexterverrill6925]

I loved his explanation of being ahead, right on, and behind the beat. This really put time and feel in a better perspective with me (and also told me that I have a lot to work on). This lesson was extremely inspiring! I'll have to try the "metronomic displacement". Thanks Mark and Jared!

[@jefechops2815]

43:10-44:20 was my biggest take away from this. Super stoked to play with only the accent on and see how much my groove improves! Thanks Mark and Drumeo

[@EsDuoba]

It is amazingly great how the metronome is used. I use to use it just for simple, main beat, but know - you revealed me mush more :) Thank you.

[@ItalianDrummer88]

Don't think it's HARD... think it's CHALLENGING. Thanks Mark and Thanks Drumeo :)

[@tomaubier6670]

Excellent !! Thanks Drumeo !

[@lesscott8364]

Hi Jared - thanks for having Mark do a video. He really makes those drums sing! The part I liked best was his different approach in working with the metronome. It takes you to a different level of listening.

[@onurgursoy2259]

Thank you Mark kelso for making the music world a better place

[@davegregg1512]

OMG!! The idea is just so darn brilliant!! Thanks Mark!!!

[@MaxSenitt]

one of my TOP favourite musicians for a long time! Thanks for this!

[@Toothmaryosep]

Fantastic lesson! Superb drummer! I never knew I could make use of the metronome as a foundation for making creative rhythms while keeping in time. I could relate very well to the rushing and dragging concept as I am still struggling up to this moment. The lesson is very compact but I have grasped a ton of ideas that will definitely help improve my playing. Thank you Drumeo for your hardwork and exceptional drumming education.

[@MirkkoDeMaio]

beautiful playing and great lesson.

[@nathangreene3593]

wow great lesson. Those drums sound amazing, love the way they are tuned. Also the ride cymbal that he is using sounds wonderful especially when he was playing the bell. Great concept for learning to play in time all the time! Thanks one of your best lessons!

[@mtarosky]

Awesome and fun lesson all around. My favorite part was Mark playing grooves to the off beats of the metronome. This would totally make metronome practice more fun! Thanks Mark and Drumeo!

[@TheVenusProjectInfo]

This is one of the best lessons yet!!!

[@user-cf2ic8xk9s]

That dude made me want to learn playing jazz, i know nothing about it, i guess its time to start! Thanks Drumeo team for bringing such talented people to the scene, your making a generation of dedicated passionate drummers!

[@mikeevangelista1177]

Wow unreal. That explains it all...... Thank you for that it's something I will share and listen to over and over. Great cymbal and drum sound also. Sharp n crisp

[@claydrums]

Hey Mark, Great lesson, years ago I had a Peter Erskine dvd where he talked about counting the subdivision on the quarter note to keep good time. Your lesson really takes this further. For jazz, I already practice with the metronome on the upbeat instead the downbeat. Your lesson goes even further. Thanks, claydrums

[@larryfields2870]

I have been amazed.

[@sap7881]

Excellent cymbal sound

[@rockdrummer2001]

One of my fav lessons on drumeo!!!

[@ifount]

my favorite part is when mark created a dynamic chart using his two drumsticks. he is awesome, drumeo is awesome, thanks for this! can't wait to practice!

[@quickjan]

I liked everything in this lesson, from opening poem (which should be posted separately as well), through explications, samples, to music playalongs. It has everything what one can expect from a lesson - motivation, detailed explaining why and how to do what should be done and most importantly delivers what is in the title of the lesson. Metronome has been re-discovered for me :)

[@PellJuran]

Fantatsic lesson - opened up a whole new area to explore. Favourite part was the piece he played exploring the 4th 16th note. Sounded really wonderful.

[@mattiasandersson8496]

Great lesson, very inspiring.

[@davonwav]

Really great lesson~! Really great players always have inspiring passion, just love to play and always shedding to get better.

[@StompL7]

I loved that lesson. It was really inspiring and like you said Jared: it's great when you can practice the material right after the video. My favorite part of the vid is definitely the displacing 16th solo. He has great groove !

[@marralis]

How have I never even heard of this guy until today, dude is killer!

[@dariocievski645]

Great lesson, thank you Drumeo.

[@damienjdunne2504]

well done Drumeo boys a great lesson I loved all of it. Thanks.

[@VidZgoncOfficial]

So very awesome! Simple but at the same time drummers forget to practice that! Love it!

[@MS-gj7ni]

Mark is an awesome drummer these lessons are brilliant !

[@paxvieuw]

nice to understand the ways you can afford a beat... that's my favorite part of this lessons. when we listening to Stewart Copeland from The Police we can hear him playing ahead. Thank you Mark and Jared.

[@gillesc26200]

Waouwwww!!!This guy is awesome! At 51:30 begins my favorite part: no click, just his inner clock. He not only masters the time, but with elegance and finesse!!!

[@ghlendary]

Great! Favourite part of the lesson was the part about "affording a beat". Very instructional!

[@coiLz0r911]

So precise, yet so incredibly groovy. Amazing.

[@AlbertoGF12]

My favourite part of the lesson is when he plays with those accents on the &'s, great feel!!