If you are really interested in mallet instruments, this is an incredible place to visit! I was blown away the first time I went.
If you are interested I put all this into NotebookLM an AI notebook. If you want to poke around:
Tony's broadcast from the museum at the Wells Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research was very interesting. Dr. Frank Kumor described the instruments, and he's really knowledgeable and dedicated to the museum's mission. I'd like to talk with the professor because I grew up six blocks from what was the Musser factory in La Grange Park, Illinois, and when I was a teenager, I got a personal tour from the president. I also got to pick up my M55 at the factory in 1986. I hope Tony will post the video.
Hey everyone,
I’m really looking forward to being part of the upcoming Steve Weiss Mallet Festival in late July and early August! It’s always great to connect with other players in person, and I’m especially excited to work with many of you face to face.
During the festival, I’ll be teaching concepts directly tied to the two video lesson series I’ve been sharing here on VibesWorkshop:
In Part 3, we take our soloing a step further by outlining each chord using full 7th chord arpeggios, adding more shape and melodic possibility to our lines. Still working with Minority, this lesson is about expanding from guide tones to complete harmonic outlines—while keeping strong voice leading in mind.
There is no such thing as a great musician without GREAT time.
I talk a bit about studying chords and voicings. We all have to do it, how are you going to do it?
Notes for the Aug 2025 Workshop
Each year I think I do things a little differently at the workshops. At least in my mind it seems that way. Or maybe it's just I have a different attitude coming into each workshop each year.
I just love this stuff!
In Part 2 of the series, we move beyond the blues and apply our guide tone approach to a jazz standard. This time, we’re using Gigi Gryce’s Minority—a minor-key tune with rich harmonic movement and ii–V progressions that challenge your voice leading.
I am working on another solo CD. So I have been picking tunes and playing them. I don't think I work out stuff but I think about approaches. If I do this, then I can do that, etc.
It's interesting to play solo, because it's all on you. I think all of us should think about one scenario.
In one week from today you have to walk out on stage and play something by yourself. You have 7 days to figure that out. No rules on what you play, just you have to play something. What would you do? Then in 7 days you video yourself playing the tune.