It's now September, can you believe it? It seems the days just speed up at this point, rolling into the new year. I sincerely trust you are accomplishing all the things you set out to do at the start of 2026. This is a great time to emphasize relationships. Hold close those individuals who have helped you improve - at music and at life. Be a good friend - listen more than you speak. I continue to learn that I learn so much more when I shut up and listen.

Hey, I've got a suggestion. Take some songs you've playing for years and years, so much and so often that you haven't listened to the recording(s) of them for a long time. Now, go back and listen to that music with fresh ears. Bet you hear things you've never heard before. You'll develop a freshness to playing those particular songs. 

Also, Santa's DrumShop is already in high gear for the Holidays!  We're sourcing drums, cymbals, and hardware from resources in Oklahoma and NW Arkansas.

If you know of a young person who is already drumming in school band, is not yet 16 years old, and who's family situation makes it impossible for them to purchase drums, please contact me through 'Contact Mike' on this website.

HAVE A GREAT SEPTEMBER!

Cover photo courtesy of Melissa Thompson Photography - Tulsa, Oklahoma