Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD

Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD
by Robert Wallis

Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD
Our Price: $49.95
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $30.00 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD details


(Click here)
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada

DVD details

Actor: Smith S-Drumset Technique-History of the Us Beat, Steve Smith, The Historical Band, Vital Information
Director: Robert Wallis
Brand: Hudson Music
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 278 minutes
Published: 2002-01-01
DVD Release Date: 2002-10-28
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: 320343
Studio: Hudson Music
Product features:
  • Running Time: 4 hours, 38 minutes
  • Number of Discs: 2
  • Awards: Modern Drummer Magazine 2003 Readers Poll: 1st Place, Best DVD Category

DVD Reviews of Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD

DVD Review: "So are you a true student of the drum set?"
Summary: 5 Stars

I have to start off by saying, I was truly humbled by the ability of Steve Smith to not only deliver the "what" in his drum playing, but most importantly to those of us who are students of the drum set, the "how". I sat and watched what I feel is the very best drummer I have ever seen. Not to take anything away from the likes of Neal Pert or the other giants. Steve Smith does something in this set that I did not think was possible. He never misses a beat!! I challenge anyone who knows anything about drums. And I'm saying beginner to stage concert drummer, watch this carefully and see if you see any flaws. Its the most incredible thing I've ever watched.
Now, as for the instruction. The first thing I picked up was, and yes I will admit it, I have been holding my sticks wrong all of these years and couldnt figure out why I couldnt develop hand speed. And it is such a simple exercise. Then came the feet. Did anyone know about that double toe to heel move? Steve can make a single base almost sound like a double. Truly amazing stuff, and again, what a simple exercise. Are we picking up on the common denominator here? He truly makes his instruction easy to understand and practice. I am currently trying to reinvent myself as a drummer having given it up during a marriage where someone in my life saw no value in beating on drums.
Now for those of you who are wondering if it is worth the cost. Well lets just break that down. What is it worth to you to be able to truly improve your expressive talents. Really folks that what drumming is, you dont want to sound like the other guy, you want to sound like you. Get this DVD set it it absolutely worth the money. And prepare to be humbled by the true master of the drumset. Happy drumming and thanks for reading.

DVD Review: Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD
Summary: 4 Stars

Mr. Smith is a consummate drummer. Educated in technique he conveys his playing style in very enjoyable "drum lesson style" sessions. He breaks down everything from grip to bass drum technique. It is like having him come to your home for private lessons.

If you work with him to absorb and understand, your playing will improve vastly (IF you practice).

DVD Review: Steve Smith is a Teacher
Summary: 5 Stars

This is a great DVD to use to advance your skills. Possibly the best out there. It works well if you are an intermediate to advanced drummer. Probably a little much if you are a beginner.

He does a great job of breaking down each component of a drummers skill set. He does not just blow things by the student -- he really seems to want to teach you. And he succeeds at it. Bissonette's DVD does not even come close.

DVD Review: More than a flashy collection of drumming wizardy
Summary: 4 Stars

Understanding our musical heritage has greater, more tangible affect than one might realize. Steve does an excellent job of very quickly giving the student a walk through musical time. The effect for me was a revelation of why some musicians today can swing or groove, and some cannot. For example, understanding the evolution of the drum set itself provides a vision of the core elements in playing and time keeping that spell the difference between swinging or not swinging.

The History portion is on the second CD, and I think that CD alone is worth the cost of the package. But the first CD is packed with great stuff, as well. I have spent most of my time playing back Steve's explanation of grip (BTW, pausing the video is a great way to see the details), having come to my own conclusion that how you hold the sticks is a very large part of the difference between playing okay and playing great. (Somebody is saying, "Duh!" But I'll bet a good majority of today's drummers don't give much thought to grip once they learn the paradiddle).

Steve's pacing in dissemination of information is easy to follow and, compared to similar training videos, well articulated. As always, the key is to resist the tempation to spend all your time watching Steve's solos rather than meticulously digesting the stuff that will actually improve your playing. (I'm actually getting a great deal of insight comparing Steve's demonstration of grip with Joe Morrello's explantion of the same topic on Joe's DVD).

If the DVD set has any shortcomings, I would say the extra digital material in the form of PDF files are lacking. Having had the opportunity to take a lesson from Steve, I asked him for insight on his practice routine. He told me to get and watch his DVD (nice sales plug, Steve--grin). I pushed him on this and asked if there were any secrets he might have held back from the DVD. He said no and indicated that there was an excellent PDF containing some great practice helps. So I expected to find some sort of planning tool, something I could actually print out and use. What I found was a single page of (albeit good) tips on better practicing, one or two of which I personally disagree with.

Other than that, if you are serious about taking your playing to the next level, the money for the DVD set should be no object.

Practice on!

DVD Review: Love this guy!!
Summary: 5 Stars

It's a good DVD to learn!! Ho year!!
Good pratice and pedagogy it's very good!!
I love Steve pedagogy and groove. It's so good to learn and ear him!!

Enjoy!!!

Description of Steve Smith-Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD

In disc one of this 2-disc set, Steve explains hand and foot technique in ground-breaking detail and gets to the core of what drummers need to know in order to improve their feel and technical skills. In disc two, using examples by an all-star band, Steve explains the evolution of the drumset in U.S. Music -- how the drumset was first used in all the major styles of U.S. Music and how closely related all the styles are. Special features include xtensive bonus footage including alternate-take drum solos, a brilliant hi hat solo with a hi hat tutorial, alternate band takes, a camera-switching option, optional running commentary by Steve, a listening list, more.

General DVDs

DVD Video
Bestsellers in General DVDs
Sesame Street - The Best of Elmo ImageSesame Street - The Best of Elmo
Release date: 2001-10-30; DVD
Best price: $6.49
Price in other shops: $12.95
Cesar Millan's Mastering Leadership - Volumes 1-3 ImageCesar Millan's Mastering Leadership - Volumes 1-3
Release date: 2008-09-16; DVD
Best price: $30.51
Price in other shops: $49.99
Leap Frog - Talking Words Factory 2 - Code Word Caper ImageLeap Frog - Talking Words Factory 2 - Code Word Caper
Leap Frog; Release date: 2004-11-16; DVD
Best price: $8.24
Price in other shops: $14.98
Digital Video Essentials: HD Basics [Blu-ray] ImageDigital Video Essentials: HD Basics [Blu-ray]
Dvd International; Release date: 2008-03-25; DVD
Best price: $11.77
Price in other shops: $29.95
Leap Frog - Learn to Read at the Storybook Factory ImageLeap Frog - Learn to Read at the Storybook Factory
Leap Frog; Release date: 2005-09-20; DVD
Best price: $5.81
Price in other shops: $14.98
Phil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short Game ImagePhil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short Game
Paramount; Release date: 2009-04-07; DVD
Best price: $30.11
Price in other shops: $49.99
Leap Frog - Talking Words Factory ImageLeap Frog - Talking Words Factory
Leap Frog; Release date: 2003-12-09; DVD
Best price: $6.11
Price in other shops: $14.98
The Happiest Baby on the Block - The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer (DVD) ImageThe Happiest Baby on the Block - The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer (DVD)
New Wave Enviro; Release date: 2003-03-18; DVD
Best price: $13.60
Price in other shops: $26.95
Sesame Street - Elmo's Potty Time ImageSesame Street - Elmo's Potty Time
WELLSPRING/GENIUS; Release date: 2006-08-22; DVD
Best price: $6.99
Price in other shops: $12.95
Leap Frog - Letter Factory ImageLeap Frog - Letter Factory
Leap Frog; Release date: 2003-12-09; DVD
Best price: $6.53
Price in other shops: $14.98
Similar DVDs, VHS Video, Audio CDs
John Blackwell Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD ImageJohn Blackwell Technique, Grooving and Showmanship DVD
Release date: 2003-02-10; DVD
Best price: $17.50
Price in other shops: $39.95
Creative Coordination & Advanced Foot Technique ImageCreative Coordination & Advanced Foot Technique
Release date: 2006-12-19; DVD
Best price: $33.06
Price in other shops: $49.95
Drum Set Warm-Ups: Essential Exercises for Improving Technique ImageDrum Set Warm-Ups: Essential Exercises for Improving Technique
by Rod Morgenstein
Berklee Press Publications; Published: 2000-12-01; Paperback; Book
Best price: $7.55
Price in other shops: $12.95
How To Develop Technique- DVD ImageHow To Develop Technique- DVD
MUSIC VIDEO DIST; Release date: 2003-09-01; DVD
Best price: $18.99
Price in other shops: $29.95
4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set Image4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set
Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; Published: 1999-07; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.84
Price in other shops: $14.95
Steve Gadd Master Series DVD ImageSteve Gadd Master Series DVD
MUSIC VIDEO DIST; Release date: 2008-03-04; DVD
Best price: $16.44
Price in other shops: $29.95
Steve Smith Drum Legacy: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants ImageSteve Smith Drum Legacy: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Hudson Music; Release date: 2008-06-17; DVD
Best price: $23.95
Price in other shops: $39.95
Getting Started on Drums Featuring Tommy Igoe DVD - Setting Up / Start Playing ImageGetting Started on Drums Featuring Tommy Igoe DVD - Setting Up / Start Playing
Release date: 2001-10-01; DVD
Best price: $13.49
Price in other shops: $19.95
Tommy Igoe Groove Essentials ImageTommy Igoe Groove Essentials
Hudson Music; Release date: 2004-10-10; DVD
Best price: $14.50
Price in other shops: $24.95
Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer DVD ImageSecret Weapons for the Modern Drummer DVD
Hudson Music; Release date: 2007-07-05; DVD
Best price: $22.99
Price in other shops: $39.95
Compare prices and read customer reviews for more than one million DVD titles.
Oscar 2005 Winners