499 - Dave DiCenso: "Mastering the Instrument That Plays the Instrument," Finding a Common Theme Amidst Versatility, 30 Years Teaching at Berklee

Working Drummer

Dave DiCenso began his career in the late 80s on the metal scene in his hometown of Boston. He later studied at the Drummers Collective in New York and went on to enjoy a successful and varied career touring and recording with Steve Morse, Hiromi, John Petrucci, Duran Duran, Josh Groban, and many others. He is the author of several books including Universal Rhythms for Drumset and his most recent, Fluid Fills and Musical Phrasing, and just celebrated the milestone 30 years of teaching at Berklee.

In this episode, Dave talks about:

• Self identifying as a “backbeat” drummer and that being the common thread in all the music he's played
• Possible reasons for modern drum recordings sounding “safe”
• How your limitations can actually benefit you and help you define yourself
• How his teaching approach has evolved over 30 years at Berklee
• “Mastering the instrument that plays the instrument” i.e. self-mastery
• Taking a break from performing in an effort to finally address a physical issue that has dogged him his whole career

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