4/18/2008

Teaching Funk

By Dom Famularo and Stephane Chamberland



"Funk has as much to do with attitude as it does with what you are playing!"


Imagine that you are a serious painter. You will probably know about DiVinci, Picasso or Monet. Studying and knowing other artists is part the big picture in the student’s learning journey. Getting to know how these artists express themselves will clarify your path to self expression.


In drumming, knowing about different drummers and certain key albums is very important. One of the most important contemporary Funk albums is “Oakland Zone” by Tower Of Power. David Garibaldi at his best! You can feel the attitude! You can hear ghost notes, well placed accents combined with a perfect groove and incredible time keeping. This is one great example of Funk groove drumming. These are other Albums to check out: Shaft by Isaac Heart, Super Fly by Curtis Mayfield and The Complete Stax/Volt Singles 1956-1968.


This style has an appeal that makes you want to dance and move. The feel and drive of the music is infectious. Early bands like Sly and the Family Stone, James Brown, The Meters, Earth Wind and Fire, Tower of Power are just some of the leaders in this style. Also, Ray Charles, Curtis Mayfield and The Temptations.


Having the students listen and experience this sound is a very important way to let them step inside the music. Having the student play along with these recordings is a great way to guide them to what it will feel like. With Funk, the feel is everything!


There are play along books and CD’s like Turn it up, Lay it down, for the student to enjoy being a part of the music. Check out ‘Funky Beat’ by david Garibaldi, Alfred Music. David explains what he is doing and then you hear him play it, then the drums are removed and you are in the drivers seat! Also, www.musiclearningcurve.com Studio has many play along Funk tunes to choose from. Each download can be an enjoyable playing journey for all levels of ability.


There are many books to learn from, The Commandments of R & B Drumming by Zoro, Future Sounds, and Code of Funk by David Garibaldi, Funk Drumming by Mike Clark book, The Great James Brown Rhythm Section 1960-1973 by Allan Slutsky and Chuck Silverman and Linear Time Playing by Gary Chaffee.


For the student, the learning of this style will open doors of more drumming facility. Learning all the rudiments will give the student a better vocabulary to combine certain stickings. The best Funk drummers were very into playing drum corps and rudiments. Then, applying these rudiments inside the groove will offer unlimited possibilities!


The masters of this Funk style are Zigaboo Modeliste, Clyde Stubblefield, Jabo Starks, David Garibaldi, Steve Gadd, Mike Clark, Zoro, just to name a few.


Taking a student on the historic path of Funk drumming will open a student to feel and groove on drum set. They will develop a healthy attitude toward a popular style that will give them musical joy for a very long time.


Go to www.drummerworld.com to learn about these great drummers. Experience the world of attitude and style with a very Funky sound!