Matt,

      Your DVD is very well done. You do a great job of breaking down the information and explaining the ideas very clearly.

All the best with the DVD,

Steve Smith
Drumming Great

      Your DVD is really wonderful, Matt. Your lessons on the bass drum address a previously vague and perhaps guarded secret on playing that important instrument with control, power and finesse. I look forward to sharing it with my students.

      This marks one more step in bringing drumset pedagogy in this century to what has been achieved for piano and string instruments in the 19th century. We're catching up thanks to you.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Hinton, M. A. Juilliard
Drummer; Jefferson Airplane, Les Miserables (on Broadway)
Percussionist; Jewel, KODO, Miss Saigon (on Broadway)
Founder; New Jersey Drum School

      Matt has taken a true relaxed approached to playing the bass drum.

      Unburying The Beater will help you learn to control your feet and get a better overall SOUND from the bass drum.


Tim Waterson
"World's Fastest Feet"

Matt,

     This is a terrific DVD!!

      You have encapsulated many of the discussions and questions drummers have had about bass drum technique for years and laid it all out clearly. It's easy enough for a beginner to follow, but still demonstrates a well-defined technique that advanced students and pros can benefit from.

Ron Tierno
Numerous Broadway shows, including Cats and La Cage aux Folles

Dear Matt,

      I have thoroughly enjoyed your video. It is exactly what I hoped it would be. Your approach to bass drum technique and set up are similar to my own. I use the xxxxx (famous drummer's name removed) "xxxxxxxxx" (video name removed) for hands with my students, but the bass drum section is worthless as far as I am concerned.

      I find the use of videos helps reinforce what we discuss in the lesson and allows a visual reference in between lessons. Your video is the one I have been looking for. Which brings me to my question. How can the drum shop I teach at (xxxxxxxxxxx) purchase your video to keep in stock for my students? Please let me know how we can work this out.

      Thanks again for a superior job with the video. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Also, please feel free to call me directly at xxxxxxxxx.

Sincerely,

Jason F.
Florida, USA

Hi Matt!

      I'm Ignacio. Don't know if you remember me, but I wrote you several days ago asking for some info regarding shipment issues of your DVD.

      Well, my brand new copy arrived three days ago , and since then I can only play it over and over again while air-drumming slowly, trying to feel that hip lift, or playing in the practice pad.

      In one word, I would say that this material is astonishing. Do not feel like I'm re-learning nothing... I feel like I'm gradually unlocking my legs to execute patterns with total relaxation.

      Although I play rock, heavy rock, progressive metal among other styles, I am no longer worried about the speed issue, and I will tell you why: since I have your DVD, I realized that it will be a matter of time to reach to that awesome tempos that my favorite drummers nail. IT IS THE FIRST TIME in my whole drumming life that I feel I'm learning something correctly and that pays off since the first couple of tries... relaxation... pure relaxation and good sound out of the bass drums.

      I am also a double bass player and if it helps you, I will say that practice Unburying The Beater with both feet separately in the same session unconsciously brings up coordination necessary to execute a double bass pattern. For now I will stay with slow tempos because I want to strengthen the basic mechanics of this awesome concept.

      Think I will never be able to thank you enough for these teachings. I am a self taught drummer, at least hand wise, but fortunately I am no more on the feet.

      If you do not mind, I will email you with my achievements so you can see my progress from the beginning to a certain level of expertise.

      Thanks for all Matt.

Ignacio N.
Madrid, Spain

     Like a mad musical scientist examining every nuance and detail, Matt Ritter brilliantly dissects the techniques and mechanics of bass drumming to illustrate how anyone can play bass drum notes as cleanly and powerfully as hand strokes. The ease and applicability of the video and its exercises has encouraged me to get a foot pedal and bass drum practice pad so I can practice at home. In only a short time, I can already feel an enhanced sense of speed, control and fluidity in my bass drum playing. Unburying The Beater is an invaluable tool for any drummer.

Anthony D.
New York, USA

     Excellent DVD; very clear with great examples and clear shots of the foot.

     I have been drumming for years and I still got a lot out of this DVD.

Thanks.

Tom W.
Wisconsin, USA

Hi Matt,

     WOW!!! Your DVD is fantastic and worth the wait. Matt, the information and lessons on the DVD are inspirational. I've got heaps to practice, but you make it seem very achievable. Thanks again for your wonderful work, Matt.

Regards,

Keith B.
Brisbane, Australia

Follow-up letter 10 days later

Hi Matt,

     I just wanted to let you know how well my bass drum technique is progressing. All I can say is that you're an amazing teacher who understands the frustration drummers experience. I truly feel with your instruction, I have finally got the answers I've been searching for with bass drum technique (sounds like a religious experience). I'm actually enjoying playing songs that used to frustrate me. Your DVD covers so many areas of relevance (eg. using heel down and going to 'unburying the beater' for the doubles - this works perfectly for Billy Joel's 'Still Rock n Roll to Me'(sounds easy, but can be tricky).

Bye for now,

Keith B.
Brisbane, Australia