Clinics and Master Classes:

Daniel Glass is an award winning drummer, author, educator and one of today's foremost authorities on classic American drumming. He has performed clinics and master classes all over the world, appearing at many top international drumming festivals. Daniel's clinics focus on the evolution of the drum set, taking into account the impact that this unique instrument has had on American popular music. Daniel presents the material with a fun, engaging and high-energy approach that the legendary swing drummer Louie Bellson once referred to as "delightful and refreshing."

Using dazzling chops, tons of showmanship and various multi-media tools, Daniel takes his audience on a whirlwind journey that covers seven decades of groove. His goal? To convince the modern musician that if you want to understand the sounds of today - Rock, Pop, Blues, Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Gospel, etc - it is imperative that you understand your Roots.

(Photo Credit: Ronn Dunnett)

Clinic Synopsis - Drum Set Evolution

The drum set, like the American nation that spawned it, is a study in multi-culturalism. Relatively young by most standards (about 100 years), the first drum kits were essentially “mash-ups,” a disparate collection of elements representing a wide variety of cultures and mindsets. As the instrument evolved during the first half of the 20th century, the gear and playing techniques used by drummers went through many profound and radical changes. Each new phase brought with it a major impact on American popular music. As a result, one could say that - perhaps more than any other instrument - the story of American pop is best told through the lens of drum set evolution.

Daniel’s clinic places this relationship between drumming and popular music at its core, taking audiences on a journey from 1890s-era New Orleans all the way up to the British Invasion. Far from being a typical “history” style lecture, the clinic utilizes an energetic, performance-oriented approach, making for a highly engaging and entertaining experience that appeals to audiences of all types.

The clinic discusses the origins of the following styles and drum set elements:

To learn more about Daniel’s clinic and his uique approach to teaching drum history:

•Watch the short film "Daniel Glass: An Introduction"
•Check out the Drum History section of Daniel’s website (includes cool photos and descriptions of the 50+ interviews he has conducted over the last decade).

References available on request.

Recent Clinic Appearances:

• Modern Drummer Festival - Montclair, NJ (May, 2010)
• Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC)– Indianapolis, IN
• Drummer's Collective– New York City, NY
• Hollywood Custom and Vintage Drum Show - Hollywood, CA
• The Chicago Custom Drum Show - Chicago, IL
• Sam Ash Music, Hollywood Drum Shop - Hollywood, CA
• Drums, Etc – Lancaster, PA
•Western Australia Conservatory of Music– Perth, Australia
•Middle Tennessee State University - Murfreesboro, TN
• Tony Arco Drum Studios – Milan, Italy
• Revolver Drums - Melbourne, Australia
• John Reynolds Music City – Adelaide, Australia
• School of Rock – Cherry Hill, NJ
• PAS/Meadows Drum Camp – Las Vegas, NV
• West Shore School District - New Cumberland, PA
• Dale’s Drum Shop – Harrisburg, PA
•Palm Springs School District – Palm Springs, CA
• Pennsylvania Academy of Music - Lancaster, PA
• Rose Hill Music Center – Thornwood, NY

Clinic Photos:

Onstage at PASIC '09 with ZORO

Hollywood Custom and Vintage Drum Show - Hollywood, CA

Master Class - Rick Stojak Studios, San Diego, CA

Pennsylvania Academy of Music - Lancaster, PA

Dale's Drum Shop - Harrisburg, PA

Clinic and master class for the West Shore School District - Harrisburg, PA

Drummer's Collective, NYC

The Chicago Show - World's largest vintage drum festival.

What People Are Saying:

“Daniel Glass gave our students an unforgettable and extremely informative clinic on the history of the drums, not only teaching them the roots of where it all came from, but applying it to today’s modern settings.

We look forward to having him back at Drummers Collective again in the future.”

Tony Maggiolino
Marketing Director, Drummers Collective, New York City

"Daniel - Where do i start but say a big thank you for what you delivered last night. It has been described by many as the best clinic they have ever seen. It was beautiful to hear someone play and speak about music with such passion and feel."

Steve Morrison
Owner, Revolver Drums, Melbourne, Australia

"I just saw Daniel Glass perform one of the best clinics EVER. You may have heard Daniel's name recently, with his book with Zoro doing well. I wanted to let you know that if you get a chance to see him in clinic, it's well worth the effort.

These days I'm kind of over clinics because often they are not so much about drumming as about the individual. But this was a very different kettle of fish. Daniel spoke of and demonstrated the history of the instrument in detail. It was never boring.

He's also a great guy. Had a lot of time for my young student who attended. I feel refreshed about drumming right now. Very positive. It's a good feeling."

Posted on Drummerworld.com

"Daniel’s clinic in last night was fantastic. It was really refreshing to see a drum clinic about something a little different, rather than focusing on speed or technique like many do. Daniel’s clinic style and wealth of knowledge re: the history of drums/ drumming and in particular, the creation of swing / rockabilly etc, was incredible."

Justin Malseed
Vic Firth rep. for Australia

"Daniel, it was a great pleasure to have you out here for the Meadows Drum camp. Your clinic was both entertaining and informative (I wish we had more time), and you played your tail off. The next morning I came in and all the kids were playing swinging drum solos and grooves. You really inspired the campers."

Brett Barnes
President – Percussive Arts Society, Nevada Chapter

“I have been managing one of Australia’s biggest drum shops for around 25 years. Of the more than 100 clinics I have seen, Daniel’s was by far one the best.”

John Stephens
Manager, John Reynolds Music City, Adelaide, Australia

“Daniel was down to earth, fun, practical, extremely knowledgeable and made the material relevant for all of the students, not just the percussionists.”

Brian Engelson
Director of Bands, Palm Springs High School, Palm Springs, California

“Daniel makes his point with the heart of an educator and the soul of an entertainer. His clinic was one of the most inspirational and educational that we’ve had to date.”

Rej Troup
Manager, Dale’s Drum Shop, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

"Daniel, thank you so much for the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest drummers of our time! My son Ryan and I attended your clinic and he's been talking about it since we left. We also had the chance to meet you afterwards and you were very kind and inspirational.

As soon as we got home Ryan's older sister (who is also taking lessons) was thoroughly bummed that she chose not to attend. The entire family has been enjoying your awesome drumming with RCR for years and it was great to finally meet you!"

Doug Wrathall & Family

“Daniel Glass was exactly what our students needed. Someone who can deliver a great educational message in a way the kids would truly enjoy it.

You can’t go wrong with great historical information mixed with some killer drumming!!”

Rob Starrett

Director of Bands, Westshore School District Harrisburg, PA