The Worship Drum Book has been out for  several years. It has been an encouragement to many drummers!  Thank you all for your prayers, support, & encouragement during this process. This was one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever undertaken.

I’ve studied and taught drum & percussion lessons for years. More recently I’ve been doing seminars & masterclasses, and less private teaching… although I’m starting to do that again too. *You can contact me at this site. – Contact Info.  I love to teach and to mentor. This book will definitely be part of the required reading for all of my students. 🙂

There are tons of great books and videos on the subject of drumming, so I know I didn’t really want to spend time covering a lot of the material that is already available. There is some technical information in this book: exercises to work through; patterns to learn; there’s even a DVD of me demonstrating some of the concepts in the book… But really the focus became more about what happens in the world of modern worship. Dealing with bad acoustic environments; learning how to serve better; and embracing your divine calling as a musician became bigger issues than the mechanics of drumming.

I pray this book is inspiring to, not only drummers, but all musicians who are trying figure out why God has called them into the world of modern worship. It is available in your local bookstore and on line.  **NOTICE – Be aware if you buy a USED copy the DVD could be missing or damaged. ALWAYS CONFIRM condition with the seller.**  https://www.amazon.com/Worship-Drum-Book-Concepts-Excellence

*MY FIRST REVIEW* — “The Worship Drum Book” meets the needs of not only drummers interested in playing contemporary Christian music in the church, but it also has a wealth of information for any drummer wishing to play better. … The chapters addressing the choice of drums, cymbals, tuning drums, getting a great sound from the kit, & using either grip are valuable to all drummers…” – Dr. Thomas Romine 

Leann leading at CMS

Sometimes Leann & team will do an evening of worship before the day of training we’ve been calling Worship Team Bootcamps. Depending on a churches vision & budget for an event we will plan a weekend according to their request. Sometimes it’s just a one day training event… or we can do a night of worship before that day… OR we can even schedule the whole weekend with a night of worship, a Saturday training day, and then Leann & team will stay do worship on Sunday morning. We can bring the whole band or if necessary scale it down to just Leann, myself, and our keyboard player. The idea is to adapt to the needs of the church calling for a special event. Here’s a “Ustream” link to the Friday night worship we recently did at the Grace Center Bootcamp. It’s only a “board mix”, but you’ll get the idea… we kept in the greetings, worship, & teaching so you can check out the whole flow of the evening.  You can get more details about these special weekends at Leann’s web site.  http://leannalbrecht.com/2012/09/worship-boot-camp-night-of-worship/

Carl & Yamaha Recording Custom

OK… So I’m writing a book about drums in worship. It’s turning out to be a bigger project than I expected. Why am I surprised? I’m writing, praying; writing some more; praying more… then editing. Going back adding things; expanding a chapter to include more that comes to mind. Adding photos… adding music sketches… Looking on line to research other drum writings, reading about worship trends; watching video clips…. THE WORKS! Lots of verifying my information and pondering my own history as a drummer.  Whew!!!!!!!!!    I’ve been playing in the “modern worship movement” for over 30 years. LOL… 🙂   There have been so many developments through that time…. but worship has been around since,,, well… the beginning. So there are spiritual things I want to share in this book; not just technical stuff. I pray it will help drummers connect to their calling as the Lord’s minstrels in the earth and also challenge them to be disciplined in their skill. Thank you for your prayers as I attempt to make this writing all that the Lord intends. Blesssings, Carl

Carl Workin’ The Book

Carl in worship

I was honored to be a part of this new live recording from World Revival Church in KC with Dustin Smith and crew. It was special to be part of a team that really had not worked together that much before… I really had just crossed paths with some of the guys on the road or in Nashville, and several of us had never met.  And yet there was such a common passion to reach out to the Lord and honor Him with all that was within us. It is so encouraging to me to see so many people hungry for the presence of the Lord. “In HIS presence there is fullness (completeness) of joy.” Oh Lord, Let Your glory cover the earth!  Take a praise break with me and declare that He reigns. Peace, Carl  // You can find out more about Dustin at his web site. http://www.dustinsmith.com/home

It’s important to remember that all of the learning, the training, … the whole journey is about declaring the greatness of the Lord to the earth. Psalm 34: 1 – 3  “I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips. ² My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the Lord with me;  let us exalt his name together.”   So… Join me, Paul, and all our friends for a “praise break.” // Psalm 8:1 – Oh Lord how majestic is Your name in all the earth!!!

Carl in worship

In my journey as a drummer it seems there are foundational concepts that ALWAYS have to be in place to do well as a musician and a worship leader.  (Yes, you are a worship leader if you play before a group to lead them into the presence of the Lord. It’s just not about the singers or person out front.)  These foundational concepts never seem to loose their significance.  I guess you could say these are the pillars of a worship drummer’s life. These are the four elements that will always need to be in place if we are going to hit the mark in our calling.

I.  Heart & Soul

II.  Timing & Groove

III. Team spirit

IV.  Playing to the room

I know there are many concepts, both technically and spiritually, that we use to play the drums in worship. But these four are really the corner tent pegs that hold it all together. I think everything else rest on these principles. All that I have ever shared and taught on the subject of drums in worship seem to be built on these four essentials. When any of them are out of place it seems the whole thing falls down!

First, “You gotta’ have heart… lots and lots and lots of heart.” These words from an old song still have the most profound meaning. As a musician, if you are not fully engaged in the emotions of the music you’re playing it will feel lifeless. I believe that playing with passion and purpose is felt by you, your fellow minstrels, and the people listening.

This concept is a little difficult to describe in technical terms. I can only testify to my own struggle with staying engaged emotionally with the music. I just know that music feels differently when I’m aware of what I am suppose to communicate, and that I am excited to tell the story. When my heart isn’t in it there is an energy that’s lacking. I think that is the “soul” part of music.

This is even more critical when it comes to worship. We must be worshipping when we play. It has to be more than getting the notes right.  Playing with excellence is great to a certain level, but there is a realm of spiritual power that will only happen when we are playing to honor and love the Lord. The times I have been disengaged emotionally during a performance it felt rather lame. (*The word performance is only being used to refer to a time of playing*) Again, to specifically describe what is lacking in those moments is tough. I truly believe that the music is lifeless in some way and everyone suffers because of it.  So, guard your heart! “THOU SHALT NOT PLAY THE DRUMS IN VAIN.”

Number two… Your sense of time and groove must be solid. This is the technical side of your playing. As much as your heart being in it is vital, so is your ability to do the job well. Keep working on your chops! Make sure you have every song worked out thoroughly. If you know there are spots in a tune that are challenging you, work on it some more. Using a metronome when you practice is most critical. Keeping the time solid and the groove feeling great is primo! Don’t be content with anything less than your absolute best. BUT, don’t get caught up in self-destructive thoughts either.  I.e. “I wish I could play like that drummer.” OR … “I’ll never be able to get this right!” It’s OK to be inspired by other players but… “THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBORS DRUMMING”

Team spirit is the next pillar for a great worship musician. By the way, remember that each element is vital. Just because I’m using a particular order does not mean I’m placing more significance on one area. Besides having your act together on the spiritual and technical side you have to help your teammates as well.  Ah…you thought this would be easy. NO WAY! Now, you have to build up your fellow worship warriors.

When you’re feeling strong look for those that are not having a good day and encourage them. Actually we need to do this whether we feel good or not. Rise above your emotions!! (Me too!)  It could be something very small in your own eyes. Just a kind word or maybe helping the team set up can change the atmosphere.  The ordinary things can have such a huge impact. Look for ways to build people up and you’ll find it becomes an emotional glue that holds you all together.

If you feel there is a spiritual void and no one is giving much attention to prayer and heart issues, you might be the one to draw the team into fellowship time. Don’t nag, but encourage the troops to gather in for a focused time before an event to meet with the Lord. Like great teams in sports always have a locker room gathering before a game, a worship team has got to pull together in the final moments before a service. Oh, by the way, ask the leader if it’s OK. Don’t just take over the role of leadership. Always strive to be the encourager! “THOU SHALT HONOR YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.”

Last, but not least, be sure to play to the room you’re band must play in. Yes, this means to control your volume. Everything else could be in place, but if you overpower the room it will weaken all the other pillars. You could be a great drummer with incredible skill, have the passion to worship, and totally be the team player, but if you don’t adjust to the acoustic environment you’re in you’ve failed. Usually this means being too loud, but on rare occasions you might be playing too soft to get the band to sound good together. Sometimes you have to dig in a little bit to get the band to gel.

I just experienced this recently with Paul Baloche on our 2 week tour across Canada. One night we played a huge auditorium and I could play as hard as I want. The very next night it would be a smaller  venue with terrible acoustics and I’d have to play the whole evening with “hot rods” and lighter sticks. I always work with the engineer and the whole team to be sure we sound as good as we can for whatever room we play. “THOU SHALT NOT KILL THE WORSHIP ATMOSPHERE.”

So you say, “Hey, Carl that’s only four; I thought there were Ten Commandments.” …Hey!  Yo… give me a break! I’m not Moses, here!!  Sheeesh! Anyway, enough of my cheesy humor. The point I’m trying to make is that these four pillars are really the primary things that come to mind when I’m playing. Every job seems to lean upon these concepts. All the other elements of being a great worship drummer rest on these four.  At every conference or clinic these are the most discussed topics amongst players, worship leaders, and pastors. REALLY!! I’m being dramatic on purpose. You have to get this!!! Make these the cornerstones of your calling and you’ll truly be the drummer the Lord has called you to be.

Standing on the Rock,

Carl

Sometimes it’s good to be still & reflect on the faithfulness of God. I was so blessed that someone shared this on my Facebook page… REALLY! I was..!!  I did not even remember doing this video shoot with David Baroni. It could have been from an instructional series we did years ago…(*because of the overhead camera showing David’s hands at the keyboard.) Take a break and worship with us. Our God is faithful and true! Thank YOU, Lord! Your son & servant, Carl

**If the video doesn’t play from this post you can go directly to YouTube to see it.*** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYiHwW4_X9Q&feature=share

Carl in worship

I love studio work in Nashville, in my home studio, and anywhere really. BUT it’s always a thrill to work on “LIVE” recordings. To play music and capture a unique moment “on tape” (or computer) is a thrilling experience. It’s even more powerful when we’re recording a “live” worship event. To experience the presence of the Lord with musicians, singers, and a congregation that are passionate to express their love for God is always a very moving experience. I’ve played drums & percussion for many events like this, but each one is special. The Lord truly inhabits the praises of His people.

Here’s a classic video from a live recording I did with Paul Baloche… this songs moves me everytime we play it. 

***If the video doesn’t play in this post go directly to YouTube at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnp7aKTAlUQ&feature=related

Carl worshipping

It was exciting to take part in this gathering of drummers & percussionist to make a declaration about the poor & starving people around the world. Last Saturday at 2 PM we played the snare drum piece “3 Camps”. It is a classic snare solo that was used to rally the troops.

Get ALL the information & a pdf “chart” at the www.drummer cafe.com web site. Don’t be concerned if you don’t read music; *that’s not the point… play it in a simpler form without the double strokes if needed. Here’s a pdf of the basics; add double strokes to the “non” accented notes if you can.  www.snarescience.com/exercises/three-camps.pdf

I believe that the minstrels are being called around the world to not only worship the Lord with music, but to play to bring about change in our hearts & the hearts of people that hear it; to not only speak about & believe in justice, BUT TO DO IT.

Isaiah 58 speaks strongly about God’s thoughts on this… Here’s an excerpt …

⁶ “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
⁸ Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness^[a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
⁹ Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

Thoughts on the event:

Carl & Leann w/ Italy team

Besides large regional & national conferences, Leann & I teach individual groups. So many leaders ask us to come and just spend time with their team. We enjoy seeing bands & worship teams grow into the next level of skill as we work together on these training weekends. Teaching on your calling as a minstrel as well as breakout classes to learn better performance techniques are all part of these unique events.

Team Training info.