Now available! Musician First, Drummer Second as an MP4 digital download.

Buy Now

Mark Kelso’s Musician First, Drummer Second is about how to be a good musician on the drum set.

Filled with good common sense advice for players of all ages from beginner to pro, lots of demonstrations, and some amazing band performances.

A great tool for all players!

“Musician First, Drummer Second is where my 40 years of drumming experience has led me to today.” Says Irish/Canadian drummer Mark Kelso, (Currently head of the Humber College percussion dept in Toronto). Mark discusses his ideas on how to approach being musical on the drums and to set aside the myth that drummers are not musicians. There’s plenty of info and demonstrations on Mark’s concept of playing time, time feel, groove, playing at really slow tempos, non-musical influences, versatility, reading AND interpretation of charts, self motivation and a unique twist on metronomic displacement. PDF’s are included as well. This is intended to be helpful for the beginner student right on up to the professional player. Says Mark – “There’s something for everyone in Musician First, Drummer Second”.

  • Produced and conceptualized by Mark Kelso
  • Directed by Brigham Futterer
  • Film Editing and effects by Nick Grimshaw
  • Filmed, recorded and mixed at The Driveshed, Toronto Canada by John “Beetle” Bailey and Taylor Kernohan
  • Photography by Denise Grant
  • Artwork and DVD design by Jacinto Salcedo
  • Manufactured by Duplium

Guest Musicians:

Collin Barrett, Gregg Lawless, Hilario Duran, Roberto Occhipinti, Mike Downes, Ted Quinlan, Brian Dickinson, Matt Horner, Dave Gray, Gordon Sheard, George Koller, Luanda Jones, Alexis Baro, Shirantha Beddage, Al Kay, Jeff King

Made in Canada using Canadian musicians (Toronto, 2015).

“Mark Kelso is one of the most versatile and grooving players I know.”

“Mark sent me a clip of his new DVD, which I’ve watched several times. One overriding thought came to mind and that’s, “outside the box”, which is what you have to be if you want to do something that stands out from the rest. Here’s a great example of someone saying to himself, “How can I present what I am?” and then finding a way to do it. Very creative and cool. Excellent composition and performance…well presented.”

“At a drum festival in Canada, I heard Mark inspire an audience with his musical approach and drumming control. He is a servant to the music and uses his drumming skills for that purpose. It was clear his dedication to musical expression was his main goal! It was refreshing, inspired and exciting! I am sure what you will see on this DVD will be the same results! Sit back, and enjoy the journey of musical purpose from the seat of a very musical drummer!”

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