The Musicians Mentor

Musicians Mentor

Travis Marc hosts conversations with working musicians, producers, songwriters and composers covering topics not commonly spoken about within the music business- including networking, band break ups, touring nightmares, songwriting splits and loads of other, 'overcoming the struggle' type stories from the creatives perspective. The goal of this podcast is simple - to help musicians increase their overall sense of self worth, both mentally and financially within the music industry. For more information. Please visit www.musicians-mentor.com

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 92 - Gary Hess (Encyclopedia Of Reading Rhythms Author)

    On today's Musicians Mentor show I speak with American based drummer/educator/author - Gary Hess. Gary's professional music career began in the 70's playing clubs dates throughout the United States and Canada. In September of 1980 he became the first enrollee at the Percussion Institute Of Technology (P.I.T) and upon graduating a year later was offered a teaching position with the school as an instructor, where he stayed on staff for decades teaching some of the best drummers in the world as the facility eventually progressed into the now famously renowned - 'Musicians Institute'. We talk about Gary's musical journey, musical ups and downs, the music industry and of course how he put together one of my all time favorite music education books, the 'Encyclopedia Of Reading Rhythms. A book he was actually kind enough to send me a few copies to give away of - for details please go to our instagram profile. For more information on Gary or his incredible book, please search for Gary Hess across all socials or head to - https://www.halleonard.com/product/695145/encyclopedia-of-reading-rhythms  For further information on Travis Marc or 'Musicians-Mentor' website, please visit www.musicians-mentor.com  As usual, thanks for checking out the channel and if you're getting anything useful from my content, please feel free to comment, like, share and subscribe, thank you. Additionally, for those interested - you can support this channel by - 'Buying Us Coffee'. https://buymeacoffee.com/musiciansmentor  Or visiting our affiliate page with the lovely folks over at - 'Soundbrenner'. https://www.soundbrenner.com/pages/affiliate-travis-marc?srsltid=AfmBOopHlrWNB7C5ZBQz--Z0rVf789RfGQS1cEUxZjy9aBABp6FVZv6-

    56 min
  2. 11/11/2025

    Episode 85 - Valerie Franco (Spinal Tap, Hayley Kiyoko, Phantom Lynx)

    On today's episode of the show I talk with the highly talented - Valerie Franco, (AKA Didi Crocket of Spinal Tap). Valerie is an American based drummer/musician - who in addition to appearing/performing/recording/touring with artists like Bonnie McKee, Haley Kiyoko and Gracie Potter (among others) is now also the latest drummer for the loudest band in the world - 'Spinal Tap'. Valerie' was kind enough to take some time out of her schedule to talk to me about all things drumming, music, music business, auditions, music education, how her position as 'Didi Crocket' in Spinal Tap came about and much, much more. Big shout out to our mutual friend Sarab Singh for making the introduction for us to have this chat, as I I found Valerie's passion for music to be completely energetic and contagious. For more information on Valerie Franco and her career, please search for  ⁨@seevaldrum⁩  across all socials. As usual, thanks for checking out the channel and if you're getting anything useful from my content, please feel free to comment, like, share and subscribe, thank you. Additionally, for those interested - you can support this channel by - 'Buying Us Coffee'. https://buymeacoffee.com/musiciansmentor Or visiting our affiliate page with the lovely folks over at - 'Soundbrenner'. https://www.soundbrenner.com/pages/affiliate-travis-marc?srsltid=AfmBOopHlrWNB7C5ZBQz--Z0rVf789RfGQS1cEUxZjy9aBABp6FVZv6-

    1h 53m
5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Travis Marc hosts conversations with working musicians, producers, songwriters and composers covering topics not commonly spoken about within the music business- including networking, band break ups, touring nightmares, songwriting splits and loads of other, 'overcoming the struggle' type stories from the creatives perspective. The goal of this podcast is simple - to help musicians increase their overall sense of self worth, both mentally and financially within the music industry. For more information. Please visit www.musicians-mentor.com