Game of Drum Thrones

Scott Cummings
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Game of Drum Thrones is a drum podcast for beginners and early drummers. Hosted by Scott Cummings of OCDrumAcademy, each episode breaks down real beginner questions, concepts, practice habits, and mindset through honest conversations designed to make learning drums feel approachable to anyone. Come join us and you'll maybe be persuaded to begin your own drummer's journey! Learn more about lessons and programs at https://ocdrumacademy.com/

  1. Sep 10

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 17 - Special Guest: Ryan Shaw

    The conversation delves into Ryan Shaw's musical journey, from the genesis of his passion project 'Sessions with Shaw' to his influences, aspirations, and the development of new skills. It also explores his connections and recommendations, his transition to USC, and the navigation of the worlds of marching band and drum set. The discussion concludes with a focus on Ryan's musical journey and his future projects, including the creation of a sample pack for Bossa Nova drums. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the creation and sale of sample packs, building a brand, diversifying income, starting a YouTube channel, passive income, financial planning, influences and playing style, recording for Charlie Brown Peanuts specials, playing big band tracks, influences in pop drumming, playing in church, and learning opportunities. Ryan Shaw shares insights into his experiences and career, providing valuable lessons for aspiring musicians and content creators. Takeaways Passion projects can lead to new opportunitiesBuilding relationships and connections can open doorsExploring new skills and crafts can enhance creativity Diversifying Income StreamsBuilding a Brand Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Sessions with Shaw02:13 The Influence of Jazz Casual and Rosemary Clooney Show03:28 Inviting People into Your Orbit04:05 Aspirations for Sessions with Shaw05:17 Arranging and Orchestral Experience07:02 Connections and Recommendations18:37 Transition to USC and Musical Background21:18 Navigating the Worlds of Marching Band and Drum Set25:08 Musical Journey and Future Projects29:28 Creating Sample Pack for Bossa Nova Drums30:47 Creating and Selling Sample Packs31:36 Building a Brand and Diversifying Income34:09 Starting a YouTube Channel35:18 Passive Income and Financial Planning36:08 Influences and Playing Style42:16 Recording for Charlie Brown Peanuts Specials43:39 Playing Big Band Tracks46:45 Influences in Pop Drumming50:26 Playing in Church and Learning Opportunities

  2. Jul 16

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 16 - Special Guest: Kevin Winard

    Thanks for tuning into another Game of Drum Thrones Podcast episode #16! In this episode, we have a wonderful special guest, Kevin Winard! Kevin Winard is an internationally acclaimed drummer, percussionist, producer, educator, and writer whose career spans more than four decades. From touring with legends like Paul Anka, Sergio Mendes, Doc Severinsen, and Steve Tyrell to performing at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, and Buckingham Palace, Kevin has built an extraordinary résumé across jazz, pop, Brazilian music, and beyond! In addition to his extensive recording career, he is a published author, producer, and vocalist. In this episode, Kevin shares stories from the road, insights from working with world-class artists, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime dedicated to music! Please checkout Kevin Winard's website: @https://www.kevinwinard.com/ As well as his new Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinsBeatsnEats

  3. Jul 16

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 15 -Special Guest: Charles Ruggiero

    Thanks for tuning into another episode of the Game of Drum Thrones Podcast. In this episode, we have a Charles Ruggiero as a very special guest! Charles Ruggiero is a highly accomplished drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator whose career spans jazz, rock, pop, and session work. The son of renowned jazz musician Vinnie Ruggiero, Charles grew up surrounded by legends and later performed with artists including Chuck Mangione, Steve Gadd, Arturo Sandoval, Bob Reynolds, Rocco DeLuca, and members of SLUNT and Circus Diablo. Now based in Los Angeles, he continues to tour, record, teach, and release acclaimed albums as a bandleader, including his ninth record, Charles Ruggiero Plays MONK, Live! at the Baked Potato, released in April 2026. Check out more of Charles Ruggiero at https://ruggierodrums.com/, especially his newly released record Charles Ruggiero Plays MONK, Live! at The Baked Potato! Jimmy Carr Video referenced in the podcast; "Don't Be The Best, Be The Only" https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eWBgJCWf-pY Buddy Rich and His Band - Mexicali Nose 1968 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEIqmEJheVk

  4. Jun 20

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 14

    In this episode, the conversation delves into the controversy of bass drum technique, highlighting the consequences of pushing the beater into the head, and the influence of YouTube on drumming techniques. They then explores the differences between heel up and heel down technique, emphasizing the advantages and coordination of each technique. Finally, it addresses common mistakes and tips for bass drum technique, focusing on the issue of foot sliding forward and the impact of footwear on bass drum technique. Thanks for tuning in and we hope to have you on the next episode!

  5. Jun 13

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 13 - Special Guest: Dean Koba

    In this episode of the Game of Drum Thrones Podcast, we have a special guest Dean Koba! Jazz drummer Dean Koba has been a fixture in Southern California for over 34 years, performing with acclaimed musicians including Tamir Hendelman, John Proulx, and Greg Reitan. He also spent 30 years performing Jazz at Disneyland and currently teaches jazz drumset at several Southern California colleges. Join us in this conversation where Dean talks about his experiences and provides thoughtful insights into his own drumming journey. You can reach out and learn more about Dean Koba @ http://deankoba.com/ Thanks for joining in and we hope to see you next episode! Stay tuned for future episodes as we have more amazing guests joining in!

  6. Jun 6

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 12

    The conversation covers the role of a drummer in a band, the skills required for beginner drummers, the concept of 'in the pocket', and progressing beyond counting in drumming. It delves into the responsibilities of a drummer, setting the tempo and energy of the song, and the importance of maintaining consistency and repetition in drumming. Takeaways The drummer's role is to set the tempo and energy of the songBeginner drummers should focus on song form, transitions, and understanding the concept of 'in the pocket'

  7. May 30

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 11

    In this episode, the conversation revolves around beginner drumming struggles, grip techniques, and playing fast. The discussion covers the importance of relaxation, breathing, and practice in improving speed, as well as the different drumming grip techniques and their applications. Takeaways Relaxation and breathing are essential for playing fast on the drums.Different drumming grip techniques have specific applications and benefits for drummers.

  8. May 25

    Game of Drum Thrones Podcast - 10

    The conversation delves into the fundamentals of music theory, exploring the Western notation system, time signatures, counting, and the impact of time signatures on drumming. It also discusses the importance of time signatures for drummers and their relevance in different musical genres. Takeaways Understanding the Western notation system and its application in music theory.The significance of time signatures and their impact on drumming and musical compositions.

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About

Game of Drum Thrones is a drum podcast for beginners and early drummers. Hosted by Scott Cummings of OCDrumAcademy, each episode breaks down real beginner questions, concepts, practice habits, and mindset through honest conversations designed to make learning drums feel approachable to anyone. Come join us and you'll maybe be persuaded to begin your own drummer's journey! Learn more about lessons and programs at https://ocdrumacademy.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Cummings
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Scott Cummings
  • Show Website
    Game of Drum Thrones