Today’s episode is an especially important one for me. I met today’s guest, Justin Varnes, a little over 5 years ago. At that time, I was seeking a drum teacher specifically to work with me on jazz drumming in the swing & be-bop styles. My three criteria were:

Justin met all three of these bullet points and so much more. Justin is one of Atlanta’s best working jazz drummers and an awesome music educator who is currently teaching at both Georgia State AND Georgia Tech universities (including his private instruction practice). Justin also runs a remarkable online drum lesson website called Jazz Drummer’s Resource. In my opinion, it is the BEST drum lesson website on the entire Internet for learning the art and craft of jazz drumming. I use it almost every week in addition to the in-person lessons I have taken with Justin.

All that being said, it is no coincidence that we worked together on the Matthew Kaminski album, “Swingin’ On The New Hammond“, alongside famed jazz guitarist Dave Stryker. (You can pick up a copy of that album on iTunes by clicking this link). He is also on a bunch of other jazz recordings.

In today’s episode, we talk about lots of different topics including:

1. Justin’s audio & video studio set-up that he uses for filming the Jazz Drummer’s Resource lesson videos.
2. The difference between playing jazz music live VS in the studio.
3. Effective strategies for learning and retaining new musical information (replace the words “drums” or “drumming” and these concepts apply to almost anything.
4. Maximizing your learning potential.
5. Whether or not a young, up-and-coming musician should go to college. (His answer might surprise you)
6. Strategies that Justin would suggest for marketing and displaying your musical talents in the Age of New Media.

It’s an action packed 90 minutes with my buddy, Justin Varnes. I am sure that you will get a TON of great information that you can use in your own growth, learning, and career. And DRUMMERS, if you’d like to get a FREE WEEK of membership to the Jazz Drummer’s Resource site, just go to www.FaderJocks.com/JDR.

JUSTIN VARNES – LIVE (with Joe Gransden at The Blue Note NYC!)

A FREE DRUMMING WARM-UP LESSON WITH JUSTIN

JUSTIN VARNES – LIVE (at the Velvet Note in Atlanta, GA)

Justin Varnes’ Bio:

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Justin Varnes began studying music at 10 – on the trumpet. His father – an avid jazz listener – exposed him to Stan Kenton, Nat “King” Cole, and Erroll Garner. After attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts on trumpet, Justin studied drum set with Ray Charles alumnus Rick Kirkland. Then he studied music at the University of North Florida under Charlotte Mabrey, Bill Prince, and Bunky Green while continuing to take privately from Rick Kirkland. After graduating with degrees in jazz studies and percussion, Justin relocated to New York City where he continued to study at the New School and study privately with Jojo Mayer. In New York, Justin began touring with Phoebe Snow, with whom he performed on the Roseanne Barr Show, as well as National Public Radio’s “World Cafe” (Justin would later perform on “World Cafe” with “Five for Fighting”).

While in New York, Justin also studied with Vernel Fournier, Reggie Workman, and Joe Chambers. Outside of private lessons, he received a healthy education on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Small’s listening to Kurt Rosenwinkle (with Jeff Ballard) and the Sam Yahel Trio (with Brian Blade). He also developed musically through regular rehearsing and performing in groups led by Coby Brown, Oscar Perez, Bob Reynolds, Nate Shaw, and Doug Wamble.

Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, he splits his time performing and teaching at Georgia State University. In Atlanta he performs with Audrey Shakir, Kevin Bales, Mace Hibbard, Joe Gransden, and Gary Motley.

Justin has performed with Mose Allison, Wesell Anderson, Kenny Barron, Ann Hampton Callaway, Victor Goines, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Herring, The Earl Klugh Trio, Oscar Perez, Marcus Printup, Bob Reynolds, Lew Soloff, David Sanchez, Annie Sellick, Phoebe Snow, Ira Sullivan, Christian Tamburr, and Doug Wamble.

LINKS TO THE BOOKS THAT BRIAN MENTIONED:

Find Justin online –

If you have any questions, feel free to send them directly to Brian at [email protected]. He will be happy to read and answer your questions in an upcoming episode!

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