Mike Muldoon: News / Muse

Thanks to our friends for gathering at our place to bring in the new year!

Good fellowship, food and music.

I'll be playing in Mammoth Lakes this Saturday at Auld Dubliner with Byron Fry starting at 9:30 pm.
I hope to see you there!

I just finished up on a recording session produced by Byron Fry.
The artist is a singer named Violeta Martin.
Look for it in the Fall of this year.

I have been having an ongoing conversation about the role of drums and percussion in church.
There really is a difference in the attitude one should have when playing in worship settings.
Aside from that, always remember what your job is as a drummer or percussionist!
Be supportive of those around you. Listen... then play. Time, Tone and Musicality !

I am including percussion tracks on my music page for my students. These are grooves that I am teaching currently.
If you happen to be at my site but are not a student, please feel free to download the tracks if you are interested in this sort of thing.
I would be happy to answer questions about what your hearing if you send an email.

I received word from the Mountain Apple Company(record label) that a couple of tunes I played on with IZ have been included in the movie soundtrack, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall".
I have not seen the film. The previous film soundtrack I played on was "Snakes on a Plane"......didn't gain much altitude!

I have posted a short clip of a recording I made for one of my students. It's called Mysterium.
Go to the music page and give a listen. Free download!

I am starting a new recording project with a singer/song writer in Germany.
This is extra special because the artist happens to be my brother. Matthew has sent me the audio files and I will do the overdubs at my home studio, then send them back to him for mixing. I'll post clips later.

I'm looking forward to hearing the completed recording!

Last night I had a good time playing with some old friends at church.
The fellowship of friends and family is truly a blessing.

Hello All

I have started a new project this month. It is a sort of musician's workshop. I am inviting players to bring in tunes or musical sketches and we are working out ideas. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes.

This year, as some of you know, has been one of many challenges but also of blessings.
I have done very little playing out this year and my postings have been few and far between. I have turned my attention toward my family during this time, mostly my father, Dick Muldoon, who battled cancer for the last 5 1/2 years, and was laid to rest this past Saturday in the mountains he loved. Dad taught me about drums, the woods, and in the end, what the Grace of God looks like.
I don't think I will ever be quite the same... I pray I will never be quite the same.

On Sunday folks will be gathering at the Oakland Conservatory of Music to celebrate the life of Master jazz drummer Bob Braye.
Bob passed away last February.
Everyone who ever played with Bob has a story to tell. So as the players are gathered to do what Braye did best, I know they will be swingin' them axes and the chips will be flyin'!

My Family and I have moved to the Big Pine area here in the Owens Valley and are enjoying our new place very much.
If you are in the Bishop- Big Pine area and are considering studying percussion, perhaps you would like to contact me at 938-2648 to discuss options.

After my drum class last month we watched a great film titled Calle 54. I will be including another film this month as well. So... after the drum class we will watch a film produced by Andy Garcia called "Cachao ahora si!".
The drum class starts at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17 at The Forum Theatre. The fee is $10. We will start the movie at 7:30 p.m. It's free!

I hope you can join us for the second in this series of Sabar Drum classes at the Forum Theatre in Lone Pine. If you did not make the first class, don't let that keep you from joining us. Bring your drum and enjoy.
Class begins at 6:00 pm on Saturday Jan. 20. Cost is $10.00

Last nights gig was a blast! Thanks to all you folks who turned out. April's place was jumpin'. The band was smokin'. Look forward to more classes and live playing in 2007.

Last night the Sabar class went very well. We had several new drummers in attendance.

Look for another workshop in January. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Saturday workshop and Drum Circle is something you'll not want to miss. We will be looking at a style of drumming from Senegal called Sabar. This is great for drummers of all levels because the simple parts can be played by those just starting, and advanced drummers will enjoy the more complex elements. We will also look at a style of drumming called Arara (if time permits).

The workshop will be followed by a drum circle. Come out and join the fun. We begin at 6:30PM on Saturday the 16th at the Forum Theatre in Lone Pine.

I will be hosting a drum class followed by a drum circle at the Forum Theatre in Lone Pine on Saturday, December 16 at 6:30 PM.

This will be for drummers of all levels. Bring your hand drums or percussion instruments.

Price to participate in class or circle is $10

Call April at 760-878-8292 for more info.

I am reminded of the beauty of teaching one on one. I have a new student who has been playing hand drums for 7 years. She has done most of her learning in group classes. In three lessons I am seeing good progress by focusing on details that are overlooked in group settings.

I would encourage any serious student, who can afford it, to consider private lessons with a good teacher. It will cost a little more, but the results will outweigh the extra expense