That Shuffle Feeling: How to Perfect the Shuffle Groove on Drum Set
One of the challenges many drummers face is getting the right feel when playing a shuffle. One of the reasons this can be difficult is...
top of page
Search
John Owens
- Feb 17
- 2 min
Are Drums Easy to Learn?
So, are the drums easy to learn? Well, the short answer to this question is both yes and no. Initially, drums are easy to learn; however,...
John Owens
- Feb 9
- 2 min
3 Chop Busting Rudiments That Every Drummer Needs
I’ll never forget the first time I played paradiddles (as sixteenth notes) with the quarter note at 250 bpm (beats per minute). Honestly,...
John Owens
- Dec 25, 2022
- 4 min
Is the Little Drummer Boy a Drumming Anthem?
As a drummer, the tune Little Drummer Boy has special meaning to me. When I was a young drummer, I immediately connected with the rhythm...
John Owens
- Feb 17, 2022
- 3 min
Power of Street Drumming: Endurance, Finesse, & Energy
Based on my experience as an urban percussionist, I want to share a little about how the lessons of street drumming can strengthen and...
John Owens
- Jun 3, 2020
- 3 min
5 Kid Friendly Songs that Teach About Social Justice
Music is an excellent way to look at and discuss social justice in our society with your kids. In fact, during just about every movement...
John Owens
- May 28, 2020
- 2 min
Fun Music Stuff: Get Your Kids Dancing with Mr. Elephant!
Want some fresh dance and learning tunes for your little ones? Then you’ll love rockin' out with Mr. Elephant’s Songs for the Young,...
John Owens
- May 22, 2020
- 3 min
The Impact of No Live Music, Thinking About My Kids
As a result of social distancing, live music events around the globe have been cancelled. My initial thoughts went out to the musicians –...
John Owens
- Apr 1, 2020
- 3 min
MUSICIAN DISTANCING: Kennedy Center fires Musicians after Receiving $25 Million in Stimulus Funds
After being awarded $25 Million in relief funds, The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. will stop paying members of the National Symphony...
John Owens
- Mar 26, 2020
- 2 min
Get Physically Stronger by Listening to Up-Tempo Music
Do you ever feel like you can run longer, play a sport for hours, or exercise more when listening to music? Or, perhaps you and your kids...
John Owens
- Mar 18, 2020
- 2 min
Let Your Kids Drum: It Makes Their Brain More Efficient
A recent study in the Journal of Brain and Behavior found that drummer’s brains are significantly different and more efficient than...
John Owens
- Jan 15, 2020
- 4 min
Teaching Your Kids to Rock History with Iron Maiden
So, what is so great about the heavy metal band Iron Maiden? Well, to answer that I would need to write a book, but it’s really the type...
John Owens
- Oct 22, 2019
- 5 min
4 Incredibly Easy Ways to Make More Music Everyday
Sometimes the daily tasks make it difficult to find time to make music with our families. In fact, we could probably say this is true for...
John Owens
- Oct 2, 2019
- 4 min
Three Musical Things We Can Learn from Painters: Matisse, Picasso, Brooke, and Sully
Walking around the National Gallery of Art with my son, I ran across multiple works of art that showed musical instruments as part of...
John Owens
- Sep 18, 2019
- 4 min
Let the Kids Play: How to Strategically Place Music Instruments in Your Home
In my house it seems like there are books everywhere and as a result, my kids will pick up a book and start reading. This happens all...
John Owens
- Sep 4, 2019
- 5 min
Bring History to Life Through Music: Family Road Trip
This week my family took an epic road trip to Gettysburg National Battlefield in Pennsylvania. We kicked off our journey by rocking out...
John Owens
- Aug 29, 2019
- 3 min
Music Under a Tree: Enjoying Nature & Music with Your Kids
As I sit in a hammock in my backyard playing the guitar, I enjoy the sounds of the birds, wind, and my little daughter singing. I can...
John Owens
- Aug 22, 2019
- 3 min
How to Write a Song With Your Kids
There is something magical about taking the time to create a song with your kids. A homemade tune can be about almost anything you or...
John Owens
- Aug 15, 2019
- 4 min
Why Parents Should Learn To Play a Musical Instrument Too
Have you ever noticed that your kids tend to copy the things that you do? Yep, those little ones want to be just like you. When you sit...
John Owens
- Aug 7, 2019
- 3 min
Supercharge Your Baby's Brain by Singing!
Can you think of a time that your precious little baby looked up at you and it melted your heart? Do you want to see more of your...
bottom of page