Rich Stitzel
Drummer, Percussionist, Educator, Author, Composer
Welcome my friend. I’m Rich Stitzel and I’m the founder of The DrumMantra.
If you’ve ever struggled with your time, reading, coordination, phrasing, groove, or your overall comfort behind the kit you are in the right place.
I am here to help you break through the barriers that keep most drummers from realizing their full potential. I have created exercises that, when mastered, will put you on the track to understanding how to develop your playing effectively and efficiently truly.
IÂ have been a professional drummer since 1991. I've toured the world and played with Grammy winners, platinum sellers, and countless artists spanning many genres of music in my 25+ year career.
IÂ proudly endorses the following companies:
Yamaha Drums, Evans Drumheads, Vic Firth Sticks, Low Boy Beaters, Moravian Percussion (The Boxkit), Polynome App., Prologix Percussion, Humes & Berg cases, and Sabian Cymbals.
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As an Author
I have published four books.
The first book is called “​The Foundational Series​”, which is a method for guiding drummers through a series of exercises intended to strengthen coordination, rhythm awareness, concentration, timing, phrasing, and creative expression. This book is a must for any serious student who is ready to go deeper with their practice.
The second book is called "​The Primary Series​" and picks up where the Foundational Series ends. The Primary Series is all about the 3:4, 5:4, and 3:5 polymetric relationships. This book is for advanced drummers.
The third book, The 100-Day Journal and Practice Log, carries the practitioner through over three months of practice with a daily quote for inspiration, a musical prompt for creativity, a place to track practice, and a place to write down ideas.
The fourth book is simply a Manuscript Notebook. 100 pages of blank manuscript paper for transcriptions, compositions, and general creative musical brainstorming.
As an Educator
I have worked with hundreds of students at all levels from beginners to college kids to professionals. I've has taught rock camps, jazz camps, workshops, and clinics all over the country. I currently have several hundred students from over 40 countries around the world studying my 30-day online course, “The DrumMantra3030”, as well as the exercises from his books & “boutique” drum set lesson packs.
As a Podcaster
I have gathered an abundance of insight into the artistic side of being a drummer, as well as the professional/business side and I love to share what I've learned with everyone.
“​The DrumMantra Podcast​” has received several accolades:
"The 20 Best Music Theory Podcasts of 2021" by Welp Magazine.
"#4 of Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021" by Feedspot
"Top 10 Music Theory Podcasts You Must Follow in 2020" by FeedSpot
"The 11 Best Podcasts for Exploring Music Theory Concepts on the Go in 2019" by Soundfly.
The DrumMantra Podcast is all about going deeper with your practice in music & drumming.
The goal is to advance the listener's confidence, insight, and inspiration through discussions on topics like approaches to practice, rhythmic concepts, technique, theory, creativity, gear, and the music business.
The host, Rich Stitzel, is a veteran drummer, author, and educator with over 30 years of professional experience as a full-time musician.
As a Host
I have been hosting a Masterclass session called The DrumMantra Masters Series since the beginning of 2020, and has accumulated quite a list of world-class educators and performers.
These masterclasses happen on Zoom (for now) and have been attended by hundreds of drummers from around the world!
I'm honored that these incredible players and educators are associated with DrumMantra.
As a Guest Artist
It's always an honor to be the guest artist for various events that feature music & drumming. From music stores to schools, to online events, to public events - Let's do something together!
