Mark Graham has been playing drums professionally for almost 50 years. Over those decades, he has developed an approach to the drum set as one single musical instrument, as opposed to an assembly of various sized drums and cymbals. From this perspective, the musical instrument takes its place in a supportive position, and the two primary focal points emerge – the musician, and the music to be played.
From these two points of focus, the musician and the music, studies of the drum set include:
- Hand Grip and Form
- Tension/Relaxation
- Stick Control
- Foot Technique
- Independence
- Reading and Interpreting Written Notation
- Understanding and Playing “Time”
- And possibly the most important, Listening
Becoming adept on the drum set in these areas frees the musician to be present for the music in the moment.
Mark Graham has performed, toured and/or recorded in:
New York, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Florida, Toronto, The Bahamas, and Tokyo
with:
Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Mike Richmond, Carlton Drinkard, Dom Um Romão, Freddy Cole, John Blake, Frank Tiberi, Will Lee, Steve Gilmore, Gene Cherico, Billy Drewes, Cyro Battista, Andy McKee, Dave Schroeder, Manuel Monteiro, Grupo Batucada, Jorge Silva, Minas, Steve Girardi, Mick Rossi, Jim Ridl, Reggie Hamilton, George Mesterhazy, Bob Newman, Craig Thomas, Bob Martin, Al Harrison, Damito Jo, Rosemary Clooney, and The Three Degrees, among others.
Mark Graham has studied with:
Elden “Buster” Bailey
Manuel Monteiro
Frank Malabe
Charli Persip
Tony DiNicola
John Civera
Ron DeStefano
