Which technique was your favorite? 🤘 If you enjoyed this video with Nick and Matt, let us know by hitting those like and subscribe buttons!

I’m a relatively new Periphery fan, I started listening right when Hail Stan came out, and started listening to the whole discography because I loved it. I knew Matt did some clinics but I never knew he did them before every show, I have a whole new level of respect on for him, on top of him being one of my favorite drummers. Just makes me want to go to a Periphery show even more now.

I'm not even a drummer, and I found this incredibly insightful!

I'm an old school "Neil Peart days" drummer and I found this to be very refreshing. Perspective was wayyyy different than what I was taught and Matt's was welcomed with open arms. Great teacher and great advice!

I’ve been to Matt’s preshow class, and it was an absolute pleasure. He was super cool to talk to, and learning specific parts of Periphery songs and just his technique in person, was outstanding. I normally turn my nose up to using another artist’s signature gear when I’m trying to make my own name, but his Pearl snare is an absolute godsend! Plus, the fact that he’s so genuine and an inspiration to me, made his signature snare mean a little more. I’m a big, Matt. Thanks to you and Sweetwater for this video!

As a teacher, I think this is one of the most insightful lessons on fundamental techniques INCLUDING on how to look like how drummers are supposed to in front of a kit (fun). That’s the whole point of playing drums right? Fun! Great job Matt. Nick ur da man! Great content. There is so much takeaway here.

I really like his explanation about advice for beginner drummers. You play the drums but the drums also play you back with impact and sound. When a drummer responds to their own playing it really makes its different

I took one of the classes with Matt in 2019. He said he had 90 mins and wound up staying almost double that. Took all of our questions, and went above and beyond. I have some of the info recorded and should post it on IG. Matt is a GREAT guy. Makes himself available, and is always kind.

What makes Matt my favorite is how unbelievably talented he is, but also how accessible he is to his fans. It's like the best of both worlds.

I did a clinic with Matt, JP Bouvet, and Mike Johnston about 10 years ago in KC. They were great to see in person. All 3 down to earth and you could tell they had so much joy performing and teaching

Mr Halpern, you are a fantastic storyteller, teacher, drummer and such a nice hang ! Thanks for sharing these concepts of yours.

This lesson is amazing! I love how Matt explains the evaluation of start with linear grooves with just your left hand, then your hand and foot, to straight grooves with ghost noted and accented hands and feet, to advanced drumming he really is a huge inspiration to the drumming community. Also does anyone know the hi hat he is using

I loved Periphery for many years and Matt is one of my absolute favourite drummers. I've been playing drums for 34 years and I'm not even remotely near him in skills. For me getting to Matts level is totally impossible. I love his playing. Having that said, I can do most of these things in a basic way. I'm quite detached and loose, but I can never do the more complex stuff Matt does here.

Matt halpern is not only a phenomenal drummer but also an amazing talker haha. Some guys when they talk don’t sound confident and sounds like they don’t want to be there…halpern’s passion for teaching and drums in general really shows through in the way he communicates the way he talks and even his hand motion when he talks. He’s totally invested and believes every single thing he says which is what you want. Also drum companies all hop on halpern cause he’s a great spokesman for these respected brands and he can really break down all his signature products or gear he plays and go into detail about the entire process and he really does make you want to buy these products haha. Also side note props to nick D who is also a phenomenal drummer who just sat there as if he was a beginner interested and paying attention to everything halpern was saying even though he might already know all this stuff. Loved how nick just let matt do his thing and followed along and gave him all the time and space he needed and not cutting him off or acting like he was too good for these lessons

Nick, THX for bringing this fab video to the Drumming Public. I was unfamiliar with Matt, but I am Now!! I'm a 70 year old man, retired in 2021 with some spinal/arthritic issues. I play drums as a recreation / Hobby for retirement enjoyment. The playing was resurrected after a 50 Year Hiatus when in 1969, had to hang up the Sticks since our "garage"and of HS Buddies went out different ways in life. In 1966 I took 6-8 drum lessons at our local Music Store in Flushing Queens, NY. Almost a stone's throw away from Shea Stadium (yes, a Mets Fan and of course home to The Beatles 1965 Concert). Aside from learning and practicing Paradiddles on a drum pad, after lesson 6 (?) , finally got onto the Drumset to play - the basic Jazz beat !! Oh Man, I was Hooked. Although I was shown and instructed to read drum music (I still have those Notes and original Drum practice pad), I played by Ear. But I never had instruction like THIS. Matt is terrific - Whatta Teacher. For me, at this late stage, playing these presented Shuffles - Grooves - would prove difficult with my limited dexterity (Arthritis SUX !!). So, I will watch these and like videos (from Nick, & others) to try to learn some more. Bottom line to me : I take some personal satisfaction of being able to play an Instrument. It is an exciting achievement in life. Akin to being able to hitting a Curveball !! (which I couldn't do too well). I am pretty happy that I can reasonably play to My Music: CCR, Stones, Beatles, Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Mellencamp, Eagles, Springsteen, The Byrds, The Hollies, Cars, Talking Heads, even Bonnie Rait and Linda Ronstadt, and more. "This is Not Work, This is Play"

This is one of the finest lessons I've watched. Matt Halpern is also a really talented and natual educator. Hope you can bring him on again in the future! Kudos to Nick D'Virgillio too for being such a great host.

Watched this two days ago and started applying the concepts and let me tell you, the change is immediate! Thank you Mr Halpern!

What I hear Matt saying is that you as the drummer are not only holding down the tempo and feel, but you are also a conductor. The ebb and flow of the song has to not only be heard, but also be seen during a performance as it unfolds from any type of beginning. Eventually, charging or strolling into the middle realms of the song. Finally, leading the audience to a burning, smashing halt or a slow burn into a sonic wonderland of the songs fading melody and complex or simple pattern. The audience does not wonder or have to inquire, "what do I do here"? "How does this feel"?

Mr Halpern’s infectious enthusiasm is a gift that he can barely contain. I wish piano teachers would work on such deep connections.

Props to a legend like Nick, that was a great interview! What an insanely talented drummer (and musician and teacher!) is Matt.

One of the best drum videos I’ve ever seen. Been playing almost 40 years, I worked at Guitar Center, been in a dozen different bands, recorded in real recording studios and still play local venues to this day. Fantastic video.

Very cool lesson. Iv caught myself stuttering on head movement when drumming I wasn’t sure if it was an issue that could affect your playing this man touched on that topic so gracefully.

His ability to teach is incredible. The flow of this lesson has helped me with things that weren’t making sense for the longest time. Grateful for this video and the time you took to do it. Cheers

26:33 That's what sold me on Periphery and Matt Halpern before I new his name. Went to see them live years ago, mostly to watch the opening act. Absolutely loved his groove and relaxed approach.

Fantastic drummer.Drummers today have soo many wonderful resources to learn from here on KZfaq. Such an exciting time.

I don’t even play drums, but I listened to this whole thing because it’s awesome content. Thanks Matt and Sweetwater.

Best single drum lesson I’ve ever heard! Damn. No wonder his signature sneeze drum sounds so good!

I’m a punk drummer, I play fast, hard… for about 1.5 years now.. I love all music.. I believe in what Matt says, it’s been in tuition for me, except I never put this much thought in to it.. I’m going to fallow all his steps today!! And I’m sure I’ll see it in punk drummer at our next practice!! Thanks guys, this rocks!!

My favorite drummer hands down! You always know this man is having the time of his life whenever you watch him perform. Thanks for being an inspiration and for the great lesson. Been trying to work out those tasty ghost notes from The Bad Thing for a while now, this lesson will be a huge help in developing the skills to polish things up! Keep up the great work, and I hope to participate in a pre-show class whenever things get back to normal, *fingers crossed*.

Ya got to love a humble teacher... thanX brother Matt... 🙏

Two of my favorite drummers of all time, and the in person clinic is awesome. Definitely recommend to any drummer

Hey Matt you may not remember me but I was your father’s Maintenance tech at Bonnie Ridge apartments he turned me on to your music and have been a fan ever since doubt your dad remembers me hope he well stay safe

So cool! Such a thoughtful look into teaching and drums.

I already loved Matt as a drummer, and watching the video about his approach to teaching and to music as a whole was another level of inspiring. Thank you for the amazing lesson, you two!

My oldest son is a big Periphery fan and just recently got me listening to them. Great stuff!

Awesome, Thanks Nick!

Absolutely incredible lesson. I’be been trying on my own and looking for lessons on how to look like a drummer when I play. I was starting to think it’s something that can’t be taught. THANK YOU! 🤘😝

Single-handedly one of the best lessons ever. Matt is awesome. And let’s not forget that Nick is an incredible drummer too, I haven’t hardly seen anything in the comments about his background but he’s one helluva player.

Absolutely loved this ! Can't wait to teach some of those things to my own students. This will help a lot to relax and have more fun. Thanks for the very interesting insight

I love this. Great lesson. Thank you Matt and Sweetwater for this video. Simple yet effective and pays dividends

This was an amazing lesson! I had to pause it five times and rewind it cause I kept picking my sticks up! Thank you so much, Matt and Nick! I'm a drummer of 20+ years and I'll be using most of these practice methods for the rest of my life.

This is one of those lessons one occasionally stumbles upon that I know from deep in the Mariana's Trench of my heart is saving me from years of frustration trying to play with this level of nuance while being ignorant of the first principles: movement and flow, simple before complex, slow before fast. God love you, Matt.

Holly molly what amazing tips from Matt, the counting thing is genius

Matt is a phenomenal drummer that, as mainly a guitarist (bassist and drummer also), helped me with my freestyle playing. Especially songwriting. Multiple avenues of styles and new ideas applied with the approach. Thanks Matt 🤘🏽.

I met Matt in Germany some years ago for one of his one-on-one class, I never forgot his advices, it was a great experience ! :)

As a drummer, this was really good. But as a drum instructor, this was off-the-charts insightful and prompted a cascade of teaching ideas. Thanks!

What a great human being. I always loved drums (I consider myself a guitar player trapped in a drummers body) but now I really want to learn how to play. There's something about the connection with the music and other people that only drums can get.

What's great with this is you know as a drummer that this is something you unconsciously do but Matt goes into as to why and how it's helpful to your playing. Great stuff!

Wow, this is one of the best, if not the best lesson I’ve watched. Matt has Mastered teaching, in that the Student and the Teacher are both symbiotic and loving the process and the product. I’m loving the lesson, wanting to practice, and looking forward to the next exercise. Thank you Matt!

Watching Matt teach is pretty cool I love these concepts super helpful . Will be working on this from now on. Thank you Sweetwater !

Love you Matt! Always inspired by you, brother! Thank you for continuing to push me!

So happy to see this, this has been a LONG time coming.

This is great. This will help me in my playing, practicing and teaching. Never seen a video like this before. Thanks Nick and Matt!!!

After watching this my Rosanna Shuffle fell right into place. Thank you!!!!

really a great exchange. Matt is one of the most extraordinary drummers out there right now. it has its own note.

Thaaanks for this masterclass Sweetwater!!🙏🙏

This is great, love you both! Incredible lesson about learning how to have fun and relax.

One of my top 5 favorite drummers. His style, approach, and attitude are top knotch👌

1) amazing video 2) amazing concepts 3) Matt is a legend... Thank you for this Sweetwater 4) with my eyes closed, Matts voice reminds me of KennyBeats

How cool would it be to hang out with Matt and Nick for an hour or two!!

Excellent! I wish my first teacher back in the early '60s believed in making learning and playing FUN!!!

This is dope af. I actually taught myself some of these particularly while playing backwards to see if I could do it. Made all the subtlety of my dominant hand so apparent to me that the movement/pulse of my hand against off beats became really apparent. I love that this prog god is breaking things down into these simple but profound concepts. You can just tell this dudes mind body and soul lives in his kit. Thanks Matt. Keep killin it \m/

Love you Matt! Always a pleasure to learn from you.

I love this. Thanks so much for taking the time.

Outstanding. I’d love to hear more exercises !

thank you matt you really have inspired me to be a better musician and I don't play the drums but I am aware of the rhythms as an artist. you and nolly are my fav part of periphery.

This is very cool. Nice to hear about the people and concepts as well as the playing. Matt sounds great and Nick is a wonderful host. Hope you keep this going.

Grt lesson. Thanks to u both 🍻

Yep, I needed this. Thanks Sweetwater for the videos and my kit.

Thanks Matt and Nick, that was great. Two great guys bought together to inspire us :)

Like you Nick l’ve been playing drums for a long time but never focused on this concept even though l’m applying it in a subtle way. I noticed right away when l tried this method my feel and groove on the drums improved dramatically. Well done Matt, thank you.

This guy is sooo cool, and this is by far the best drum lesson I have ever seen 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼💯💯💯

What a great idea! I love this. Matt is one of my favorite drummers of all time. He's one of the go to guys for that kind of crazy syncopated ghost notey stuff. Nick got serious chops too.

So much great information and inspiration here! I can identify with so many things that Matt touches on where I either have done in the past or still struggle with, but that all have absolutely advanced my drumming and myself as a musician :)

Invaluable lesson thank you soo much !

I suffer from the exact thing Matt said. Never learned the basic stuff of sitting comfortably and using my body to groove, and sort of check my skill against. This seems to be the essence of keeping time, as you feel yourself freeze during fills you speed up, whereas if you keep that central "body groove" going you'll never lose it through whatever you play. And if you do, it's a sign to practice more on getting comfortable. Haven't seriously played drums in a really long time, but this is getting some juice moving

Rythm beast and a fluffy malamute at the same time. Matt is fantastic. By far my fave drummer.

This is awesome info! Watched it twice, and now I'm gonna practice! Thanks Sweetwater, and Matt!

i love these guys!

What a lesson! Thank you Matt.

Totally badass lesson! I learned a lot and will be trying out some of these ideas.

Brilliant lesson! Lightbulb moment for me.

Thanks Sweetwater Nick and Matt for this awesome video. As a super experienced drummer I have to admit at first I was like come on this seems really basic until I tried the head nod with some Michael Jackson beats and wow was it a challenge. I’ve seen Matt live and met him several times and he is simply a class act and a super cool dude and an amazing instructor. I’ll be re watching this from behind the kit soon. Happy New Year to all

Been a Periphery fan since the first album, so this was awesome! Also regarding JP filling in for Matt, if you haven't seen that, it's definitely worth watching!

This was phenomenal 👍😁

Very unique & cool lesson, much appreciated

I appreciated the one hand exercise, great video, sweet water is awesome.

Good stuff!

How much do I love this guy 🤌

Nick is just so cool! And Matt’s a beast!

Love this lesson. Very practical

very good advices Matt!

He also gives advice on becoming successful thanks again matt

Nowadays everything is one click away...but I think the searching and try to discover what you listening makes you better. I'm in the middle of this two generations, and I think it's much more difficult concentrate and evolve. Most part of the begginers are always searching the easiest way to improve instead of practice and evolve by practicing. Thanks for the video Sweetwater and Matt.

Excellent.

I really like this guy’s approach

Nick is an amazing drummer... I saw a video on an old Hudson music disc I had where he was singing and playing. It’s funny to see Matt teach him how to count out loud 🤣

He truly loves to teach. “Have fun with it!” -Hugh Neutron

Really enjoyed this!!! 🥁🥁🥁

Great stuff, thank you guys for sharing.