Knowledge can be acquired by a variety of different sources. We gain knowledge through our own experience, from stories or documents of other's experiences, conducting experiments or reviewing research done by us or others, and by using our imagination to connect with a higher source outside of ourselves. Knowledge can be converted into power by organizing it into definite plans, and taking action to move towards those plans. Power is essential in obtaining your desires; and in manifesting the successful accumulation of riches in your life.

What is the Mastermind group? It is a group of two or more people that work together in a spirit of harmony to share knowledge and effort in order to accomplish their dreams, desires and missions. No power compares to the power of a well-organized, well-selected Mastermind. Have you ever noticed how certain musicians or actors always seem to be spotted together or working on projects together even if they aren't in a band together? A few examples: Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, and Timbaland. James Franco, Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill and the other guys in the movie “This Is the End”. Travis Barker, Yelawolf, Tim Armstrong. Eminem and Dr. Dre; the list goes on. Look back at the “Rat Pack”. This is not something that has been told to me or “confirmed”, just my own observations. Again the bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Wu-Tang Clan that have been around forever are definitely on to something. These are all people that realize and utilize the POWER of a group of like-minded people harmoniously coming together to coordinate their knowledge and attain a definite purpose; resulting in massive amounts of success and money.

Often to find a proper Mastermind group that will really help skyrocket your success, you will have to make a financial investment. These days many of us are working on something that is more of a solo project in essence, but still need help in obtaining certain energy, plans, and accountability. This is a power that can only come from a group of powerful people. Your Mastermind group can be made up of people that each have their own mission and desires. Each member takes turns helping focus attention on the needs of each group member for a decided amount of time so as to come up with needed solutions. Are you ready to create a Mastermind group of your own?

This is something you can create with a band, a company, your “crew” or whoever you work with, and you can all participate for free, or the most qualified person can run it and charge a fee. There is an advantage to paying for your Mastermind group. Actually a few. First of all, you will always get more out of something you have financially invested in. The reasons for this I feel are fairly obvious. Second, if you are part of a Mastermind group that charges membership fees, it is probably well organized, which means it will have an experienced leader running the format and that makes it ten times more effective. There will be more accountability as an income is relied upon and used to be more consistent.

Next let's take a look at the other characteristic of the Mastermind. The “abstract” side of this powerful group. For some this will be difficult and maybe even impossible to comprehend. It may seem unbelievable or silly. But just look at all the greatest accomplishments throughout history and in the present day, they can easily be traced back and credited to the power of the Mastermind. I myself have proof that it works. I saw enormous success after becoming and continuing to be a part of a carefully selected Mastermind group. It keeps me accountable, and it gives me access to the storage of power otherwise not accessible. Back to the point, how does it work? “No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind” -N.H.

You are who you hang out with. This is another advantage of a proper Mastermind group. You will start to think differently. You will think in ways that will produce big financial results. You will be positively influenced by people that are bettering their lives, and have the right mindset to accomplish whatever is desired. You will pick up higher education by auditory means and osmosis. You will develop success habits, and feel motivated to accomplish more, in less time.

Once you make this a priority be sure to pay attention; you will rapidly attract your Mastermind group. The ether responds to this type of energy with ultimate efficiency. Another option I still use, even though I have a real live group I am part of, is an “imaginary” Mastermind. This may sound even stranger, but it works! I believe it works for a number of reasons. One, because it gets you to dedicate time to focusing on exactly what you want, and what kind of partnerships you desire. Two, because I feel that successful people are very in tune psychically, and in some way reachable when we send out positive thought vibrations into the ether. Three, I firmly believe in the Law of Attraction when followed by action. I have personally had success with this process. It is fun, and effective. It is also cool because it gives you access to people you may otherwise not have access to.

You can utilize this incredibly powerful tool. For a more in depth look at The Mastermind group, get your copy of the full D&G$ book here 

Until Next Time ...
LUCA$
OWNER/BOSS D&G$

When we are unsure or indecisive, we are led to fear. This in turn leads to doubt. These undetected and uncontrolled negative influences can come in slowly and grow like a virus in every aspect of our lives. I once heard the clever quote, “No man can make progress when wavering between two opposites”. I lost who this insightful quote is from, but it is so true and important. Faith and fear cannot coexist harmoniously. If indecision is present, one will not pick a direction and move toward it. You will be stuck in limbo, back and forth, never moving in a solid direction. This makes progress impossible.

I want to talk about the two main fears that I see stand in the way and bully people most. I felt it necessary to include it to help shine light on why most people are not successful and even many are broke. These two fears are responsible for why most people never even try to follow their true passion in life. They are why most people play it safe in career and never fully, persistently pursue their life's true purpose in music and drumming, or anything else for that matter. It is easy to push them aside and claim they don't apply to you, however this only hurts you. It is worthwhile to attempt to see either of these fears may lie hidden or obvious in your conscious or subconscious mind. Shining light on the presence of either or both of these will be an essential step in your success.
1) The fear of poverty
2) The fear of criticism

Let's talk about the fear of poverty. Poverty and riches cannot coexist. They are two roads leading opposite directions. This being said you must choose to accept one or the other, and never turn back. It goes back to the wavering quote, “you cannot progress unless you choose a path”. Just choosing is not enough, but it is the first essential step. We must refuse any circumstances, thoughts, people, or patterns that lead to poverty in order to obtain riches. It is the starting point that leads to riches. In essence it is desire, which we have been talking about in previous chapters, and will now further discuss the practical application.

The fear of poverty is the most destructive fear. It is the most difficult to master. Acceptance is the key. Once we can shine the light of truth on this matter of fear (which is all in our mind) we can overcome it. But not until we can admit it is there. Throughout history, we have been measured in worth by our financial success. Regardless of the method of obtaining riches, those who have are often worshiped and envied. On the other hand, people lacking in money are left with less respect, for themselves and from society. They have less choices and are often thrown into a downward spiral until eventually identifying and becoming proud to be a “broke” victim of struggling musician syndrome. Poverty brings suffering of many different forms, hence the paralyzing fear that is hiding behind every choice, possible opportunity, chance, and investment.

To combat the fear of poverty engage in practices to stay in an abundance mind set. Hang with others that are optimistic and taking action towards reaching their goals. Stay focussed on what you can do each day, each moment to move closer to what you want. Study other successful people, and join a community of hustlers like the D&G$ family. 

Next is the fear of criticism. Or the fear of "haters". This is another fear worth taking a deeper look into, as it is responsible for most of the failure present, and more so responsible for people quitting before even trying. The fear of being criticized, or "hated on" is a paralyzing fear for many drummers and artists. Being in a creative field such as drumming or music, comes with the territory of being vulnerable in a sense. We put our hard work and ideas out there to be judged. Springing from a desire to share, inspire, entertain comes with the possibility of people criticizing and talking shit on our hard work.

Criticism is petty and trivial. It comes from fear itself. Most people don't inherently have the confidence or courage to go against the grain. Most people are always trying to "fit in" and go with the what's socially fed to us as the norm as to avoid criticism. Not often will you find a person with the courage to openly go against the grain and state different beliefs or ideas from the surrounding society. I'm guessing however, as you are reading this book, you are not "the norm". I'm guessing that you do not worry about going with the flow of least resistance  nor criticize those that don't.

There will always be haters. The way I like to look at them is like a pesky fly. It's not impossible to catch and kill, but it is an easy way to get distracted, and make a mess. I look at haters as a sign of success. The more they lash out and try to discourage you, the more progress you make and bigger threat you are. If you weren't doing something great, people wouldn't have a strong emotion evoked that they felt they had to express through criticism.

Once we identify and eliminate these fears with awareness and mindfulness, we can express ourselves fully, without reservation, and become creative powerhouses that can openly, honestly share our talents, and get paid thousands to millions of dollars to do so. You also must remember that hating on others holds you back, and keeps you in an energy of lack. If you notice yourself or others starting to criticize or hate, do everyone a favor and change direction to appreciation. If you can't appreciate, at least keep negative comments to yourself as they only turn successful positive people off and blow potential gigs and opportunities you may otherwise get.

Seek company of those that encourage you to think and act for yourself. Avoid "complainers" like the plague. Keep aware to all influences that are around, subtle and obvious. The idle mind is the property of who or whatever comes around. In other words, always be aware and in control of what influences surround you. Stay focused on creative, positive, people and influences, and you will attract just that. You will create habits of productivity, creation, collaborations, growing, and prosperity. Avoid advice from others. Especially unsolicited advice usually from those that are unhappy, unsuccessful, and unhealthy.

You have absolute control of your own thoughts if you choose. This is significant and inspiring. If you fail to control your own mind, you surely will control nothing else. "Anything the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve" Napoleon Hill.

Haters Goin Hate, And Winners Goin Win! Be a Winner and keep your eye on the prize.
Remember this is just scratching the surface.. for the full chapter on this topic and more check out the Drum and Grow Rich book or Online Academy.

There are several different drum rudiments, however, 40 of them have made the cut as the most important and popular rudiments to learn and use. If you want to learn all 40, Vic Firth has a guide on their website, but for now let’s take a look at some of the most basic rudiments that you will use in your drum lessons.

​Before we get started, note that the letters “R” and “L” tell you which drum or hand to play. R = right hand and L = left hand.
The Single Stroke RollThis is the most basic of all the rudiments. This is what you would naturally play if you just picked up the sticks and started playing. The pattern is R, L, R, L.
Lead with your right hand when you play this stroke, and it turns into a roll as the tempo increases.
Once you’ve learned the single stroke roll, try to play the same pattern leading with your left hand:  L, R, L, R.
Double Stroke RollNow we get into our double strokes. The right and left hand lead will apply here as well. This is where two strokes will be played on each hand R, R, L, L (right hand lead) or L, L, R, R (left hand lead).
Double stroke rolls are sometimes called “diddles.”
ParadiddleThe paradiddle is one of the most famous and important rudiments to master. It has several variations and can be applied in so many cool ways. The pattern is R, L, R, R, L, R, L, L. The pattern is all eighth notes.
Now that you have a basic overview of the essential rudiments, let’s take a look at some other common drum terms.
2. Drum FillA drum fill, also called a lick or a chop, is a phrase you play to fill in space between sections of a song, or to take you and the band to the next section like the verse, chorus, or bridge.
3. Drum ThroneThe seat that the drummer sits on is often referred to as the throne. Yes, just like royalty, the drummer gets a special seat.
4. Traditional and Matched GripThese terms describe how you hold the drum sticks. In the traditional grip, you hold the left stick like a fork, and the right stick like a wand.
With a matched grip, hold both sticks like a wand with your palms facing down.
5. Groove or BeatThe drum groove or beat, is a rhythmic pattern you play to the music that keeps the time.
6. TempoTempo refers to the time or speed. Sometimes drummers will use a click track or metronome to practice and work on improving their tempo. Some bands and drummers even play live shows with a click track.
The list of drum terms goes on and on, and you will discover a lot more as you continue your drum lessons. If you ever hear a new term that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask someone what it means. You may feel silly at first, but it’s the best way to learn and increase your drum vocabulary.
I hope you enjoyed this and learned a few terms that you can use. Keep on shredding,that means playing drums like crazy!