Peter Retzlaff

@UCp6WKHF2iLGgl6JCUVJqJMQ - 305 subscribers

NYC based Drummer, Author, and Educator

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Six night run at @bluenotenewyork1442 with two-time Grammy winner @Dianeschuur. Played@CANOPUSDRUMS

Six night run at @bluenotenewyork1442 with two-time Grammy winner @Dianeschuur. Played@CANOPUSDRUMS Peter Retzlaff

5 views - 1 week ago

Great clip of the #billevans trio from the 1970s with the masterful Marty Morell and Eddie Gomez.

Great clip of the #billevans trio from the 1970s with the masterful Marty Morell and Eddie Gomez. Peter Retzlaff

5 views - 1 week ago

#ChrisDave playing an interesting version of the #HerbieHancock classic #actualproof. Well done 🔥

#ChrisDave playing an interesting version of the #HerbieHancock classic #actualproof. Well done 🔥 Peter Retzlaff

14 views - 2 weeks ago

Measures 11/12 from page 42 of Jim Chapin’s book #AdvancedTechniquesForTheModernDrummer 📕

Measures 11/12 from page 42 of Jim Chapin’s book #AdvancedTechniquesForTheModernDrummer 📕 Peter Retzlaff

13 views - 4 weeks ago

I’m playing to an uptempo track from the book #babystepstogiantsteps which I co-wrote with #jimrupp.

I’m playing to an uptempo track from the book #babystepstogiantsteps which I co-wrote with #jimrupp. Peter Retzlaff

9 views - 4 weeks ago

This follow up video builds upon my previous video called “Finger Conditioning And Control.”

This follow up video builds upon my previous video called “Finger Conditioning And Control.” Peter Retzlaff

26 views - 4 weeks ago

This is an amazing document of drumming legend #phillyjoejones in 1978.

This is an amazing document of drumming legend #phillyjoejones in 1978. Peter Retzlaff

32 views - 4 weeks ago

Improvising between the snare and bass while playing an open quarter note hi hat sound.

Improvising between the snare and bass while playing an open quarter note hi hat sound. Peter Retzlaff

33 views - 4 weeks ago

Jazz innovator #dizzygillespie talking about the invention of the term #bebop and the movement.

Jazz innovator #dizzygillespie talking about the invention of the term #bebop and the movement. Peter Retzlaff

8 views - 4 weeks ago

Isolating each position in the video does wonders for one’s ability to develop the fingers.

Isolating each position in the video does wonders for one’s ability to develop the fingers. Peter Retzlaff

67 views - 4 weeks ago

Here’s a great video of #themeters in 1974. Courtesy of Cyril Neville. Look-Ka Py Py

Here’s a great video of #themeters in 1974. Courtesy of Cyril Neville. Look-Ka Py Py Peter Retzlaff

11 views - 4 weeks ago

#tonywilliams uptempo ride playing set a new standard in sound, feel, and in his cymbal vocabulary.

#tonywilliams uptempo ride playing set a new standard in sound, feel, and in his cymbal vocabulary. Peter Retzlaff

414 views - 1 month ago

1-short bursts 2-longer streams of notes 3-dynamics. Thumb up position as well as hands turned over.

1-short bursts 2-longer streams of notes 3-dynamics. Thumb up position as well as hands turned over. Peter Retzlaff

10 views - 1 month ago

Vintage K cymbal. Inspired by the sound that masters #elvinjones and #jackdejohnette favored.

Vintage K cymbal. Inspired by the sound that masters #elvinjones and #jackdejohnette favored. Peter Retzlaff

19 views - 1 month ago

This explanation of the evolution of rock and roll by musical giant Steve Jordan is brilliant.

This explanation of the evolution of rock and roll by musical giant Steve Jordan is brilliant. Peter Retzlaff

87 views - 1 month ago

I saw and heard Brian live a few years before this video was made. It reminds me of those times.

I saw and heard Brian live a few years before this video was made. It reminds me of those times. Peter Retzlaff

12 views - 1 month ago

I’m creating a 3 way #conversation between my #snaredrum, #bassdrum, and #hihat in the moment.

I’m creating a 3 way #conversation between my #snaredrum, #bassdrum, and #hihat in the moment. Peter Retzlaff

6 views - 1 month ago

It’s interesting to get master pianist Harold Mabern’s take on playing with several drumming greats.

It’s interesting to get master pianist Harold Mabern’s take on playing with several drumming greats. Peter Retzlaff

23 views - 1 month ago

This phrase is from page 31 of Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer, by Jim Chapin.

This phrase is from page 31 of Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer, by Jim Chapin. Peter Retzlaff

245 views - 1 month ago

This lofi vibe fits the groove. Sounds and feels like the earth, not a computer program

This lofi vibe fits the groove. Sounds and feels like the earth, not a computer program Peter Retzlaff

57 views - 1 month ago

This sequence is a great way to work on doubles from slow to fast in a measured way.

This sequence is a great way to work on doubles from slow to fast in a measured way. Peter Retzlaff

22 views - 3 months ago

Steely Dan co-leader Donald Fagen explains why drummer Bernard Purdie gets such good funk tracks.

Steely Dan co-leader Donald Fagen explains why drummer Bernard Purdie gets such good funk tracks. Peter Retzlaff

15 views - 3 months ago

See you next year… Here’s a clip of me performing at my clinic at the 2007 PASIC convention.

See you next year… Here’s a clip of me performing at my clinic at the 2007 PASIC convention. Peter Retzlaff

25 views - 3 months ago

Tony Williams Lifetime Live at the Berliner Jazztage November 7th, 1971

Tony Williams Lifetime Live at the Berliner Jazztage November 7th, 1971 Peter Retzlaff

27 views - 4 months ago

My set is tuned for jazz. I like how sound affects the feel and this drum video is a good example.

My set is tuned for jazz. I like how sound affects the feel and this drum video is a good example. Peter Retzlaff

266 views - 4 months ago

Jeff "Tain" Watts tearin it up playing the classic ride belonging to drumming great #alfoster 🙏

Jeff "Tain" Watts tearin it up playing the classic ride belonging to drumming great #alfoster 🙏 Peter Retzlaff

228 views - 5 months ago

In a recent video, I played an exercise by Jack DeJohnette on a drum pad, today on the drum set.

In a recent video, I played an exercise by Jack DeJohnette on a drum pad, today on the drum set. Peter Retzlaff

41 views - 5 months ago

Here’s a funky beat that I made up the other day. I created it using phrases that I put together.

Here’s a funky beat that I made up the other day. I created it using phrases that I put together. Peter Retzlaff

10 views - 5 months ago

In this 1962 clip, drumming great Kenny Clarke sounds like he could be playing a gig in 2025.

In this 1962 clip, drumming great Kenny Clarke sounds like he could be playing a gig in 2025. Peter Retzlaff

16 views - 5 months ago

The world of modern drumming is interconnected. DM me if you want to get your playing together.

The world of modern drumming is interconnected. DM me if you want to get your playing together. Peter Retzlaff

6 views - 5 months ago

Q and A is fundamental to music just as its fundamental to human communication.

Q and A is fundamental to music just as its fundamental to human communication. Peter Retzlaff

30 views - 6 months ago

Here’s a great video of the Bill Evans trio with Marty Morell and Eddie Gomez.

Here’s a great video of the Bill Evans trio with Marty Morell and Eddie Gomez. Peter Retzlaff

235 views - 6 months ago

Last weeks throwback post was fun. Here’s a drum solo from the same video. Good memories…#tbt

Last weeks throwback post was fun. Here’s a drum solo from the same video. Good memories…#tbt Peter Retzlaff

5 views - 6 months ago

Here’s a video of me playing a long time ago… I forget what year, but it was really fun!

Here’s a video of me playing a long time ago… I forget what year, but it was really fun! Peter Retzlaff

5 views - 6 months ago

Elvin Jones’ discography is so varied and vast, but we all love it when his time starts rolling.

Elvin Jones’ discography is so varied and vast, but we all love it when his time starts rolling. Peter Retzlaff

65 views - 7 months ago

HAND CHALLENGE IN 7/4

HAND CHALLENGE IN 7/4 Peter Retzlaff

74 views - 7 months ago

Playing phrases between snare and bass, and I’m trying to be really clear. Clarity is key in music.

Playing phrases between snare and bass, and I’m trying to be really clear. Clarity is key in music. Peter Retzlaff

47 views - 7 months ago

The 1/2 time shuffle is such an iconic groove. It’s also known as “The Purdie Shuffle”

The 1/2 time shuffle is such an iconic groove. It’s also known as “The Purdie Shuffle” Peter Retzlaff

430 views - 8 months ago

Sabian 18” HHX Anthology Low Bell Crash on the bottom + Sabian 18” HHX Complex Thin Crash on the top

Sabian 18” HHX Anthology Low Bell Crash on the bottom + Sabian 18” HHX Complex Thin Crash on the top Peter Retzlaff

28 views - 8 months ago

Check out Dennis playing a cool 1/2 time shuffle variation on Leni Stern’s song Groundhog.

Check out Dennis playing a cool 1/2 time shuffle variation on Leni Stern’s song Groundhog. Peter Retzlaff

26 views - 8 months ago

Upload your version using this hashtag: #6and7strokerolltrades

Upload your version using this hashtag: #6and7strokerolltrades Peter Retzlaff

11 views - 8 months ago

June 2, 2025 Peter Retzlaff

55 views - 8 months ago

Today is my birthday. It’s been a great year. Say hi, I’d love to hear from you 💥💥

Today is my birthday. It’s been a great year. Say hi, I’d love to hear from you 💥💥 Peter Retzlaff

130 views - 9 months ago

I’ve found some cool drum language that I like to play by “free play” or playing freely.

I’ve found some cool drum language that I like to play by “free play” or playing freely. Peter Retzlaff

107 views - 9 months ago

Exploring your musical ideas by just playing is so important. Have fun exploring YOUR ideas!

Exploring your musical ideas by just playing is so important. Have fun exploring YOUR ideas! Peter Retzlaff

43 views - 11 months ago

Playing the ride cymbal with limitations

Playing the ride cymbal with limitations Peter Retzlaff

287 views - 1 year ago

Triplet Afro-Cuban influenced/loose jazz drumming with some smokin’ piano and bass!

Triplet Afro-Cuban influenced/loose jazz drumming with some smokin’ piano and bass! Peter Retzlaff

89 views - 1 year ago

October 4, 2024

October 4, 2024 Peter Retzlaff

32 views - 1 year ago

September 17, 2024

September 17, 2024 Peter Retzlaff

19 views - 1 year ago

September 11, 2024

September 11, 2024 Peter Retzlaff

44 views - 1 year ago

September 9, 2024

September 9, 2024 Peter Retzlaff

93 views - 1 year ago

I just did a promo video for #tonewings. Check them out!

I just did a promo video for #tonewings. Check them out! Peter Retzlaff

53 views - 1 year ago

June 5, 2024 Peter Retzlaff

11 views - 1 year ago

Music business is ever changing. In the words of jazz great Victor Lewis, “I want to participate.”

Music business is ever changing. In the words of jazz great Victor Lewis, “I want to participate.” Peter Retzlaff

11 views - 1 year ago

What’s in your head?

What’s in your head? Peter Retzlaff

12 views - 1 year ago

Here’s video of me, Howard Britz & Sam Bevan playing Howard’s song ‘Lucky Friday The 13th’

Here’s video of me, Howard Britz & Sam Bevan playing Howard’s song ‘Lucky Friday The 13th’ Peter Retzlaff

36 views - 1 year ago

Don’t let “doom and gloom” run your life.#doomandgloom

Don’t let “doom and gloom” run your life.#doomandgloom Peter Retzlaff

33 views - 1 year ago

Playing freely Peter Retzlaff

30 views - 1 year ago

Allan Holdsworth classic Water On The Brain Pt 2 with Franco Vittore, Sean Conly and Alex Collins

Allan Holdsworth classic Water On The Brain Pt 2 with Franco Vittore, Sean Conly and Alex Collins Peter Retzlaff

16 views - 1 year ago

I used this Ted Reed pattern to develop my drumming. Working one idea can really help one progress.

I used this Ted Reed pattern to develop my drumming. Working one idea can really help one progress. Peter Retzlaff

26 views - 2 years ago