Episodes
Episodes



Friday Feb 07, 2025
26 | Memory
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
The Mikes attempt to remember each others' names and it proves difficult. Mike T. gets quite animated and goes on a lengthy monologue. He should have been sedated but wasn't. Overall, a great discussion of the reasons and techniques of memory and music, in our humble opinions.



Saturday Feb 01, 2025
25 | Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
The Mikes enter into a battle royale over the best etudes in this iconic text. Blood is shed, but feelings are not hurt. How to prepare these? Which ones should I play for an audition? Are they etudes or solos? Do they still matter?
Also, we originally recorded this with a video in mind but scrapped it. You'll understand once you listen. We hope you enjoy!



Sunday Jan 26, 2025
24 | Iannis Xenakis
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
The Mikes discuss one of the warhorses of 20th-century music: Iannis Xenakis. Fun debate, pieces we never knew, and of course, loud sounds!



Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Summer Reads!
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
http://www.mikedropduo.com
The Mikes discuss our summer reads, postulate about future reads, and fill in the cracks with the usual banter. Maybe one of these books will interest you!



Thursday Aug 08, 2024
23 | Getting in Shape
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
Thursday Aug 08, 2024
http://www.mikedropduo.com
As Mike C. once wonderfully mentioned, “you gotta show up for training camp in shape!” But how do you get in shape? The Mikes talk it out and offer some specific pieces, thoughts and tips!
00:00 - Three cool updates!
8:35 - It’s okay to have taken a break
12:00 - Breaks - do we need them? How to use them?
16:08 - Why do I have to be in shape?
21:34 - What does it take to get in shape?
30:08 - Mike T. benchmark pieces
34:04 - Mike C. benchmark pieces
39:24 - Building strength like weight lifting
45:45 - Be better than you were at the end of last year
49:31 - How do you not get bored?
58:43 - The Mikes share their exercises
1:04:40 - Getting organization and systems in place
1:15:11 - Mike C’s non-performance skills to be in shape
1:17:50 - Saving $
1:20:14 - Mike T. revisits organization priorities



Thursday Aug 01, 2024
22 | Musical Taste
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
The Mikes try to unpack a touchy subject: musical taste! What is it? How do you get it? How do you develop it? and more!



Thursday Jul 25, 2024
21 | Recording Debrief
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
The Mikes just recorded a few pieces (to be released…sometime)! Have you ever completed a recording session and thought “Did I do this right? Does anyone else feel the same way as I did?”
The Mikes break down their session and get into some deep philosophical topics about the recording process.



Thursday Jul 18, 2024
20 | Organizing Mallets and Music
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
The Mikes really like talking big pictures with the occasional fun detail. If you’re like the Mikes, this episode is for you! We get into the nitty-gritty about organizing all those pesky sticks, mallets and music (both physical and digital).
Have you ever questioned your organization? Compare yours against the Mikes. YouTube provides the bonus of some beneficial visual aids!
3:45 - How did you acquire all your sticks?
6:40 - How do you choose timp mallets for students?
12:07 - MC storage of mallets
28:43 - Big concepts - why does it matter?
24:20 - What about storing in multiple locations?
41:30 - timpani, tam, bass drum mallet storage
(derailed)
53:20 - Traveling with instruments
58:50 - How do we organize our music (digital and IRL
1:04:35 - Mike T.’s Paper Music Organization
1:21:25 - Is it worth it to invest in being organized?
Links:
https://www.miketruesdell.com/blog/gig-bags