Performance

Vance Nurkala has been a drummer/percussionist for 28 years and has performed in a wide variety of musical groups. Throughout High School and College he performed in marching bands, jazz bands, pep bands, concert bands and percussion ensembles. He also played with local variety and wedding bands such as Center Stage & Runaway. In 1993 Vance moved from his home state of Michigan to Seattle. He and has been drumming in the local music scene with the bands Crybaby, Simple Machine, Chill Factor, Stranger By The Minute, iCandi, Idol Eyez and ML3 .

Vance has honed is experience with click tracks and playing along with sequences and is known for keeping a solid beat. He has pro gear, reliable transportation, and is dedicated to any project that he gets involved in. He is very punctual, orgainized, a fast learner, and he is very easy to get along with.

Vance is now available for live performances or session work! Call: 206-972-3786 or e-mail: rockdrumv@earthlink.net to get a hold of Vance and find out more!!!

Studio Session May 2010

Vance's Drum Clinic (April 6th, 2010) @ The Drum Exchange

Vance's Drum Rudiment Books For SALE!

Book #1

Step By Step Drum Rudiments For Snare Drum and Drum Set

Vol: 1 The Seven Essential Rudiments

Buy it on Amazon.com NOW!

This book concentrates on the Seven Essential Rudiments and goes into depth on each one. A page is dedicated to each rudiment and there are examples and exercises for both snare drum and the drum set. This Step-by-Step book is unique the way it visually connects photos of the strokes TO the notes for each rudiment. Photos of each stroke are connected to the notes to be played along with the sticking, counts, and syllable counts. There is even a more in-depth description of each rudiment on the side bar of each page. Alternative notation and sticking are also given. This is a more complete and easy way to learn the Seven Essential Rudiments than any other method that I've ever seen!

Book #2

Step By Step Drum Rudiments For Snare Drum and Drum Set

Vol: 2 The Forty Standard Rudiments

Buy it on Amazon.com Today!

This book concentrates on the Forty Standard Rudiments, and goes into depth on each one. A page or two is dedicated to every rudiment with examples and exercises for both snare drum and the drum set. This Step-by-Step book is unique the way it visually connects photos of the strokes TO the notes for each rudiment. Photos of each stroke are connected to the notes to be played along with the sticking, counts, and syllable counts. There is even a more in-depth description of each rudiment on the side bar of each page. Alternative notation and sticking are also given. This is the most complete and easy way to learn the Forty Standard Rudiments than any other method that I've ever seen!

Drum Book Testimonals:

"Step by Step Rudiments by Vance Nurkala, is a great drum book for
beginners through advanced players. For the beginner it is a great tool
to learn the traditions and notation of rudimental (fundamental) drumming.
For any drummer, the book will expand their vocabulary of drum techniques,
rolls, fills, and solos on the drumset.

The layout of Vance’s book is intelligent, logical and easy to read. Showing
technique in a book is always challenging. Vance’s book is full of pictures and
graphics that really help explain the mechanics of stick motion. Drum teachers
and band directors can quickly add this book to their current curriculum.

A drummer can go through this book on his/her own, and get a great workout
for years to come.  One page could easily give a student a week of material.
It is a comprehensive resource, and sure to become a solid addition to any
drummers educational library.”

Ed Hartman
Percussion Instructor/Author
YAMAHA Performing Artist

“This rudimental drumming book is the best on the market!
It is the only book of its kind that has illustrations of all the aspects of
rudimental drumming and reading music. It is easy to follow and is
great for either beginner or advanced drummers. This would be a great
teachers aid in school systems and for any instruction staff.”

Wayne Oien
Drumline Instructor
DCA Rudimental Snare Drumming individual competitor.

“This drum rudiment book has the best layout that I’ve seen and it’s
very well thought out. Good work!”

Gregg Keplinger
Master Drummer
Drum Builder: Keplinger Drums & Percussion, Ayotte
Drum Tech (Matt Cameron; Pearl Jam)

“I have found that your rudiment method is the perfect vehicle for use with
individual students as well as with small groups of percussionists. Whether
the students are beginners or advanced, the concise way that you have layed
out each rudiment makes very good sense for the teacher and the student.
 
From the top of each page with your pictures of hand and stick positioning
right on down to the various explanations, notation and playing examples,
this anthology is perfect for presenting the importance of learning the correct
way to play and use drum rudiments.

I applaud you for this great achievement and will encourage all those I come
in contact with to be sure to purchase their copies and get busy teaching the
basics of snare drumming-rudiments!
 My only regret is that after 37 years of teaching winds and percussion, you
beat me to the punch with this wonderful publication.” 

Gerry Anderson
Director of Bands, Retired
Negaunee Public Schools
Negaunee, Michigan

Call Vance: 206-972-3786 or e-mail: rockdrumv@earthlink.net