Inspiring Drummers Series: Takin' Care of Business: Drum DVD

This DVD captures drumming in a real professional context without pretense. Ashbaugh's willingness to share both his playing and his life on the road (including a genuine vocal-drum exchange with Justin Timberlake) makes this feel like an honest look at what working drummers actually do, rather than an idealized lesson. The combination of original material and remixed *NSYNC tracks gives students repertoire they already know and love to work with.

Energetic and accessible. The original songs and remixed *NSYNC material sit in a pop-rock pocket with clear grooves and driving rhythms that feel modern and engaging rather than academic or dated.

Drummers in middle school through early college who want to see professional pop-rock playing modeled by someone working at a high level. This works best for students drawn to contemporary music and those who benefit from learning through artists and songs they already respect.

• Study the original *NSYNC recordings before learning the remixed versions on the DVD. Knowing the vocal melodies and song structure helps you lock into the groove with intention rather than just playing along.
• Pay attention to dynamics during the vocal-drum challenge segment. Ashbaugh adapts his intensity to match the vocal line, not overpower it, a skill that transfers directly to ensemble playing.
• Use the tour bus section to understand practice discipline beyond the lesson itself. Notice what Ashbaugh prioritizes in his kit setup when space is limited; those choices reflect what matters most to his playing.

Use this as a supplemental resource for drummers working on groove consistency and pop-rock coordination rather than as a primary method. The DVD format and celebrity angle work well for motivation during independent practice or as a special viewing during a percussion unit when you want to show students what working drummers at a professional level actually do.

• Pop-rock groove pocket and subdivision consistency
• Dynamics and sensitivity when accompanying vocals
• Stamina and mental focus during extended playing
• Listening and adaptability to different song arrangements
• Understanding professional drum setup and practice habits