Q&A with Rick Latham: Celebrating 40 Years of Advanced Funk Studies

Rick Latham is known as one of the music industry’s most in-demand studio and touring drummers today, an exciting solo artist, acclaimed composer, globally renowned author, and drumming guru. It was the success of his groundbreaking drum text, Advanced Funk Studies , that launched him into the international percussion spotlight, but it has been his expertise as a versatile performer that has made him one of contemporary drummings' most respected players.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Advanced Funk Studies , and to celebrate, we spoke with Rick to learn more about his musical upbringing, influential instructors, challenges he’s overcome in his career, words of advice for drum teachers, and more.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a drummer?

It was in Columbia, South Carolina, around 12 years old that I realized drumming was meant for me. My older brother was taking piano lessons and he was also in the High School marching band. My parents were into the Big Band era and music was all around me. I was just naturally attracted to the sounds and especially the rhythm of various styles. It really just hit me like a ton of bricks, that this is what I wanted to do. I was initially self taught and got my first set of drums for Christmas that year, then eventually went on to join the bands and orchestras in school and begin to study privately later on.

Who was the most influential teacher that you had?

I would most certainly say that Harold Jones, my teacher at East Carolina University was my most influential teacher. Harold had such a command of all the percussion instruments and possessed a certain finesse and charisma that was simply captivating. His ability to share musical passion and knowledge and inspire students was really something I had never been exposed to. Every time he touched an instrument it was pure mastery and magic. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have studies with him and all of the excellent faculty at ECU during my undergrad studies.

What is your favorite aspect of being a drummer?

My favorite aspect is playing live and performing different styles of music with various artists. The feeling of exciting live performance with a great audience is a feeling like no other. Of course, I also enjoy recording, working with musicians of all genres, as well as teaching. It’s all good, however, I have to say... live performance really does it for me.

What has been your biggest challenge in your career?

For me, I feel the biggest challenge has been to keep up with technology surrounding music.. I’m fortunate to have my study at my home and I am constantly upgrading and experimenting with new ways to deliver my music, whether it is recording, teaching online, or producing other projects. Things change so quickly now, especially in the field of music. Electronics, new graphic techniques, publishing your work, delivery systems, computers, the internet, etc. All of these things need to be addressed and investigated in today’s world. I embrace the technology and take pride in the fact to have been among the first to publish my own books, upload lessons to the internet and record a drum loop sampling CD well before it became fashionable. I enjoy these challenges.

Do you have words of advice to percussion teachers right now?

The best advice I would give to any percussion teacher is stay current with your teaching.

Of course, the masters, great music, and various accepted techniques throughout history should be introduced but also embrace what is happening now. The use of classic methods as well as new and creative editions as well. Address the individual students needs as well as giving the tried and true historical and pedagogic knowledge

What’s your practice routine?

I actually do still practice every day. It may be only on a practice pad, snare drum, or full set but I play every day. Sometimes it’s just simple little rudimental things, to limber up my hands, arms, and wrists; or drumset things to work on my feet, bass drum control, or certain grooves. I also do a lot of recording in my home studio so I am playing everyday in one way or another.

What are your current musical goals?

My goal has always been to be the best musician that I can be. Always trying new things and pushing the envelope for new creativity. I have been working on a new snare drum book entitled “All American Snare Drumming” that I hope to finish and publish sometime soon and also a solo CD of original music that I would like to finish as well.

If you could have dinner with one drummer (past or present) who would it be, and why?

William F. Ludwig Sr., who started the Ludwig Drum Company and invented the bass drum pedal as we now know it today. He also is responsible for many other drum related accessories. It would be interesting to discuss the evolution and revolution of the drum industry with this gigantic innovator.