Drummantra

Drummantra Drummantra™ is the utilization of rhythm as a meditation for creative insight and practice in drumming.

Based primarily on polymetric relationships, but inspired by all rhythms. The DrumMantra is a form of musical “meditation” that is rooted in repetitive, cyclical, metric coordination patterns based on the art & science of poly-metric relationships. It is intended to ground the awareness and perception of time, rhythm, dynamics, phrasing, and balance through a vast series of poly-metric patterns an

d exercises. It is a companion guide to developing a deeper understanding of time. Because the DrumMantra transcends any music style or genre, it will allow whatever music we are playing to be more fluid, solid, and creative.

You've probably been seeing ads from this page featuring a drummer playing and inviting you to check out his educational...
09/25/2025

You've probably been seeing ads from this page featuring a drummer playing and inviting you to check out his educational program.

So... Who is this guy?
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Well, let me take a moment to introduce myself.

Hi, I’m Rich. Nice to meet you. 😊

For over 30 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of drumming—as a performer, educator, author, and creator of the DrumMantra Practice System. Drumming isn’t just my career; it’s my passion, my obsession, and my life’s work.
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Here’s a bit of my story:

A Lifetime of Rhythm
I’ve been a full-time professional drummer since 1993. My journey began like many others—filled with numerous gigs, countless hours of practice, and a relentless pursuit of mastery. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing on stages big and small, working with incredible musicians across genres, and recording music that I’m proud of.

But being a drummer is about more than playing gigs or recording tracks. It’s about growing. And that growth has always been the driving force behind everything I do.
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The Educator in Me
As much as I love performing, I discovered another passion along the way: teaching. I realized that I wanted to share the insights and discoveries I had made through decades of dedicated practice.

This desire led me to create the DrumMantra Practice System, a methodical, transformative approach to drumming that focuses on six key elements:

Timing
Reading
Coordination
Polymetric Awareness
Phrasing
Groove
This system combines physical technique with mental focus, helping drummers of all levels unlock their true potential.

I’ve written six books based on these principles, hosted hundreds of online practice sessions, and worked with drummers in over 40 countries. It’s been an honor to see how my methods have helped players at every level, from passionate hobbyists to seasoned professionals.
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What Sets Me Apart?
I’m not just a teacher—I’m a drummer who has been in the trenches. I know what it feels like to struggle with timing, confidence, and creativity. I’ve faced the frustration of hitting a plateau and the doubts that creep in when you feel like you’re not improving quickly enough.

That’s why my teaching goes beyond exercises and techniques. It’s about mindset, focus, and building a clear path to mastery.
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What’s DrumMantra All About?
DrumMantra is my way of giving back to the drumming community—a comprehensive practice system that helps drummers:

✅ Play with confidence and authority.
✅ Build a deeper understanding of rhythm and time.
✅ Unlock creative phrasing and soloing.
✅ Develop a groove that moves people—literally.

Whether it’s through my books, courses, or the Drumset Mastery Program, everything I do is designed to help drummers like you achieve real, measurable progress.
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Why I Do This
I believe in the transformative power of music. When you play drums at a high level, you don’t just inspire yourself—you inspire everyone around you.

That’s why I’m here: to guide, encourage, and push you to become the drummer you’ve always wanted to be.

If you’re ready to take your drumming to the next level, I’d love to help you get there.

In rhythm,
Rich

P.S. Want to know more about my journey and how it may be able to help you reach your goals as well? You can watch a short video here:
https://www.drummantra.com/drumsetmastery

“Imperfect action leads to insight more than insight leads to action.”I talk to drummers every week who want to improve—...
09/16/2025

“Imperfect action leads to insight more than insight leads to action.”

I talk to drummers every week who want to improve—but hold back because they think they need to be more ready first.

Truth is, you don’t get good before you start. You get good because you start.

I just wrote a new blog post about this idea—and why waiting for the perfect moment might be the very thing holding you back.

If you're serious about leveling up your drumming, this is for you.

👉 https://www.drummantra.com/blog/imperfect-action

Learn why imperfect action is the key to drumming growth. Break free from hesitation and discover how the DrumMantra system transforms serious players.

If you’ve been stuck wondering how to truly level up your drumming, this is for you. The Drumset Mastery Program is more...
07/22/2025

If you’ve been stuck wondering how to truly level up your drumming, this is for you.

The Drumset Mastery Program is more than just a course - it’s a complete transformation system rooted in structure, intention, and personal coaching.

Whether you’re a working pro or picking the sticks back up after years away, this year-long program is designed to unlock your confidence, coordination, groove, and creativity - no matter where you’re starting from.

Ready to see what it’s all about?

Master your drumming with a proven, year-long system. With expert coaching and structured practice, you can gain confidence, groove, and creative freedom.

If you're wondering about DrumMantra or the Drumset Mastery Program, this article explains them. If you are a pro, or as...
07/21/2025

If you're wondering about DrumMantra or the Drumset Mastery Program, this article explains them.

If you are a pro, or aspiring pro, this program can help you uncover some possible blind spots in your playing that are keeping you from reaching the next level of ability and confidence.

If you just want to get better at the drums and don't desire becoming a professional player, this program will give you tons of opportunity to hone your craft and feel great about your progress.

Its time to get serious. Its time to get better.

Waiting to get better will do nothing.

Go beyond chops—transform your drumming with the DrumMantra Practice System and Drumset Mastery Program. Clarity, confidence, real results. DrumMantra teaches time, reading, coordination, phrasing, and groove. Master drumming with a structured, mindful system built for serious, dedicated players.

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Evanston, IL

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Our Story

The DrumMantra was born in 2007 during a time when drummer, Rich Stitzel, was going through some big changes in his life. He was right in the middle of a robust music career doing studio work, playing with high profile artists in Chicago, and teaching private lessons at a very reputable studio, when he got the call to sub on a tour with Country Music superstar, Miranda Lambert. As much fun as that was for him, he realized that there was something deeper in his vision than being a sideman on big arena tours. This realization coincided with a feeling of exhaustion from teaching private lessons 25 hours a week.

Rich decided to make a big change in his life by quitting teaching, and dedicating that time to practicing. At the time, he had never composed any music or even really messed with much music software. But suddenly he found himself being invited to be a guest artist alongside Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee) and Glenn Kotche (Wilco) at the Elmhurst College Percussion Festival.

Stay tuned for more...