Todd
Meehan
Baylor University / Liquidrum
I have played Black Swamp gear for as long as I can remember. I still own and use my first BSP tambourine, a beryllium copper beauty dating from around 1998. I am proud to play and endorse these excellent instruments and count myself fortunate to be a part of such an incredible company comprising fantastic people and world class artists!
Todd's Percussion Pick
Over the past several years I've given a bunch of clinics and masterclasses on percussion accessory playing specifically. I love pulling my German Silver tambourine out of the bag during these sessions as my go-to demonstration instrument. It has such a classic sound — there's just something immediately recognizable about it. In my mind's ear it is simply what a tambourine should sound like and I love it!
Artist Q&A
What is the oldest BSP instrument you own? What was your first?
Beryllium Copper tambourine, probably circa 1998.
What does your typical practice routine look like? Do you have a favorite place to practice?
Because I teach and "admin" a lot my practice routines unfortunately aren't so predictable. When I have performances or projects in the queue I can easily slide back into a more systematized routine which typically includes intentional practice between 1-2 hours per day, at least four to five days a week. I believe in taking rest days and rest periods and have no qualms about taking time off. If I didn't do that over the course of my career I probably would have quit by now:) And I know I'll always get the itch to get back into the practice room once I've had some time off. My favorite place to practice? A sparse, quiet room with floor to ceiling windows looking out into nature...unfortunately I don't have access to any place like this. Ha!
What is your favorite practice technique? Anything creative or out of the ordinary?
I love using predetermined "time sets" for my practice sessions. This includes all aspects of the session from warm up to technique work to note learning to performance runs to cool downs. I play around with different time sets from session to session to try to maximize each component I'm working on. After each session a brief reflection period allows me to make an informed plan for what I'll hit in the next session (and for how long).
What is your favorite performance memory?
Hmmm. Performing with friends is the best. I've had the good fortune to play a lot of shows with a lot of good friends over the years, whether that's Doug Perkins or formerly with our friends in So Percussion. Anytime I'm on stage with my buds is a favorite performance memory.
What inspires your creativity?
Travel, gardening, hiking, food, and listening to singer/songwriters — really anything other than the music I play and/or teach on the daily. I have to have time away from it to recharge and hopefully spark new creativity.