Berklee.edu
November 6, 2008

Aerosmith dummer and Berklee alumnus Joey Kramer visited Berklee’s David Friend Recital Hall for a Q&A session with students.

Kramer attended Berklee in 1970, and, like many students in those days, left before finishing his degree in order to go on tour. Students asked not only about his practice techniques and advice for up-and-coming drummers, but also about the life experiences he gleaned from decades of performing.

Zildjian, Kramer’s sponsor, had a representative on hand with free merchandise for students….

For more on Aerosmith’s relationship with Berklee, read about Steven Tyler’s 2002 clinic and 2003 commencement address.

Photos by Phil Farnsworth

Kramer recounted his most memorable concert—his first drum solo, at Pontiac Stadium. He was scared, but took advice from Aerosmith’s former guitarist Raymond Tabano on how to build the solo, then stop when you reach the climax, rather than drawing it out.

“I fell victim to the lie that I was going to lose my fire if I got sober. It’s bullshit. It’s just an excuse. I enjoy my playing more now.”

Advice for drummers: “Hit ‘em hard. Have fun. Follow your dream.”

Kramer hung out after the clinic to talk to students and sign autographs.

More photos:  (here).