MasterClass: Ringo Starr Teaches Drumming & Creative Collaboration

Ringo tells the origin story of his entry into the world of drumming, and shares insights that will help you find your own creative voice.

Listening to a wide variety of music as a youth helped inform Ringo’s sound and direction, as did playing in many different bands. He advises you to listen widely and play as much as possible. You’ll also get his take on rock’s evolution.

From his time in The Beatles and beyond, Ringo talks about using drums to frame and elevate other musicians and singers. He also emphasizes the special energy of the first take, and trusting your first, if imperfect, approach to songs and fills.

Ringo explains the roles of the kit’s different drums and cymbals, emphasizing being creative with the drums you have, rather than building a giant kit. He also introduces members to other percussion instruments, like tambourine and cowbell.

Through anecdotes, Ringo shares how he found his own sound and modified his kit with tea towels to get just the right feel, encouraging you to trust your ear and never be afraid to customize your kit or your approach.

For new and seasoned drummers alike, this lesson lays out technique-oriented suggestions, such as how to sit, different footwork patterns, effectively using and quieting cymbals, and ways to approach rhythm.

Ringo talks about the elusive quality of “feel” in drumming—the sense of personal rhythm and style that comes from absorbing the music as you play. To achieve it, he advises members to let the body lead, hit rhythms on the backbeat, and more.

Discussing his songwriting contributions as a Beatle and in solo work, Ringo cites the lyrical origin of “Octopus’s Garden,” “Back Off Boogaloo,” and other songs. You’ll learn about songwriting, from concept or phrase to fully realized song.

In this lesson, Ringo lays out his philosophy of performing, of loving and appreciating the audience and gathering energy from them. He also talks about stage fright, which he still deals with, and advises you on how to ground yourself..

Legendary drummers Jim Keltner and Gregg Bissonette join Ringo and share how Ringo’s early career influenced theirs. The three demonstrate their different styles, showcasing different paths open to members pursuing the profession.

Here Ringo talks about creative pursuits outside of drumming—particularly painting—and how they help him see the world with fresh eyes. He also discusses giving back through charitable work, and the peace-and-love philosophy that guides him.

Let’s rock! Ringo treats you to a jam session with six of the finest musicians working today: Jim Cox, keyboard; Nathan East, bass; Joe Walsh, guitar; Steve Lukather, guitar; Gregg Bissonette, drums; and Jim Keltner, drums.