Lessons:
- FREE – Gary Novak 01 – Fast Funk
- FREE – Gary Novak 02 – Shuffle 05
- FREE – Gary Novak 03 – Shuffle 04
- FREE – Gary Novak 04 – Floortom 7
- FREE – Gary Novak 05 – Shuffle 03
- FREE – Gary Novak 06 – Shuffle 02
- FREE – Gary Novak 07 – Shuffle 01
- FREE – Gary Novak 08 – Floortom Snare
- FREE – Gary Novak 09 – Snare Floortom
- FREE – Gary Novak 10 – 5and3
- Free – Gary Novak 00
- Gary Novak 11 – craziness
- Gary Novak 12 – snare/hat superfast
- Gary Novak 13 – sixes-eights-fast singles
- Gary Novak 14 funky fill
- Gary Novak 15 – James Brown on steroids
- Gary Novak 16 – halftime snare/hat
- Gary Novak 17 – rolls and singles
- Gary Novak 18 short triplet fill
- Gary Novak 19 – funk
- Gary Novak 20 – ride 32nds
- Gary Novak 21 – bass drum 32nds
- Gary Novak 22 – 12/8 roll fill
- Gary Novak 23 – 12/8 ride fill
- Gary Novak 24 – funkroll fill
- Gary Novak 25 – slowfast
- Gary Novak 26 – funky as a donkey
- Gary Novak 27 – supershort
- Gary Novak 28 – funkfunk
- Gary Novak 29 – building singles
- Gary Novak 30 slowfunk tripletfill
- Gary Novak 31 twisty
- Gary Novak 32 – wecklish
- Gary Novak 33 – snare
- Gary Novak 34 – cool lefthand ending
- Gary Novak 35 – practice your paradiddles
- Gary Novak 36 – fasthands
- Gary Novak 37 – subtle fast triplets
- Gary Novak 38 – triplets turned around
- Gary Novak 39 – quick around the drums
- Gary Novak 40 – turned around
- Gary Novak 41 – snarekikhat fast
- Gary Novak 42 – fast funkalet
- Gary Novak 43 – fast hop
- Gary Novak 44 – sweet 12/8 fill
- Gary Novak 45 – 12/8 swirlroll
- Gary Novak 46 – 12/8 fill
- Gary Novak 47
- Gary Novak 48
- Gary Novak 49
- Gary Novak 50
- Gary Novak 51
- Gary Novak 52
- Gary Novak 53
- Gary Novak 54
- Gary Novak 55
- Gary Novak 56
- Gary Novak 57
Born and raised in Chicago, Gary Novak was practically born with drum sticks in hand. Coming from parents of great musical talent, it is no wonder that Gary began playing the piano at the tender age of 8. While most musicians find their musical inspiration outside the home, Novak’s influence came from his parents. His mother, Carol Novak, also a pianist, played with her trio at the London House. His father, Larry Novak, the famous Chicago pianist, not only encouraged the career of his son but also put him to work. From the age of 10 to 12, Novak would work with his father’s trio in all the Chicago clubs, including Mr. Kelly’s, gaining the insight and experience that would lead to several musical milestones obtained at a very young age.
During high school, Novak worked with the jazz clarinet master Buddy Defranco as well as such notables as Joe Williams, Milt Hinton, Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel and the great Louis Bellson. Novak’s blossoming reputation lead to the opportunity to represent Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbal through endorsements at the age of 17.
At 19 years old, Novak moved to Los Angeles – an important step forward for Novak bringing many opportunities most could only dream of getting. Not only did Los Angeles bring him his first road job with Maynard Ferguson, but it marked a year of great exposure. Novak would come to work with Brandon Fields and record on his latest LP. He worked with such musical greats as Michael McDonald, Natalie Cole, David Sanborn and Anita Baker.
He teamed up with guitarist Lee Ritenour who employed him for his solo tour and the GRP All-Star tour in 1991.
Novak continued to tour throughout ’92, this time with George Benson. Although he had been working for the greater part of his life, he was not about to slow down. At 28, he joined Chick Corea’s newest band. After leaving it, he toured with other great musicians, such as Bob Berg and Allan Holdsworth. In 1998 he joined Canadian pop star Alanis Morissette’s band, recording and touring with her for over a year. Gary continues to be a powerhouse today.
Visit Gary’s Website: http://garynovakdrums.com/
January 17, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Your my favorite drummer Gary. The best wishies from Poland.
April 28, 2012 at 10:59 am
Hi Gary,
Awesome chops and I really love working through all the videos and transcriptions that you have posted. Do you know when you’re going to add transcriptions to the more recent videos please?
Thanks,
Ben
June 7, 2012 at 10:38 am
Greetings,
When will the transcriptions for lessons 47-58 be posted????