Wayne Salzmann II
Wayne Salzmann II is a Drummer, Educator, Author, and Composer who has toured/recorded extensively with Grammy winning guitarist Eric Johnson. He has also performed with Steve Miller, Kenny Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, Joe Satriani, Christopher Cross, Mike Stern, Robben Ford, Oz Noy, Chris Potter, Dick Oatts, San Antonio Symphony, and many others. His recording credits include a Billboard no. 1 Jazz record, a Billboard no. 1 Blues record, and feature film soundtracks.
Salzmann was the Drum Set Instructor at UT-Austin from 2010-2022 and has given clinics and masterclasses worldwide. His book Developing Melodic Language on the Drums has received high acclaim from Peter Erskine, Ed Soph, Carl Allen, John Riley, and Modern Drummer Magazine. His online educational content includes the Zildjian Drumset Method, and Vic Firth’s Inside the Teaching Studio. He served on the PAS Drum Set Committee from 2016-2022, and is an Artist/Clinician for DW Drums, Pedals, and Hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks.
Functional Improvisation
Session Description:
Functional improvisation allows you to serve the music in a meaningful and creative way using your unique voice.
Develop opening solo based on spoken rhythm of audience member's name.
If your drumming language is fluent, improvisation is as easy as speaking.
How do you find your voice? Combine your INFLUENCES (listening) with your EXPERIENCES (practice).
How do we practice this?
Listen
Copy
Change Something
Analyze
* Examples of functional improvisation from G3 tour/album.
We choose our influences and experiences and these INFORM our improvisational choices.
Context is key.
*The art of subtlety – micro-improvisations in a groove
Digging Deeper – Concepts for improvisation
*Example in a solo/fill context
Functional improvisation requires heightened awareness, intention, and spontaneity rooted in knowledge of the history and language of the music.
*Example in a groove
5 min for questions
*Full play-along track demonstrating functional improvisation in a solo AND groove context.
Thank you!
Session Category:
- Drumset
Date:
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time:
12:00 PM
Location:
Room 101
Session Type:
Clinic
Session Format:
Live
