BEGINNING TO PLAY THE DRUMS

Beginning to Play The Drums

Learning how to play the drums is the easiest instrument when it comes to learning one. I say this because; I’ve taught myself how to play three instruments in my life.  The instruments are the trumpet, which was my first, the drums, which I am most fluent, and the piano in which I use mostly to compose with as well as perform with.  The reason it’s easy is because it’s the only instrument you don’t have to create a direct concept of strict expression on, in the beginning. This is because, the first thing you do when you sit down behind a set of drums is to express at random, your feelings.  But as you progress into truly playing with skill, it becomes more difficult.

It takes a serious dedication to learn to play any instrument, and it’s easier to gain a sense of confidence on the drums on your first try, because the sounds and natural personal rhythms you have can come across to your delight. But it also gives you a temporary false sense of reality.

Here are a couple of tips to help you on your journey.  It’s important to hold the sticks with a sense of relaxation, for that matter try to not be tense at any part of your body while playing. Drums are unlike any string, woodwind or brass instrument, where you don’t have to be able to deploy a somewhat defined technique.  But, right now I want to make it clear that once you get pass the point where you physiologically stop treating the drums as a toy and start appreciating them as a serious work toward an accomplishment, and you want to truly learn the instrument, you can then get a taste of what it truly calls for. Once you’ve passed the beginner stage you can learn to play with technique.

Now this is very important while setting your drums up, you must position them in a manner that is in position for your range. Adjust your seat at a level that allows a comfortable setting so you can reach any part of the set with ease. Your first challenge in becoming a drummer is learning to have patience. You may think you should be doing better than what you’re doing, but just like any other instrument you have stages you go through and brick walls you run into. If you stay true to yourself and the art of commitment you can succeed.  I’ll say once again, in the beginning you have high interest and you spend some time on the exploring.  The real playing begins when your muscles in your hands, feet, or legs are starting to cramp and you’ve just busted your knuckles on the snare, oh yea you’re developing calluses on your fingers.  Don’t fret; you’re starting to become somewhat a drummer.

Now that you’re serious about drumming, remember to take care of your tools.

It’s all right to let others play your drums, but don’t let anyone rearrange them after you have set them up for your style of playing.  There is a lot more we could talk about, who knows you may talk with me again.

That’s all for now.

Later,

Deryo