Hi fellow softies!... I am soon going to learn drums. But 1st, i wan to know do i need to learn theory? From young i do not noe how to read music notes so in drumming is there music notes to read? Or is it only tabs, i have seen tabs in DrumBum.com they are all kinds of circle, x and many symbols. I am afraid that i will learn different types of things as others and one day i join a band then all the tabs are different. Btw wad are the reconized drum grading centres?
hi MusicPebbles,
leanring Music theory will definatly help you in many ways in future. In drums.. there are Drum Scores to Follow, you might not want to follow it entirely, you might wana consider being creative...alternatively, If there are No drum scores. you can Improvise from the score charts of the band..i.e. the horn section, the keys...etc etc... By knowing the melody and applying the rhythm to what best suits the melody. All this once you have mastered or pretty much got the idea of whats happening sight reading wise.
having said all that..as much as sight reading is important..being creative is ALSO important...finding your voice.... finding your style...there are a few well known drummers..who may not be proficient in reading scores like the greats such as Vinnie or steve gadd but are still making beautiful music and playing awesome drums, it is possible to play drums and be good at it at the same time to enjoy it without worrying about what to play, the key here is to listen and play the drums sometimes in a musical way but not in a drummy type of way.
what im saying is.. if you have the passion for music and drums.. work hard at it..but at the same time DONt forget to ENJOY it.. dont let it become a worry.
having said that dont think too much. just remember..there are fundimentals in everything...get thru that and the rest will follow thru, even if it means..playing to your favourite songs, air drumming to it, by all means.
dont be restricted by the rules. music and rhythm is expression, express it anyway you want. Innovate, calculate and create. playing in a band is good and will accelerate your learning curve on drums. do it..dont be afraid..if you fall get up and try again, there will be lots of people that will try to tell you what to do..and what NOT to do.. follow your heart.. DONT be disheartened if you cant do a groove, a fill or that blazing fast rolls or blazing double bass work, work on it..the most important thing is to enjoy it.
music and rhythm is a life long learning process... we NEVER stop learning. You will one day find what works for you and what doesnt, what you like..and what you dont. as much as try to be an all rounder, theres a fine line between being and all rounder and being the jack of all trades and master of none. sometimes..its best to work on your strengths and what you love..again it all depends on what you're looking for..to be in a band or be a sessionist. You will thru time find out what is important and what is not based on your own belief. Good Luck and enjoy.
"dont close your mind to great possibilities" - Virgil Donati
Virgildonati.com - Virgil Donati's Official Website!
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