Self-taught drummers
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lucifersatan
New member
dnatasha
hi there
drumming is all about rudiments,keeping time,groove and feel
for me i dont go to yamaha to learn the drums
im a self taught and took lesson from a teacher and learning while im playing in the band,reading modern drummer,watching drum dvd
and good friends who play drums professionaly who help me out
to be a good drummer thats all we need to do is practice,practice and practice,keep the groove,time and work on our rudiments thats much more important
keep it up
hi there
drumming is all about rudiments,keeping time,groove and feel
for me i dont go to yamaha to learn the drums
im a self taught and took lesson from a teacher and learning while im playing in the band,reading modern drummer,watching drum dvd
and good friends who play drums professionaly who help me out
to be a good drummer thats all we need to do is practice,practice and practice,keep the groove,time and work on our rudiments thats much more important
keep it up
biopromax
New member
A personal teacher is the best - One On One teaching.
Of cause, get a drumset and then learn by yourself. Then you will know how well you are.
That drumming passion is a must. Then learn every possible ways there is. Go to Drumfest / go to drum workshop / online lessons / and many more
cheers!
Of cause, get a drumset and then learn by yourself. Then you will know how well you are.
That drumming passion is a must. Then learn every possible ways there is. Go to Drumfest / go to drum workshop / online lessons / and many more
cheers!
weckl-x
New member
Here's an article on the topic, by Roy Burns, president of Aquarian.
Do Self-Taught Drummers
by Roy Burns
Some well-known drummers, who have never taken lessons, play very well. Other well-known drummers, who have studied for years, also play very well.
Drummers who have not studied sometimes tend to be critical of those who have. The following defensive statements were taken from interviews of well-known drummers who have not studied.
“I never took a lesson in my life.”
"I don't think drummers should practice too much. It hurts their feel."
"I was just a natural player."
"If you study too much you won't be able to swing."
"Drum clinics are garbage."
"Just play man. Everything will be cool."
Without taking sides in the controversy, let's examine what is really taking place.
1. There are two sides to every argument. However, are these arguments real or imagined? In my experience, everyone is self-taught or no one is self-taught. If this sounds confusing, it is-until you examine it.
All good players teach themselves how to play, whether or not they have studied. They learn how to play by playing, listening, and watching. In other words, they are learning from others all the time. So, in a way, self-taught players are really not self-taught at all. It is just that they have never taken drum lessons.
The drummer who has taken lessons also learns to play by playing, listening, and watching. The process is the same for everyone. So where is the difference?
The difference is the studied player has more information about music and his instrument. This is no guarantee that he will play better than the unstudied player. However, he has the chance to learn more and to continue to grow musically because he has a strong foundation. He also, hopefully, has learned how to study. This skill will serve him well in the years ahead as he develops.
For example, drummers like Steve Gadd, Louie Bellson, Dave Garibaldi, Max Roach, Billy Cobham, Jack DeJohnette, Danny Gottlieb, Ed Soph, and Ed Shaughnessy just to name a few) have all studied both drums and music. Each one plays his own style, which he learned pretty much on his own. However, the key is that they each developed and are still developing their individual style. They all read well and all have spent plenty of time in the practice room at one time or another.
Studying develops the mind, and it is the development of a musical mind that is an integral part of every great drummer's growth. Studying also helps to develop self-discipline and a sense of organization relative to ideas.
It is also possible to continue to grow and develop musically with very little knowledge of drumming and music. However, it is much tougher. It is sort of like trying to cook food without a recipe. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't. The trial and error method of learning can have benefits, but it takes longer.
Studying with a good teacher gets most of the technical hang-ups out of the way early. Concentrating on the music is then approached with more confidence.
2. The type of music being played must be considered. For example, if you want to be a studio drummer, a symphonic drummer, an all-around percussion player, a rudimental drummer, a contemporary big band drummer, or an accomplished rock drummer, your chances will be greatly enhanced if you have studied.
If your only desire is to bang out a little rhythm in the garage with your friends, not much training will be needed. You may find, however, that this will not satisfy your musical desires as you grow older. It is often a shock when the band outgrows the drummer and decides to get a new one. If you develop slower than the others in the group, you will be out of it at some point. Also, if you develop faster then your friends, you may have the chance to join a better group sooner, or even start your own group.
3. The longer you wait to begin to study, the more difficult the decision becomes. Many young players are embarrassed to take lessons because they feel self-conscious. It's much like a high school student being asked to go back to the third grade. It seems humiliating.
However, if you can already play somewhat, why not add to your information and knowledge? Put your fear and ego aside and begin to develop your mind today. Don't wait.
4. Good drummers who have studied don't spend time criticizing those who haven't. They usually understand that each person teaches himself how to play. No one else can do it for you; you do it for yourself.
As the song says, "With a little help from my friends," life is a little easier and a lot more fun. Don't be ashamed to learn from someone else.
Don't waste time arguing, just learn all you can, any way you can, all the time. If that means studying, and that goes against your grain, just ask yourself the following question: "How much do I really want to play?" If the answer is, "Playing is very important to me," then I urge you to re-evaluate some of your ideas. Remember, you, and no one else, are responsible for your own development as a drummer and as a person. How good do you want to be?
source:http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/concepts/display.asp?id=7
Between 1980 and 1992, famed drummer/author/educator Roy Burns wrote a regular column for Modern Drummer Magazine called Concepts. In his column, Roy offered a wealth of practical, informative, and entertaining ideas on dozens of subjects that concern serious drummers of all ages and at all levels.
During the years that Concepts appeared in MD, the column was continually rated among the top three in popularity among the many loyal readers of the magazine.
http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/concepts/default.asp
Do Self-Taught Drummers
by Roy Burns
Some well-known drummers, who have never taken lessons, play very well. Other well-known drummers, who have studied for years, also play very well.
Drummers who have not studied sometimes tend to be critical of those who have. The following defensive statements were taken from interviews of well-known drummers who have not studied.
“I never took a lesson in my life.”
"I don't think drummers should practice too much. It hurts their feel."
"I was just a natural player."
"If you study too much you won't be able to swing."
"Drum clinics are garbage."
"Just play man. Everything will be cool."
Without taking sides in the controversy, let's examine what is really taking place.
1. There are two sides to every argument. However, are these arguments real or imagined? In my experience, everyone is self-taught or no one is self-taught. If this sounds confusing, it is-until you examine it.
All good players teach themselves how to play, whether or not they have studied. They learn how to play by playing, listening, and watching. In other words, they are learning from others all the time. So, in a way, self-taught players are really not self-taught at all. It is just that they have never taken drum lessons.
The drummer who has taken lessons also learns to play by playing, listening, and watching. The process is the same for everyone. So where is the difference?
The difference is the studied player has more information about music and his instrument. This is no guarantee that he will play better than the unstudied player. However, he has the chance to learn more and to continue to grow musically because he has a strong foundation. He also, hopefully, has learned how to study. This skill will serve him well in the years ahead as he develops.
For example, drummers like Steve Gadd, Louie Bellson, Dave Garibaldi, Max Roach, Billy Cobham, Jack DeJohnette, Danny Gottlieb, Ed Soph, and Ed Shaughnessy just to name a few) have all studied both drums and music. Each one plays his own style, which he learned pretty much on his own. However, the key is that they each developed and are still developing their individual style. They all read well and all have spent plenty of time in the practice room at one time or another.
Studying develops the mind, and it is the development of a musical mind that is an integral part of every great drummer's growth. Studying also helps to develop self-discipline and a sense of organization relative to ideas.
It is also possible to continue to grow and develop musically with very little knowledge of drumming and music. However, it is much tougher. It is sort of like trying to cook food without a recipe. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't. The trial and error method of learning can have benefits, but it takes longer.
Studying with a good teacher gets most of the technical hang-ups out of the way early. Concentrating on the music is then approached with more confidence.
2. The type of music being played must be considered. For example, if you want to be a studio drummer, a symphonic drummer, an all-around percussion player, a rudimental drummer, a contemporary big band drummer, or an accomplished rock drummer, your chances will be greatly enhanced if you have studied.
If your only desire is to bang out a little rhythm in the garage with your friends, not much training will be needed. You may find, however, that this will not satisfy your musical desires as you grow older. It is often a shock when the band outgrows the drummer and decides to get a new one. If you develop slower than the others in the group, you will be out of it at some point. Also, if you develop faster then your friends, you may have the chance to join a better group sooner, or even start your own group.
3. The longer you wait to begin to study, the more difficult the decision becomes. Many young players are embarrassed to take lessons because they feel self-conscious. It's much like a high school student being asked to go back to the third grade. It seems humiliating.
However, if you can already play somewhat, why not add to your information and knowledge? Put your fear and ego aside and begin to develop your mind today. Don't wait.
4. Good drummers who have studied don't spend time criticizing those who haven't. They usually understand that each person teaches himself how to play. No one else can do it for you; you do it for yourself.
As the song says, "With a little help from my friends," life is a little easier and a lot more fun. Don't be ashamed to learn from someone else.
Don't waste time arguing, just learn all you can, any way you can, all the time. If that means studying, and that goes against your grain, just ask yourself the following question: "How much do I really want to play?" If the answer is, "Playing is very important to me," then I urge you to re-evaluate some of your ideas. Remember, you, and no one else, are responsible for your own development as a drummer and as a person. How good do you want to be?
source:http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/concepts/display.asp?id=7
Between 1980 and 1992, famed drummer/author/educator Roy Burns wrote a regular column for Modern Drummer Magazine called Concepts. In his column, Roy offered a wealth of practical, informative, and entertaining ideas on dozens of subjects that concern serious drummers of all ages and at all levels.
During the years that Concepts appeared in MD, the column was continually rated among the top three in popularity among the many loyal readers of the magazine.
http://www.aquariandrumheads.com/concepts/default.asp
kari_convention
New member
from my experience, ive been self taught for about 5 years plus and i would say i know how to play.. do some roll and fill but.. thats about it. I dont know anything abt rudiments, drums gear, good drummers and whole lot more. And when I started a lesson abt a year ago... I knew that i should started a lesson earlier. Drumming is a very wide area and we need someone to guide us.
RudimentalDrummer
Moderator
I have friends who are self taught and they play much better than me. I have friends that are self taught and they did not play better than me.
But I know, I cant play better if I do not have a Proper Instructor to teach me (again maybe it just me). All those years when I learn to play by myself, I was crappy - - - - - but I realise something now - It's so great to have many drummer friends cause they all teach me different things as I communicate and see how they do their drumming.
I've get to know more things in drumming now though I'm still not a fairly good drummer.
My opinion is - It really depends, some people just have higher potential in the area of drumming...but not me I guess...Hehehehehe :lol: :lol: :lol:
But I know, I cant play better if I do not have a Proper Instructor to teach me (again maybe it just me). All those years when I learn to play by myself, I was crappy - - - - - but I realise something now - It's so great to have many drummer friends cause they all teach me different things as I communicate and see how they do their drumming.
I've get to know more things in drumming now though I'm still not a fairly good drummer.
My opinion is - It really depends, some people just have higher potential in the area of drumming...but not me I guess...Hehehehehe :lol: :lol: :lol:
plainsman
New member
*nods* different people need different approach to learn.
some do better with teacher, some do better without. extreme case of 100% teacher or 100% self-taught is not good.
the best is some balance.... u need a teacher and u also need time by yourself to figure out/practice/digest
whether we are good at it or not, most important thing is we pursue something we love.... am i right or wrong?? :lol:
some do better with teacher, some do better without. extreme case of 100% teacher or 100% self-taught is not good.
the best is some balance.... u need a teacher and u also need time by yourself to figure out/practice/digest
whether we are good at it or not, most important thing is we pursue something we love.... am i right or wrong?? :lol:
I think it's a good idea to start with a reliable teacher at every stage of development in your drumming - starting out, then learning about drum styles, then finally learning the so-called cutting edge concepts that are out there today eg: independence, polyrhythms etc..Maybe you don't even need a teacher after you're done with the learning at the beginning stage, coz by then, you'd know how to formulate a way of learning independently. It has been the case for me.
One very precious skill that a good teacher will teach his/her students is how to read drum notation. Armed with that skill, I believe you can master the subsequent phases of your drumming development through books. I stand to be corrected on this.
Another valuable skill that a good teacher will teach you is how to LISTEN to music and it's various styles. A big part of your progress as a musician comes from listening to music, as well as reflecting and analysing on how your instrument and the musician who plays it affects and interacts with the other elements within the music.
There are many points to take note of but I thought I'd just highlight these two which are personally paramount to me. I hope this can help you.
One very precious skill that a good teacher will teach his/her students is how to read drum notation. Armed with that skill, I believe you can master the subsequent phases of your drumming development through books. I stand to be corrected on this.
Another valuable skill that a good teacher will teach you is how to LISTEN to music and it's various styles. A big part of your progress as a musician comes from listening to music, as well as reflecting and analysing on how your instrument and the musician who plays it affects and interacts with the other elements within the music.
There are many points to take note of but I thought I'd just highlight these two which are personally paramount to me. I hope this can help you.
MassageParlour
New member
One thing i know works on how to be better in something (this instanse drumming)
1. get yourself into drumming world as much as possible.
2. Eat drums, Sleep Drums, Go to work also Drums, talk to drummers about drums, involve in Drum forums, go to SOFT Drum meet ups, Learn Drums from teachers etc.
Example Given: That's how I last time learn how to speak Mandarin, I mix with a lot of Chinese Speaking people, you somehow learn the language subconsciously or indirectly. Although i never take mandarin class. Somwhow taking a class may improve my Mandarin.
3. Repetitions, repetitions, repetitions. you'll get better if you repeat yourself in something repetiously, in a repetition manner, repetiously. Repeat is your best friends. Did I mention repetitions?
4. Time will make you better. It's an investment. (Polish that rust well and long enough and it will later shine)( Permanent magnet and Temperory magnet theory)
5. The concept of teaching is like what Gregg Bissonette and (other great teachers) has talked in his clinic at Esplanade last month:
Play, Record and Review (The reviewer here can be yourself which=self taught or The Teacher) (Repeat process until satisfied)
He also quoted that Dennis Chambers was self taught, BUT, Dennis bought drum DVDs and plays and review and reviews slowly and pause. In this instance the DVD is his teahcer.
Your drummer friends can indirectly be your teacher or a good drum teacher can be your friend too
But of course la, most of the time if you pay something to be taught or to get service, it may be better than those things that are free. It may, but most of the time you get what you want.
I've taken lessons and may take some more lessons in the future. Learning is good.
Cheers. Hi Five !!
:smt023
Az aka MP
1. get yourself into drumming world as much as possible.
2. Eat drums, Sleep Drums, Go to work also Drums, talk to drummers about drums, involve in Drum forums, go to SOFT Drum meet ups, Learn Drums from teachers etc.
Example Given: That's how I last time learn how to speak Mandarin, I mix with a lot of Chinese Speaking people, you somehow learn the language subconsciously or indirectly. Although i never take mandarin class. Somwhow taking a class may improve my Mandarin.
3. Repetitions, repetitions, repetitions. you'll get better if you repeat yourself in something repetiously, in a repetition manner, repetiously. Repeat is your best friends. Did I mention repetitions?
4. Time will make you better. It's an investment. (Polish that rust well and long enough and it will later shine)( Permanent magnet and Temperory magnet theory)
5. The concept of teaching is like what Gregg Bissonette and (other great teachers) has talked in his clinic at Esplanade last month:
Play, Record and Review (The reviewer here can be yourself which=self taught or The Teacher) (Repeat process until satisfied)
He also quoted that Dennis Chambers was self taught, BUT, Dennis bought drum DVDs and plays and review and reviews slowly and pause. In this instance the DVD is his teahcer.
Your drummer friends can indirectly be your teacher or a good drum teacher can be your friend too
But of course la, most of the time if you pay something to be taught or to get service, it may be better than those things that are free. It may, but most of the time you get what you want.
I've taken lessons and may take some more lessons in the future. Learning is good.
Cheers. Hi Five !!
:smt023
Az aka MP
hey man, weather u want to be a self taught drummer or someone who takes lessons greatly depends on what ur direction in being a drummer is.
if u want to turn pro or semi pro, u simply cannot be uneducated in drumming. u will not know wat u need.
if u want to play for the love and not turn pro and play in bands with ur friends. lessons in this situation is optional.
honestly weckl posted some quotes abt not practicing too much as it affects feel, i do alot of practice so tht i can get tht feel. ask any gd musician how they got good. 99.9 will say practice. but all tht said follow ur heart. if the decision is wrong or right at least u followed whats true to urself.
if u want to turn pro or semi pro, u simply cannot be uneducated in drumming. u will not know wat u need.
if u want to play for the love and not turn pro and play in bands with ur friends. lessons in this situation is optional.
honestly weckl posted some quotes abt not practicing too much as it affects feel, i do alot of practice so tht i can get tht feel. ask any gd musician how they got good. 99.9 will say practice. but all tht said follow ur heart. if the decision is wrong or right at least u followed whats true to urself.
i would agree with blurred has mentioned.
taking lessons might help a certain someone OR it might cause too much stress n pressure. the latter might cause the person to totally give it all up.
well.. ultimately i wouldnt make a comparison between a 'self-taught' or 'lesson-ed' drummer.. it all boils down to how he handles a band situation or any musical ensemble..
and also..
how good is good or how much better is better. never thought of music as a comparative artform - or drumming in this case.
Cheers to all the brothers of the beats! 8)
taking lessons might help a certain someone OR it might cause too much stress n pressure. the latter might cause the person to totally give it all up.
well.. ultimately i wouldnt make a comparison between a 'self-taught' or 'lesson-ed' drummer.. it all boils down to how he handles a band situation or any musical ensemble..
and also..
how good is good or how much better is better. never thought of music as a comparative artform - or drumming in this case.
Cheers to all the brothers of the beats! 8)
Freakae2
New member
I like what massageparlour said. I believe environment matters a lot. Good one Massageparlour.
plainsman
New member
yah... must every day watch some drum video at least (youtube, dvd, vicfirth.com etc.)
every day touch practice pad
every day touch real drumset
every day come to soft.com.sg
every day listen to drum solo on ipod
every month come to drum exchange
every month go drumfest clinic
every week concentrate on one rudiment
every day go to a different shop ( ranking on monday, yamaha on tuesday, swee lee wednesday, drum resources thursday, etc. )
like this, ur drumming sure improve!!!
every day touch practice pad
every day touch real drumset
every day come to soft.com.sg
every day listen to drum solo on ipod
every month come to drum exchange
every month go drumfest clinic
every week concentrate on one rudiment
every day go to a different shop ( ranking on monday, yamaha on tuesday, swee lee wednesday, drum resources thursday, etc. )
like this, ur drumming sure improve!!!
caijunlong
New member
on top of that, remember to brush your teeth too!
caijunlong
New member
HAHAHA! Diddle in the middle drop how? Become double stroke ah?
alvinthedrummer
New member
In my opinion I think proper education is really important. I self-taught myself for 2 years before finding myself a teacher and until today I kept regretting wasting those 1st 2 years away. My first year with Gordon was the most precious. I made a HUGE leap in that one year and realised how important it is to have someone sitting there watching everything I did (down to the slightest last finger twitch).
Although the internet serves as a huge resource for all of us, I still think it is a must to have proper guidance in the first years. The biggest difference between self-teaching and having an instructor is having someone to watch your intial steps of development. You can easily buy yourself some really cool bad-arse habits in those first few months....
Rodney Holmes is one great example. Although his music education kinda stopped after high school (according to his bio he rejected a music scholarship to Long Island University), he did have teachers during those high school years before going out on his own....
So...I think teachers are precious. In fact, if I have the money & time to spare...I would love to fly over to states for more lessons!! But I can only dream for now...sigh...
Although the internet serves as a huge resource for all of us, I still think it is a must to have proper guidance in the first years. The biggest difference between self-teaching and having an instructor is having someone to watch your intial steps of development. You can easily buy yourself some really cool bad-arse habits in those first few months....
Rodney Holmes is one great example. Although his music education kinda stopped after high school (according to his bio he rejected a music scholarship to Long Island University), he did have teachers during those high school years before going out on his own....
So...I think teachers are precious. In fact, if I have the money & time to spare...I would love to fly over to states for more lessons!! But I can only dream for now...sigh...