Why Choose to Play the Drums: A Personal Journey
Playing the drums can be a fascinating journey, rooted in a variety of reasons, including rhythmic foundation, creativity, physical engagement, collaboration, musical versatility, emotional outlet, and the challenge of skill development. Many are drawn to the drums by a combination of personal passion, musical interests, and the joy of making music. This article delves into the journey of a drummer who discovered his love for drums at a young age and continues to explore this musical passion.
Rhythmic Foundation and Musical Versatility
Drummers provide the backbone of a band, establishing the rhythm and tempo that other musicians follow. They contribute to the musical foundation that helps the entire band gel together. Additionally, drumming offers immense versatility, being essential in many genres such as rock, jazz, classical, and electronic music. This versatility allows drummers to explore diverse musical styles and techniques.
Personal Passion and Natural Draw
Drums can attract individuals for various reasons. In my case, at the age of five or six, a simple walk past a music store led to a curious encounter with the drums. The circular, perfect circles and shiny appearance of the drums caught my attention, and I believe in hindsight that the drums picked me. Today, at 61, drums still captivate me as much as they did when I was a child. My journey began at the age of eight, and since then, I have been deeply fascinated by the drums.
From Pianist to Drummer
My interest in drums started by admiring and listening to numerous songs, but it was the sound of the drums that truly captivated me. A pivotal moment was my discovery of the band Ghost, and the first song I heard from them was a drumbeat that deeply resonated with me. Listening to and learning about the lives of the band members further fueled my passion. However, my rhythm coordination and coordination between limbs are still areas that require improvement, as is natural for a beginner. I find these challenges rewarding and enjoyable, much like my fast learning in piano as a child.
Challenges and Growth
Practicing drums has taught me perseverance and skill development. Currently, I don’t own a full drum kit, but I have a book-kit/pillow kit or an air drumming kit. Whenever I can, I tap on any available surface, including my guitar and piano. This practice helps me improve in both my main instruments and enhances my rhythm and coordination. I have improved rapidly after learning some basic rhythms and practicing them with drums on piano and guitar.
Exploring Different Genres
My musical journey has been diverse, and I have a particular fondness for larger instruments. While I love trying out instruments, my natural inclination has often led me to choose drum kits over smaller ones. I remember being particularly intrigued by the harp but eventually chose the piano instead. I have also been drawn to the low, rich sounds of the cello and other large wind instruments. The drums have become a significant part of my life, offering a unique blend of physical and emotional satisfaction.
Conclusion
Discovering my love for the drums was a serendipitous journey, influenced by both natural curiosity and personal passion. As an individual with rhythm challenges, the drums have become an outlet for creativity, physical engagement, and collaboration. I have found tremendous joy in exploring various genres through drumming and continue to seek out new challenges and opportunities to improve my skills. For anyone considering taking up the drums, it is a rewarding choice that offers a unique and satisfying experience.