#keepondrumming

I remember when electronic drums, or synthesizer drums as they used to be called, hit the market.  These futuristic octagon-shaped pads with cords coming out of them were intriguing to say the least.  The sounds they could make were different than anything that had ben hear up to that point, but their shortcoming was their inability to mimic real drums to a believable point.  The discerning ear could always pick out which was the real deal and which was an electronic imitation.  

Most acoustic drummers swore-off electronic drums and lines were drawn between the two factions.  Now days, with the massive advancement of technology and sound provided by electronic kits, many acoustic drummers have incorporated electronic sounds and sound perfecting into their own ensembles.  Everything from a few electronic drum pads inserted into a kit to electronic triggers attached to acoustic drums to modify sounds have made their presence know.  

What is your opinion, drummers?  Are you staunchly acoustic or electronic or do you find yourself flying somewhere in the middle?  Let’s hear it!

If you got into drumming by signing up for beginning percussion in junior high school or middle school you most certainly know what rudiments are.  For those of you who do not know, rudiments are small sets of beat patterns that build the coordination of the drummer.  They are the basis for drumming patterns, including fills, and aide in maintaining timing.  

Rudiments are to drumming what scales are to other instruments.  Learning and mastering rudiments will greatly increase any drummer’s abilities and skill level. Think of rudiments as working out at the gym between games.  It will only increase you abilities to perform better, and it is enjoyable.  

Check out these rudiment patterns or search out your own!

Hey Drummers!  I want to learn more about you.  Tell me about how you came to choose the cymbals you rock.  Tell me the brands, sizes, materials, thicknesses, and where you like to position them on your kit.  If you are loyal to one brand, how did you come to choose that brand?  Let me here from you!

Hey all you drummers out there!  I want to hear from you!  What type of drum shells do you use and why?  Brands are great, but I want to know woods and sizes and how you made your decision.  Post up!

You may be wondering why I am mentioning these two ladies.  Well, the reason I bring them up is to bring to your attention the number of people you know that played or play the drums. There are drummers all around, and the reasons they got into drumming are as diverse as they are.

I was introduced to drumming by my older brother.  He got his first drum kit when I was 7 years old and I picked it up along with him.  I would suggest he and I even helped elevate each other’s level of play by the natural fraternal competition instinct we both possessed.  

How did you or drummers you know get into playing the drums?  Was it through beginning percussion at some middle school or junior high or was it through the influence of a friend or family member?  Were you inspired by a drummer you heard or watched on MTV back when they played music on MTV?  How does a drummer get started?

Let me hear from you.