I want to share 5 things that really helped me when I just started drumming.
It can feel so overwhelming learning an instrument so I hope some of the following will help you:
1) Joining a band
It doesn’t matter what age you are. Joining a band will give you so many things. It’ll give you pressure to hold things together. It will give you freedom to explore different beats and fills that you create and it will give you the joy of music! I learnt so much when I joined a band … go do it already ;)
2) Practice the right way - little and often will serve you well and recording yourself will be one of the fastest ways to improve.
The first time I listened back to myself playing was a shock! I was SO bad!! After a few listens I heard all the things I needed to improve but I also heard some hints of things I did like. It’s a real time no BS way to see where you’re at. When you know, you have the knowledge of what to improve.
3) Get the fundamentals down.
Much to my disappointment no one really cared about odd time signatures at music college what mattered - and what matters when I play live or am in the studio, is that I’m solid. This means that my timing, my feel, my togetherness and accuracy have to be on point. If I can’t make a simple beat sound good then I may as well forget anything else. Focus on the fundamentals and you will fly.
4) Perfection is overrated.
Many many times throughout my career I have felt overwhelmed by wanting to get things perfect. This went on for many gigs I played when I was just starting out. If things weren’t perfect I’d get upset and annoyed at myself. Soon I noticed that I was giving myself a hard time, a lot! So I decided to make my goal having fun rather than perfection. It made me way more present at gigs and I started enjoying it again. It was the same for posting on social media too. I was terrified it wasn’t good enough blah blah blah! If I only posted what I thought was perfect, I would NEVER post. EVER!
What’s matters is showing up and trying. Perfection is overrated.
5) What you love is important
Quite early on I noticed that the areas of drumming I loved I got good at fast. Pay attention to what songs you like, what beats you like and whatever inspires you. It’s your musical journey my friend and I encourage you to collect all the elements that drive you forward. I know when I’m passionate about something, I go all in. So take the time and find out what you love to do and put some time into it.