Do you have a desire to play drums? Do you see other drummers having fun doing it which leaves you consumed with thoughts about starting to play yourself. If this is you, I know exactlyhow you feel, I was in your shoes some 35 years ago. Long time, huh! Would you allow me to give you free advice.....no strings whatsoever? It'll take a few posts, so hang tight!Whatever you do in life, you should learn from those who are the best at it and then do what they do. I am very, very far from the best, yet I've played with some of the best drummers in the world....in my basement. That's how I got to a playing level that I was comfortable with and one which was also marketable. In future postings I'll explore the importance of lessons early on....and where to get free ones!
Money....how much did it cost? Well, my career in drumming literally got started on a block of wood and a few of Mother's cooking pot lids. They sound great if you've never heard the crash of a Zildjian cymbal. I actually played like this with my friends John, Paul, George and Ringo for several years. Then it was time for my first drum set.
Okay, let me pause here until next time. I will be writing this from my heart based on my years of experience. A few things I'd like to talk about are as follows:
- Timing and promptness.
- Less is actually more.
- The importance of lessons.
- Humility and patience.
- Watching and listening.
That's enough for now. Be back soon!
Jim Richardson
