Advice for beginning drummers: Timing and promptness!

An old cliche' says that say timing is everything. This is the bedrock on which all music adheres to in order for it to be considered as such. All musicians who take their art seriously choose to submit themselves to the often agonizing structure of beat and tempo. After many hours of practice, practice, practice, then and only then will they be afforded the enjoyment of what musicians call being "in the pocket"! These are moments of bliss from which come all measure of creativity and musical astonishment for the enjoyment of themselves and their audience.

Timing is acheived - no pun intended - over time. Sow these seeds early as well as often and you will reap a bountiful crop of revered musical timing. Drummers are, unfortunately for us, the perveyors of all things percussively rythmic. We are expected to be in the pocket. When the timing of a song doesn't seem right, heads will turn in our direction. Like clockwork, I'm afraid. Now you know and are forwarned. Incorporate a digital metrenome into you practice agenda.....now! Use a practice pad, and often, whilst doing all manners of stick exercises along with your regular drumset practice agenda. A pro Basketball player has a LOT of shooting time under his belt before he gets to the big league. Over and over, boring as can be! But look at him when he's on the court...wow!

Promptness relates to timing but in a different way. A reputation of being on time and prepared will be a valuable asset to anyone from those looking to choose you in the school band to those ready to hire you for that professional gig. You must show up on time, be firmly ensconsed on your "throne", and ready to play. You never know when you'll need those extra few minutes before a gig to resolve those last second equipment failures or misplaced drumsticks.

These two things will dramitically improve your success within the music creation process, however that manifests itself in your life. Remember, you don't have to be a "famous" drummer in order to have a fullfilling life enjoying and expressing your chosen instrument. But you will certainly have more fun if you hold fast to the disipline of timing and practice.

Yours on the skins, Jim Richardson