3 Keys to Maximizing Your Drum Skills

There are many ways to increase the quality ofLove is an action word. It means to adore, care
your drumming and they can all be summarizedfor, learn about, edify, be loyal to, be devoted to,
into these 3 vital keys...be committed to, support, protect, and promote.
1. Develop ConfidenceWhen you do these things the feeling of love
Many wanna-be musicians will choose the drumsautomatically comes.
because they are shy and want to remain in theSo, how can you tell if you really love your
background (that's where I was when I starteddrums? You can tell if you love your drums by
drumming back in 1976).the priority you put on them. They must have
The truth is your body may be in thesome priority in your life, otherwise your drums
background, but your musical presence willare just a little hobby that you will only be
definitely be noticed!mediocre at.
If you are going to be the drummer in a band,3. Remain Humble
then you will be the anchor of the band. TheTo become successful in anything, you must
other musicians will be relying on you to provideabsolutely be confident in what you're doing, and
strong beats that will keep everything together.knowledge can make you confident. But, be
Everything you do behind your drum set will notcareful, knowledge can also make you think more
only be heard, but felt, simply because you will behighly of yourself than you should.
the all-important time keeper.If you really want to increase your level of
This notion of wanting to be a drummer so youdrumming it is critical to always see yourself as a
can hide behind a drum set is ridiculous. You'restudent and remain open minded.
gonna hide from no one! That's why it isThe mind is like a parachute, it only functions
imperative to develop confidence in yourwhen it is open. That's why it is so important to
drumming, and the first way to do that is toremain humble. Arrogant drummers never grow
forget about the notion that you are hidden. Yourbeyond their current level of drumming because
mind set should be to establish your place in thethey don't think there is any more they can learn.
band. Know who you are and why you're there.How foolish! There is always more to learn... and
The rest will then fall into place.any advanced drummer can learn from an
Please don't mistake confidence for arrogance.intermediate, or even a beginner!
Confidence is what makes a good drummer aIt's critical to want to learn if you are going to
great drummer. Arrogance is what makes a goodincrease your level of drumming, and remaining
drummer a lonely drummer! I don't know abouthumble is the only avenue through which you can
you, but I certainly don't want to play music withdo this.
some cocky jerk who thinks he or she is betterIf you continue to learn you will then be able to
than everyone else.teach. When you begin teaching, you will be
2. Love Your Instrumentamazed at the additional things you will learn (if
If any musician really wants to master theiryou are currently teaching you will understand).
instrument they must absolutely love it. What do IConclusion
mean "love it?" The best way to understand thisWhen you develop confidence in your purpose as
is to relate loving your drums to loving a person.a drummer, learn to love your drums by giving
Many people think "love" is a feeling, but it's not athem some priority in your life, altogether with
feeling. For example; I love my wife, but I don'tremaining humble, your level of drumming will
always like her (I suppose she can probably sayincrease considerably.
the same thing about me).