Inspirational Quotes by and about Drummers

Creative people thrive upon inspiration. We can find it in the most unusual and unsuspecting places and moments. One thing that is great, though, is finding inspiration from people who do what you do. Finding inspirational quotes by and about drummers is not as easy as it sounds. Drummers are often quoted, but not always for saying the most inspirational stuff. And, yes, drummers get talked about, but maybe in more ways than we know. Drummers are the essence of creativity, taking a natural rhythm and turning it into something amazing to behold while keeping a song together, or an entire drum circle intertwined in the act of creation. It is these moments that lead to the inspiration we all crave, and give drummers the insight to say the following:

“I was a beginner again. I practiced hard and used to listen very closely to recordings of American jazz drummers such as Tony Williams and Kenny Clarke.” Jaime Muir

Jaime Muir was the drummer for King Crimson, an English rock band formed in the late 1960s. He began his musical career playing jazz on the trombone and switched to percussion.

“You only get better by playing.” Buddy Rich

Buddy was also a jazz drummer, often dubbed “the world’s greatest drummer”. He was self-taught and playing for audiences by 18 months of age.

“There are a lot of guys out there with skills who have not contributed to the evolution of the instrument. It's about more than that...it's an emotive language, an aesthetic. Skill is an aspect, but it's what you do with that skill, or say with that skill, that matters.” - Vinnie Colaiuta

Vinnie has been drumming since his youth and has played with a lot of people, including Frank Zappa. His technical skill and versatility are two things that make him stand out among drummers.

“I get to be a dozen different drummers on every album... I don't know of another drummer who has a gig like that. It's always fun and often a genuine challenge. Al's made me play parts I didn't know how to play. I need to thank him for that.” Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz

As “Weird Al” Yankovic’s drummer, Jon Schwartz has had an interesting career. He began designing websites in the mid-90s, as well.




“A good groove releases adrenaline in your body. You feel uplifted, you feel centered, you feel calm, you feel powerful. You feel that energy. That's what good drumming is all about.” Mickey Hart

Mickey is likely best known for his days as a one of the two drummers for the Grateful Dead. He is also a musicologist and seems to have drumming in his genetics, as his father was a champion rudimental drummer.

And, last but not least:

“Drummers are better bangers.” Unknown

A Real, Live Music Man

How many instruments can you play? Well, Raghav Sachar can play thirty-three and shows no signs of stopping there. The musician, composer, and vocalist was recently interviewed for The Times of India and shared that he can sing in both female and male vocals; not an easy feat. His dog, Tenor, is also an accomplished singer in his own right. He’s been featured on the news. Raghav began his interesting musical path when he was four years old and his father agreed to buy him a new instrument for every birthday. Beginning with the harmonica, Raghav has become extremely musical. Read more here: I find music in everything: Raghav Sachar 

Should We Pay to Sing "Happy Birthday?"

Warner Music Group thinks you should pay to sing the Happy Birthday song. For many years, the company has been charging people $1500 to use the song in their artistic endeavors, but now they are being sued for it. A documentary filmmaker is claiming that the company only has rights to a specific piano arrangement of the song and only that specific arrangement. The Hindu Business Line reports that the company has not responded to the lawsuit, but has always claimed rights to the song since purchasing Birchtree Lts. in 1988. Birchtree Lts. claimed ownership of the song before Warner. Read more here: Warner Music sued over Happy Birthday copyright

Music Therapy Benefits Ohio Children

Music therapy is being offered at a children’s hospital in Ohio. Since Akron Children’s Hospital added music therapy to its list of amenities in 2011, patients have had positive experiences. This supportive service is free to patients and offered through the Emily Cooper Welty Expressive Therapy Center. The hospital pays for these types of services through grants and donations, as insurance companies have not opted to support holistic healing programs such as this. The Akron Beacon Journal Online interviewed the hospital’s music therapist, Sarah Tobias, who loves offering music as a way for patients to receive counseling and express themselves. Read more here: Therapist offers music to patients at Akron Children’s Hospital

Late Show Host Pops the Big Drummer Question

For what seems like forever, David Letterman, host of the Late Show, has been asking drummers if they played their own drums or rented a kit for his show. After the band finishes performing, David goes over to shake hands and chat up the performers a bit. Leave it to the Los Angeles Times to drum up awareness of a video montage of those questioning moments. The video is about two and a half minutes long and features David asking, again and again, “Are those your drums?” Being a drummer, himself, this is likely an important question for David and drum fans alike. Read more here: David Letterman to musicians: 'Are those your drums?'

Bass Drum Playing in the Marching Band

One thing people who are considering taking up the bass drum in a marching band may not think about is the importance of a strong core. Good posture is vital to being able to belt out the sounds so many look forward to hearing while watching a band march across a field or down a street. Bass drum playing in the marching band requires good upper body strength for both beating the drum and looking professional in between drum beatings. So much of how good the bass sounds during play will depend upon how the drummer’s body is being held and whether or not the drumming is coming from a place of strength within the drummer.

When practicing a performance piece, it is important for the bass drummer to be able to play the entire part. This helps with timing and also makes it easier to play the part well. Before splitting the part up among the bass line, make sure everyone knows how to play the whole piece using proper mallet heights. The sound created by the bass drum playing in the marching band will be significantly impacted by mallet handling. The drummer needs to know how to hold the mallet and strike the drum with it in order to produce the desired look and sound.

The bass drum should be struck at a right angle in the center of the head. Make sure to give a powerful beating. This is what everyone has been waiting for! The bass drum produces a wonderfully resonant sound when played well. However, make sure to keep with the rest of the band. The bass drum should not dominate the performance. Keep in tune with the ensemble, when playing splits. If there is an error in the drum line, remain on the timing of the ensemble. Bass drum playing in the marching band is about the entire band, not just the bass drum line.




When you are not playing, make sure your hands are at rest in the set position. This helps to keep the bass line looking professional. This is where that arm strength may become more noticeable. When you’re playing, play with some aggression. It’s a bass drum; it can take it. To do that, you need to be aware that you are playing with your arm, not just your hands. Be confident, play powerfully, and you may find that bass drum playing in the marching band is one rewarding experience.

La Mano Secreta Conga Performance Demonstration

Michael Pluznick demonstrates La Mano Secreta using various heel-tip rolls. He then shows how to incorporate these rolls with within the Tumbao rhythm on congas.


This video demonstration show four variations of La Mano Secreta on conga. The first variation is a 4-stroke roll using a heel-tip. The remaining variations will be the same roll with 5 strokes, 6 strokes and 7 strokes.

The demonstration then shows you the application of using the La Mano Secreta variations within the conga rhythm called Tumbao.


This video features double-sided La Mano Secreta played on right and left sides. Exercises on 1, 2 and 3 conga drums.

The congas featured in this video are the LP Original Fiberglass Congas.

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by Michael Pluznick
Internationally-recognized musical djembe drummer and percussionist, Michael Pluznick has introduced his new Signature Eco-Pro Djembe Drums and Instructional DVD Djembe Players. He also offers many online conga lessons and a How to Play Conga DVD now available at X8Drums.com.

Djembe, Cajon, Bongos or Congas?

Once you have decided that hand drums are something you would like to learn to play, it may be difficult to choose a particular type. One of the great things about these percussion instruments is that there are so many to choose from. That is also what can make it difficult to decide. Four popular choices for beginning drummers, or for those looking for a different depth of sound or ease of portability as a drummer are the djembe, cajon, bongos, or congas. These drums are all popular instruments with specific sounds and some lend themselves to a variety of music genres more easily than others. Let’s look at each and see what it has to offer the drummer who finds confusion in the search.


Djembe

Djembes are usually what people envision when they think of African drumming. Although there are, in fact, a wide variety of traditional African drums, the djembe has garnered plenty of love throughout the world. And, it is understandable, because the djembe offers a satisfying drumming experience that seems to hit people right at the core. The djembe is traditionally a goblet-shaped, tunable drum with an animal skin head. These days, we are seeing modern interpretations of the drum that are different in shape and materials, making them easier to store and transport while offering the deep, rich sounds for which djembes are known.


Cajon

The cajon is rapidly becoming a world-wide favorite as many people enjoy its versatility and ease of play. These days, if you ask if you should learn the djembe, cajon, bongos, or congas, you may very well hear a resounding, “Cajon!” The drum is fun and easy to learn and is easily customized to suit the desires of the drummer. It is also easy to make, so many drummers are trying their hands at construction. Cajons have their roots in Afro-Peruvian history and began life as simple crates turned drums. Now, the selection of cajons available is spectacular for both sight and sound.



Bongos

Bongos are an Afro-Cuban drum where two drums become one. A large and small drum are connected to one another and are easy to transport due to their size. The drums may have tack-heads or be tunable, offering more of a variety than many expect. These drums are usually played by hand, but some may use sticks in certain situations. Bongos generally produce a high pitched sound, versus the deep tones of the djembe and are played while seated or placed on stands.


Congas

When deciding among the wide range of choices in hand drums, the congas definitely have qualities that speak for them. Congas are typically played in groups of two or three, and it is not uncommon to see Latin percussionists play congas and bongos in the same drum set up. They are the foundational drum for most Cuban music and can be played either sitting or standing. If you love Latin music, learning to play the congas can be a perfect fit for such an incredible range of sound.

Whether you are a fan of the djembe, crazy for cajons, like to beat on bongos or can't get enough congas, there is no right choice when it comes to which hand drum will fit your needs best. Of course, with so many drumming influences and styles from which to choose, you may find yourself learning to play them all.

The Chemical Pleasure of Music in the Mind

New studies are showing that the music we enjoy is having a drug-like effect upon us. According to an article in the New York Times, the music we love releases dopamine into our systems, creating pleasurable sensations within us. Well, that part of the information may not be totally new, but researchers have also found that this neurotransmitter is also released right before the “peak emotional moment”, the moment we feel a sense of deep satisfaction. Dopamine has a role in recording whether or not our predictions occur, which may be why dopamine is released during these times. Anticipation is key. Read more here: Why Music Makes Our Brain Sing