When do you consider yourself a drummer??

[darwin223]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?

[PreppieNerd]

All you need is a passion for playing...

[capnrusty]

All you need is a passion for playing...


...and a set of drums.

[Wegadrummer]

...and a set of drums.

And some drumsticks...

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

...some heads wouldn't go amiss either, unless you're one of these new 'postmodern' drummers...

[Drumset Connect]

I think there are some cutoff points that need to be achieved in order to graduate from "person just playing around on the drums" to "drummer". Here are my opinions.

1. You need to have a sense of rhythm. Without rhythm, you obviously cannot be considered a drummer. You're just a person hitting random things.

2. You need to know the basics of drum playing and music. Can you play a rock beat in 4/4? Are you able to play basic fills and can you vary up the beat?

3. You need to be able to play with music and mesh with a band. Again, you need to be able to be musical and know how to communicate musically with other band members and musicians. Without music, you're not a drummer, you're just a caveman hitting random things like I said earlier.

So those are my specifications. Feel free to add to them. I also think it helps your drumming "label" if drums is your best instrument. If you're amazing at guitar but still pass the above drumming specifications, people are most likely still going to refer to you as "guitarist".

[choki]

all you need is some sticks. there's no requirement to be called a drummer. there's a lot of really bad drummers out there, but they are still drummers.

[Ashton Drum's]

I consided my self a drummer the moment I started playing I dont think you have to be in a band to be called a drummer

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I think I considered myself a drummer after many weeks or months of playing on practice pads, and learning to read music. The first song I played in the Jr. High School band was the theme song to Bridge Over the River Kwai, with the rest of the band, and then I felt that I had accompolished something.

[jamsjr44]

I think it is very simple as choki said it, there is no requirement. Yes there are different levels of drummers, but no one thing makes you a drummer.

Like the guy I saw Friday night at a local bar, his playing was okay, but the smile he had on his face was the best. He was clearly enjoying what he was doing. After the first set I walked up to him and said man you look like you are having a blast? He goes " there is nothing better than drumming I would die without it!" He is a drummer in my book! just based on his passion for it. Would I want to play like him no, because that would be a step back for me technically, but I would watch him again for sure.

[Slimeball]

Of course there are no requirements to be a drummer. Unless you don't enjoy playing, obviously.

[Bonham15]

As far as i'm conscerned, there are no "requirements" to being a drummer. As long as you have a set, no matter how many peices, and you enjoy doing it, your a drummer. No matter how bad you may suck.

[intooder]

I'll go with having passion and the ability to keep time.

[Goodgolfer]

Consider yourself a drummer if you appreciate others work and aspire to be one yourself.

[Guillermo]

WHEN OTHERS RELY ON YOU TO MAKE MUSIC, THEN YOU ARE A DRUMMER.

[jazzgregg]

All you have to do to be a drummer is start drumming. Maybe the better question is, when do you consider yourself a musician?



G

[Bruce M. Thomson]

Jazzgreg makes a good point, I became concious of being a drummer when at 10 I moved from banging on anything (Mostly my desk at school) to playing along wih music with a pair of sticks, on the couch. Good practice that.

[resqguy]

Being a drummer is something in your heart and in your mind. Owning and playing a kit or even getting paid doesn't make you a drummer.

Anyone every listen to Manheim Steamroller? Chip Davis is a great musician and he plays the drums, but he is no drummer.

Even when Steve Jordan plays bass, he is still a drummer.

It is the feeling you get when you hear music and you are automatically drawn to the rhythm and especially the back beat. When everyone else claps on one and three and you clap on two and four.

[Drumlover39]

When you start to get your blisters

[RudimentalDrummer]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?

A Drummer:-

Once you sat on a kit and be able to play do the simplest things in drumming.

Every Male Drummer:-

Have plenty of chicks staring at you unbelievingly & admiring the way you handle your STICK so well ...kekeke !.

[BWT hooligan]

It`s more about "when do you consider yourself to be a GOOD drummer"!!
If someone can keep time, play basic 4/4 rock beat and have passion for it, he is still not a drummer. That`s not enough. Potentially, yes, he could be a good drummer. But you have to work on your skills hard, so than one day you`ll realize that you`ve achieved a lot and then you`ll start hearing : "Man, you`re a sick drummer!" i think that would be the point.

[Pete Stoltman]

Darwin asks a very interesting question and I think some of the answers have not taken him seriously. My answer tends to go along the lines of Guillermo and Jazz Gregg. I really hope this doesn't sound too offensive but owning drums, sticks, whacking out a couple beats etc. does not make you a drummer. Think of it this way: I own a hammer, saw, several other tools and have the ability to knock some nails into a board and even fix a thing or two.
Given a couple weeks of blisters and broken knuckles I can build a simple project however I am not a carpenter. Maybe I could be considered a hobbyist or a semi-skilled homeowner at best. I would bet that most real carpenters would find it at least amusing if not downright insulting if I thought I was a carpenter with my meager skills. Why does anyone think that ownership of tools (drums, sticks, etc.) or the ability to keep a beat makes them a drummer? A true drummer is not "like" a musician he or she IS a musician. That means you communicate emotions and ideas through sounds. When that happens you will know it. It has nothing to do with whether you are in a band or not or whether you get paid to do it. I played drums for a number of years before I felt like I was qualified to call myself a drummer. For a good part of that time I played in bands and made some money, I also studied with good instructors, listened to and absorbed a lot of music while developing my skills and creativity. Only after I got to a point where I felt I was communicating with other musicians and sending that out to the audience could I feel comfortable calling myself a drummer. Sorry if this comes off as sounding harsh but I think it's a legitimate response and if you really want to "be" a drummer please think about what I'm saying. Then get going and pay your dues to become a drummer not just pretend to be one.

[Lee Mangano]

The 1st competition I played Bass Drum with the drumline for the Regal Crownsmen Drum corps. The feeling on that field made me feel like a million dollars...

I tell all my beginner students as long as you can count to 4 twice in a row and know the differance between yout right hand & left hand you are a drummer !!!

[darkcherryfade]

All you need to do is engage in the act of drumming with a certain consistency- just barely enough to technically be considered a "drummer" but not seldomly enough to just be someone who has "drummed" on occasion.

[RudimentalDrummer]

When someone asked us "What Instruments Do you Play ?" and we reply - "Drums"...and he said to you "So you're a Drummer" - ...We are consider a Drummer.

When someone comes to my home and saw my drums and said to me "So you're a drummer?".....I'm consider a drummer.

When I had my sticks in my bag and the public saw that sticking out... while I was going for my lesson....I already feel I'm a drummer.

When I tell those chicks"I 'm a drummer" - I'm a drummer


When I asked someone "Do you know how to play the drum" and he reply me saying "Oh..so you drum?"...and I said Yes I'm a drummer.

PS: - but i will not tell him ----I'm a so-so drummer only.

[RudimentalDrummer]

Darwin asks a very interesting question and I think some of the answers have not taken him seriously. My answer tends to go along the lines of Guillermo and Jazz Gregg. I really hope this doesn't sound too offensive but owning drums, sticks, whacking out a couple beats etc. does not make you a drummer. Think of it this way: I own a hammer, saw, several other tools and have the ability to knock some nails into a board and even fix a thing or two.
Given a couple weeks of blisters and broken knuckles I can build a simple project however I am not a carpenter. Maybe I could be considered a hobbyist or a semi-skilled homeowner at best. I would bet that most real carpenters would find it at least amusing if not downright insulting if I thought I was a carpenter with my meager skills. Why does anyone think that ownership of tools (drums, sticks, etc.) or the ability to keep a beat makes them a drummer? A true drummer is not "like" a musician he or she IS a musician. That means you communicate emotions and ideas through sounds. When that happens you will know it. It has nothing to do with whether you are in a band or not or whether you get paid to do it. I played drums for a number of years before I felt like I was qualified to call myself a drummer. For a good part of that time I played in bands and made some money, I also studied with good instructors, listened to and absorbed a lot of music while developing my skills and creativity. Only after I got to a point where I felt I was communicating with other musicians and sending that out to the audience could I feel comfortable calling myself a drummer. Sorry if this comes off as sounding harsh but I think it's a legitimate response and if you really want to "be" a drummer please think about what I'm saying. Then get going and pay your dues to become a drummer not just pretend to be one.

I do see your point...kekeke - It like saying Michael Bolten is a Singer. Someone who sings in a Pub is also a Singer, someone who sings in a Karaoke is also a Singer (but a Karaoke Singer) and someone who only sings to themselves whenever they are in the Toilet or BathRoom is also a Singer (a bathroom singer)....well they are all singers...but at different level. The 1st one is obviously a Professional Singer.

It's the same with fish - they are plenty of fishes in the ocean, all are fish but just different species...so we all drummers, am I right just that - all of us are at different level in drumming that's about all....

Can we consider ourself - a drummer, even if we are really not that good. Many of us are in the learning process my brother. DrummerWorld - is a place where so many different types of drummers congregate...even if someone had just started drumming today...he comes to drummerworld because he thinks he is a drummer, but a beginner drummer and would like to meet more drummers here

Are we all not Drummers? - I pressume Yes my brothers !

[jazzgregg]

Darwin asks a very interesting question and I think some of the answers have not taken him seriously. My answer tends to go along the lines of Guillermo and Jazz Gregg. I really hope this doesn't sound too offensive but owning drums, sticks, whacking out a couple beats etc. does not make you a drummer. Think of it this way: I own a hammer, saw, several other tools and have the ability to knock some nails into a board and even fix a thing or two.
Given a couple weeks of blisters and broken knuckles I can build a simple project however I am not a carpenter. Maybe I could be considered a hobbyist or a semi-skilled homeowner at best. I would bet that most real carpenters would find it at least amusing if not downright insulting if I thought I was a carpenter with my meager skills. Why does anyone think that ownership of tools (drums, sticks, etc.) or the ability to keep a beat makes them a drummer? A true drummer is not "like" a musician he or she IS a musician. That means you communicate emotions and ideas through sounds. When that happens you will know it. It has nothing to do with whether you are in a band or not or whether you get paid to do it. I played drums for a number of years before I felt like I was qualified to call myself a drummer. For a good part of that time I played in bands and made some money, I also studied with good instructors, listened to and absorbed a lot of music while developing my skills and creativity. Only after I got to a point where I felt I was communicating with other musicians and sending that out to the audience could I feel comfortable calling myself a drummer. Sorry if this comes off as sounding harsh but I think it's a legitimate response and if you really want to "be" a drummer please think about what I'm saying. Then get going and pay your dues to become a drummer not just pretend to be one.

Yeah, hang on a minute there, Pete, I didn't say anything like that, don't put my name on there, maybe you misunderstood. What you're talking about, to me, is more like being a musician. I say owning a drumset and playing a few things DOES make you a drummer, you have drums, are drumming, therefore are a drummer, that's why. I drum, therefore I am a drummer. Who cares if you can play or not. Anyone can be a drummer, some are just better than others.

I'm reminded of the phrase 'anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad'. That's what I'm getting at with drummer/musician. I don't think you're sounding harsh, I just think you put too much importance on the fact that you are a drummer who is obviously better than some and call that being a 'drummer' not a 'musician'. You sound protective of that, that you are a drummer who has worked hard and good for you, but man, the 13 year olds I teach that practice a couple times a week are just as much drummers as we are.

G

[Fullback32]

You know it's kind of funny that when you switch instruments you tend to be known by the one you played the most. I played bass for 30 years and switched to drumming a year ago. I alwways wanted to be a drummer and for many reasons (to include parents and EX-wife..."they're too loud"), I didn't start until April of last year. I exclusively play drums now and really haven't touched my bass in all this time...maybe once or twice. Yet when I jam with my friends (I don't do the band thing anymore...no time), they still think of me as bass player. I'm hardly a great drummer, but I've been described by them as a bass player who is a solid drummer. Funny, I always thought of myself as a drummer who had to play the bass. When I was in bands, I was the guy in the band who jumped on the drummers drums at any given opportunity. You life long drummers know what I'm talking about.

[Lee Mangano]

It's the same with fish - they are plenty of fishes in the ocean, all are fish but just different species...so we all drummers, am I right just that - all of us are at different level in drumming that's about all....

"Rudiment drummer" you make alot of great points & great quotes, .A 1yr old baby can put 2 sticks in their hands & hit a drum, the baby is Drumming, although not very good but doing the same thing Neil Peart does on drums

Both the baby & Neil Peart will get the same sound out of the same drum...differant level maybe, but the instrument will sound the way the instrument was intended...

Do we critisize the weird timings & poor ensemble performances from African tribes who are self taught and wack out sloppy rythms (but all sound cool !!) and many other midddle eastern styles of drumming & percussion...No we don't, we consider them an influence on the Art of Drums an they are all drummers

I know there will be some feedback like the carpenter story, but ask yourself ...can that same baby even pick up a guitar and strum even the simplest of chords and make it sound like a guitar,

or sit at a piano and play a melody...don't even give him a violin...sounds like a train crash underneath a tunnel with screaching metal bending & defening your ears

how about a 1yr old baby havin the strength to blow even a Bad" note out of a horn...impossable task for a baby!! Think of any instrument and ask if a baby can make any instrument other than a drum sound the way the instrument was intended to sound...like a drum !!!

So, We are "All" born to drum !!!! It's just the chosen few ...The Music Lords above Bless with the Honor & Ability to Dedicate ourselves a Lifetime to this instrument for the rest of our living lives, no matter what level or talent, & can all from day 1 say "I'm a Drummer"

You have a "Great" day...Lee

[tmc]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?

I've been a drummer as long as I've been alive. I just got my first drumkit a year ago, though, and have only been "playing" drums for a year. Long tortuous wait, but well worth it.

If you're not rockin' what the hell is the point.
Rock on!
-Michael

[d.c.drummer]

When you start speeding home because there is a beat you wanna tryout.

[boombox]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?

Everyone here has made very good points, and I agree with a lot of you. BUT im going to take it on a more personal level.. Like.. when did I start calling myself a drummer. I used to be known as a bass drummer for our school drumline and i was considered that before i had even touched one, they just knew i was going to be playing it. Evntually i became more comfortable saying i was a bass drummer (especailly after our drumline got first in our division) but when it comes to being a drummer (pertaining to playing a drumset), I never called myself that untill we played our first gig. Something about accomplishing what you do in front of people is what gave me the feeling that yes.. indeed.. I AM A DRUMMER! and i usually add on the .. AND I LOVE IT! :)

[Pete Stoltman]

Hey Jazz Gregg, sorry if I tied our responses too closely together. I just meant that I had more in common with your view then guys who answered with what I took to be flippant answers. I'll also admit that maybe I went a little overboard on my response. I may be a little overprotective of the meaning of drummer and you are absolutely correct that there are very young players, students, etc. who are "drummers". I guess over years of hearing people refer to drummers as some sort of second class musician I get a little ruffled at guys who think because they could pay for some equipment it makes them a drummer. Maybe I was just in a bad mood when I wrote my response but I'd really like guys to have some sense of purpose when approaching the instrument. OK I'm off the soapbox.

[Doom]

Sometimes I'll be introduced to people "this is Sean, he's a drummer". It makes me twitch because they always always then ask if I'm in a band. I'm not and it kind of makes me look lame. Other drummers or musicians are cool with it but every day people dont get it.
The worse thing for me is when they say "this is Sean, he's a drummer. A really good drummer."
Feels like I've got to confirm this somehow. Which isnt helped when I have to say I'm not in a band.
Either way I'm not comfortable calling myself a drummer because I dont play with other people regularly enough. Thats what it comes down to for me.

[RudimentalDrummer]

You have a "Great" day...Lee

Hey...great day to you too....I see you're taking Babies as an example here.....In this discussion...I believed there are no babies around definetely not in DrummerWorld...

To each his own...Yes, but within DrummerWorld....99% of the people who participate in discussion here are all Drummers - who can understand read & write, they may not all be a Pro Drummers - but they are no babies.

What then is a Drummer. The title of this thread says "When do you consider yourself a Drummer"...not a Fresh Beginner, Intermediate, Advance, nor Pro Drummer.

As long as you drum, you're a drummer.

There are so many Music Schools teaching Drums, Guitar whatever or say they just Jam around with their friends etc - Can these people call themselves "I'm a Drummer" or "I'm a Guitarists" ?

[Superlow]

I knew I was a drummer when I first picked up sticks. I wasn't that good either. Let's cut the BS. If you play drums you are a drummer. Some of us are great drummers and some of down right suck. Some drummers think Joey Jordison is better than Buddy Rich. Some drummer may prefer Meg White over Virgil Donati. Who cares? We are all in the same tribe.

[dornay]

You can consider yourself a drummer when you are as good as Steve Gadd or Joe Morello.

Using the word "drummer" to define yourself is a distortion. You are not a drummer anymore more than you are an "eater" or "defecator" or "masturbator" (Is that allowed? - That word doesn't include you does it?). You are a Human Being - this is an unchanging reality. Labels are misleading (very) but useful.

With that said there is a spectrum of "drummers".

At one end is moi (Ma Ma Da Da, Ma Ma Da Da). At the other end are the likes of Steve Gadd/Joe Morello (even this spectrum is suspect but it is convenient). All drummers fit somewhere on this range.

If you can do Ma Ma Da Da, Ma Ma Da Da at the same time going Boom Chick Boom Chick than you are above me.

Isn't this a great site?

[RudimentalDrummer]

You can consider yourself a drummer when you are as good as Steve Gadd or Joe Morello.

Using the word "drummer" to define yourself is a distortion.

With that said there is a spectrum of "drummers".


All drummers fit somewhere on this range.



Kekekeke !...thank you...What an answer

1st you said - you're a Drummer when you're as good as Steve Gadd.....but using the word "Drummer" is a Distortion.....then you carry on saying There is a spectrum of Drummers (which is correct).....and finalising your conclusion with "All Drummers fir somewhere on this range...Thus conncluding the fact we are all Drummers which is contridictary to your 1st statement made.....kekekeke !...

[dornay]

Kekekeke !...thank you...What an answer

1st you said - you're a Drummer when you're as good as Steve Gadd.....but using the word "Drummer" is a Distortion.....then you carry on saying There is a spectrum of Drummers (which is correct).....and finalising your conclusion with "All Drummers fir somewhere on this range...Thus conncluding the fact we are all Drummers which is contridictary to your 1st statement made.....kekekeke !...

I am exaggerating and goofing around (being contradictory) to make a point.

You are a "drummer" if you say you are.

[RudimentalDrummer]

I am exaggerating and goofing around (being contradictory) to make a point.
.

Yes I know my bro....and I'm just capitalising on your points to say - We're All Drummers here.....hehe ! and Good Day.

[dornay]

Yes I know my bro....and I'm just capitalising on your points to say - We're All Drummers here.....hehe ! and Good Day.

Thanks. I've been told that when face-to-face folks have a hard time telling when I am kidding around. So I think that in black and white (as in a post) it is more difficult.

But you got my point.

Take Care

[Lee Mangano]

[QUOTE=RudimentalDrummer]
What then is a Drummer. The title of this thread says "When do you consider yourself a Drummer"...not a Fresh Beginner, Intermediate, Advance, nor Pro Drummer.
QUOTE]

Rudiment drummer...excellant valid point..."But".. the key word is "Consider"...1st i am not by any means belittleing drummers by the statements in my blog., read it again

2nd...are you to judge the level or reason when someone is "aloud" to call themselves & consider themselves a drummer ?? and if not who exactly is ???

3nd.. as far as I am concerned if you have the ability to drum, as a baby does...why can't you call yourself a drummer, is there a certain cryteria to meet, or testing of some sought I don't know about to get my degree so i can justifyably call myself a drummer ??

Guitar & other instruments you bring up really are differant...a baby can make a drum sound the way the instrument was intended, which is my main point...that can't happen with 99% of all other instruments...

finally...don't be intimidated or insulted that new born has the same ability as you do, maybe just not as coordinated, or schooled or talented but can do it....your way of thinkin can a child prodegy pianist call themselves pianists because they started a week ago????..

I'm sure you have seen them...I personally know & have a tape of a 14 yr old friend (Girl) who only played guitar for 6 months & has been on stage with Steve Vei, Steve Morse & many others greats & is endorsed by Gibson....shes a baby in this field...

Lee

[RudimentalDrummer]

[QUOTE=RudimentalDrummer]

Rudiment drummer...excellant valid point..."But".. the key word is "Consider"...1st i am not by any means belittleing drummers by the statements in my blog., read it again

Lee

I've it read again...my sincere apology Bro Lee.

Eric

[Stormi]

Well, I haven't called myself a "drummer" yet - I've been playing for a couple of months or so now. If I meet someone and they ask my interests or hobbies, I don't say "I'm a drummer", I usually say "I play drums", or more often "I'm learning the drums". Or if someone asks what I do in my spare time, I don't say "I'm a drummer", I say "I play drums". I think if I had a full-time job in a band, and someone asked me what I did for a living, I'd say "I'm a drummer". It's the same with my art though - I'm not boasting, but I'm pretty good at art, but I don't call myself an artist. I usually say "I like doing art". My 7 year old son does acting classes - but I don't call him an actor. To me, labels such as drummer, artist, actor etc are if you do such things as a profession or a VERY serious hobby that takes up every spare moment of your life.

[dornay]

Well, I haven't called myself a "drummer" yet - I've been playing for a couple of months or so now. If I meet someone and they ask my interests or hobbies, I don't say "I'm a drummer", I usually say "I play drums", or more often "I'm learning the drums". Or if someone asks what I do in my spare time, I don't say "I'm a drummer", I say "I play drums". I think if I had a full-time job in a band, and someone asked me what I did for a living, I'd say "I'm a drummer". It's the same with my art though - I'm not boasting, but I'm pretty good at art, but I don't call myself an artist. I usually say "I like doing art". My 7 year old son does acting classes - but I don't call him an actor. To me, labels such as drummer, artist, actor etc are if you do such things as a profession or a VERY serious hobby that takes up every spare moment of your life.

Whenever Human Beings utilize the verb "to be" in self-reference they distort reality.

They limit themselves, "I'm a proud drummer chick!". You are so much more than a "chick", infinitely more.

You started rationally "I play drums". Than you break off "if I had.... I'd say 'I'm a drummer'".

It is never rational for a Human Being to describe herself with the verb "to be".

With that said - "I am dumb as a post". A quote describing me - "you are dumb as a post" from the X.

Isn't life grand?

[Fur drummer]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?

Yes If one can play the durms but is not part of a band then he or she is a drummer. You don't have to be in a band to be considerd a drummer.

I considered myself a drummer when I could keep a steady beat and do some nice fills and solos.

[grahamo87]

I started considering myself a drummer when everyone else around me considered me a drummer.

[fatedrummer]

And some drumsticks...

I feel like I should add to this, but i can't.

[Jeff Almeyda]

You consider yourself a drummer whenever you consider yourself one.

There really is no other answer because we didn't qualify the level of drummer. In this case, reality is self-created. Like Descartes (I think I am a drummer therefore I am)

Now if you consider yourself a good drummer, that's another question.

[Fur drummer]

I think there is some confussion between a pro and amature drummer. Yes if you play drums for a living you are a pro drummer. If you can play drums but play just for the fun of it you are a drummer also. Playing in a band or being paid to play should not be the main factor in determining if he or she is a drummer.

Now like Knevildrummer said, considering yourself a good drummer or not, is another question.

[jazzin']

My view is kind of along with that of Stormi.

Everyone who plays drums can consider themselves a drummer. I remember in high school i 'played the drums' if someone asked me. but didnt say i was a drummer, just like i didnt say i was a skateboarder or whatever else i was doing in my spare time;) Nor did i really consider myself a drummer. i was a young kid who did lots of things including drumming.

Now that playing has become my sole focus, my trade so to speak, if someone asked me what i do .. 'im a drummer/musician', whether a good one or not is another story entirely, im working on that part.

What im saying is i now consider myself a drummer. i suppose its just what level you consider it at. I mean now everything i do is kind of about drumming. most of my day is taken up thinking, playing, watching, listening about drumming/music. so i truly consider myself to be a drummer now its what i do. whereas i used to be play the drums, and in a band setting i wouldve thought 'im the drummer' but outside of that while i was doing whatever..cooking toast for instance, i wouldve thought 'yumm, good toast, im a good toaster'. but now when i make toast i still think 'nahh, im not a toaster, im a drummer'.

I think. Hmmm...no doubt i'll change my mind tomorrow.

p.s Hello everyone. First post. I'm a bit of a technophobe so i dont use computers that much, but i must admit ive become hooked on this forum (been lurking for awhile). 'tis a fine thing to be talking to a bunch a fine drummer fellows. Most of the other forums i had a bit of a look at were completely and utterly frollicking mad. Anyways...good to be here.

ben.

[jazzgregg]

whereas i used to be play the drums, and in a band setting i wouldve thought 'im the drummer' but outside of that while i was doing whatever..cooking toast for instance, i wouldve thought 'yumm, good toast, im a good toaster'. but now when i make toast i still think 'nahh, im not a toaster, im a drummer'.


Although I stick to my original point, this is really good, very deep, man. And welcome.

G

[jazzin']

Although I stick to my original point, this is really good, very deep, man. And welcome.

G

Hehehe well im a very deep person...and secretly i still consider myself a good toaster. You've got to spread all the way to the edges in a nice uniform manner.

thanks.

[jazzgregg]

Hehehe well im a very deep person...and secretly i still consider myself a good toaster. You've got to spread all the way to the edges in a nice uniform manner.

thanks.
lol- that's good stuff, man, for real (not just the humour of course, but the concept).

G

[millerdakiller]

All you need is a passion for playing...

that's the corniest thing I've ever heard, you lose.

[millerdakiller]

I think to drum, all you need to do is bang in rythym on anything. Because what exactly is a drum? Anything can be. Drums and percussion are just things you hit, so anything you hit has the possibility of being a drum.

[Batera945]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?


u dont have to be in a band to be a drummer there are a lot of independent professional drummers who dont have a band..... but i dunno ur considered a drummer the moment everything you do is revolved around drums hahah well not everything but its when u really start devoting your self i guess .... and when u start visitin drummerworld everyday lol

[Salicete]

When your wife threatens to leave you if you buy even one more piece of drum gear, and you buy it anyway.

[Spike]

From Merriam-Webster (http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=drummer):

Main Entry: drum·mer
Pronunciation: 'dr&-m&r
Function: noun
1 : one that plays a drum -- sometimes used figuratively in phrases denoting unconventional thought or action <march to a different drummer>
2 : TRAVELING SALESMAN

(note the title of the post does not specify the skill level - good/bad drummer)

I still pretty much stink, and I don't play in a band... but I can't wait to get to my drum set when I have the time *and* I miss playing it when I'm away (I should pack a set of sticks when I travel) so am I a drummer? Well, by the dictionary's definition (and my own) yes - by reading some of the posted definitions, I will never be (in their eyes).

So, my answer would be "when you are comfortable thinking of yourself as a drummer".

[gusty]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?
when u pick up some sticks and start playing?

[Lee Mangano]

When your wife threatens to leave you if you buy even one more piece of drum gear, and you buy it anyway.

Salicete...without question this is top 10 of my favorites...lmao still & read it yesterday

[dornay]

When your wife threatens to leave you if you buy even one more piece of drum gear, and you buy it anyway.

Great answer.

The picture of you prompts me to make this recommendation (wife or no wife). Get smaller drum sticks.

[geek_boy_in]

Do we critisize the weird timings & poor ensemble performances from African tribes who are self taught and wack out sloppy rythms (but all sound cool !!) and many other midddle eastern styles of drumming & percussion...No we don't, we consider them an influence on the Art of Drums an they are all drummers

You have a "Great" day...Lee


Excuse me Sir, but did you mean African rhythms are sloppy ???? Ahem ..........

don't know about middle-east styles but India'n (like Tabla or Mridangam to mention two of the many) percussions timings are not weird, they are scientific, calculated and very systemic with FEEL.

Maybe you meant something different and it came out differently .. but then being a "Professional" you should be much more strategic with your musical opinions ........

Maybe its time to get back to the classroom and get a formal classical lesson on eastern music. and considering your knowledge and reputation you deserve to be taught by only the best like Zakir Hussain or Pandit Ravishankar (who plays Sitar ) or your contemporary Amit Chatterjee who plays guitar with Joe Zawinul syndicate and is a visiting professor at university...........

till now i have not even gone into the rich Carnatic form of rhythms ....... the above virtuosos are more inclined towards North Indian classical ....

[dornay]

Excuse me Sir, but did you mean African rhythms are sloppy ???? Ahem ..........

don't know about middle-east styles but India'n (like Tabla or Mridangam to mention two of the many) percussions timings are not weird, they are scientific, calculated and very systemic with FEEL.

Maybe you meant something different and it came out differently .. but then being a "Professional" you should be much more strategic with your musical opinions ........

Maybe its time to get back to the classroom and get a formal classical lesson on eastern music. and considering your knowledge and reputation you deserve to be taught by only the best like Zakir Hussain or Pandit Ravishankar (who plays Sitar ) or your contemporary Amit Chatterjee who plays guitar with Joe Zawinul syndicate and is a visiting professor at university...........

till now i have not even gone into the rich Carnatic form of rhythms ....... the above virtuosos are more inclined towards North Indian classical ....

Lee!

I kind of would like to know what you mean by your statement.

Are you saying that you have listened to a demonstration of rhythms of Africa wherein the players were sloppy (in which case the same can be for Western Drumming) or are you saying African rhythms per se are sloppy?

If you mean the latter - that is quite a generalization. Can you support that?

[Jeff Almeyda]

Excuse me Sir, but did you mean African rhythms are sloppy ???? Ahem ..........

don't know about middle-east styles but India'n (like Tabla or Mridangam to mention two of the many) percussions timings are not weird, they are scientific, calculated and very systemic with FEEL.

Maybe you meant something different and it came out differently .. but then being a "Professional" you should be much more strategic with your musical opinions ........

Maybe its time to get back to the classroom and get a formal classical lesson on eastern music. and considering your knowledge and reputation you deserve to be taught by only the best like Zakir Hussain or Pandit Ravishankar (who plays Sitar ) or your contemporary Amit Chatterjee who plays guitar with Joe Zawinul syndicate and is a visiting professor at university...........

till now i have not even gone into the rich Carnatic form of rhythms ....... the above virtuosos are more inclined towards North Indian classical ....


You get 'em geek_boy_in!!! ;)

[Lee Mangano]

Lee!

I kind of would like to know what you mean by your statement.

Are you saying that you have listened to a demonstration of rhythms of Africa wherein the players were sloppy (in which case the same can be for Western Drumming) or are you saying African rhythms per se are sloppy?

If you mean the latter - that is quite a generalization. Can you support that?


Geek Boy I apoligize if it came out that way, and by no means want to insult any style drumming, i actually honored & recognized it with a statement of being apart of our history..i am not schooled or study any indian or african style percussion....but yes I've listened to much of it...and appreciate it.

you'r correct & justify the "Sloppiness" as Feel....but it is sloppy..some players are on, some behind & some infront of the meter, it's the way they play & feel the rythm, but is off meter...then there are some who just bang anything & improvise...which adds to the sloppiness, but comes from the heart & adss to the feel

You know that we can put a baby in an indian or african drum ensemble with a hand percusion instrument & let him hit away & he will not be recognized...but his sound will be a great part of that rythm...and will be "Sloppy"

You want to hear a sloppy improvisational drum ensemble performed by Sean Shannon and myself...We recorded this after a 16 hour session & a few beers...pretty sloppy, but still sounds cool

Go to my website www.drumschool.net .....click on the MP3 on home page, and critisize the crap out of me....

Have a "Great" day !!...Lee

[geek_boy_in]

you'r correct & justify the "Sloppiness" as Feel....but it is sloppy..some players are on, some behind & some infront of the meter, it's the way they play & feel the rythm, but is off meter...then there are some who just bang anything & improvise...which adds to the sloppiness, but comes from the heart & adss to the feel

You know that we can put a baby in an indian or african drum ensemble with a hand percusion instrument & let him hit away & he will not be recognized...but his sound will be a great part of that rythm...and will be "Sloppy"

You want to hear a sloppy improvisational drum ensemble performed by Sean Shannon and myself...We recorded this after a 16 hour session & a few beers...pretty sloppy, but still sounds cool

Go to my website www.drumschool.net .....click on the MP3 on home page, and critisize the crap out of me....


we both know that by rhythm we mean a repeatative cycle of the same pattern of strokes within the perimeter of a constant timeframe/measure. If one can execute it correctly and maintain the same tempo for say even 10 mins continously then it is not sloppy.

The feel maybe ahead or behind the count but actually in the head of the player he is totally counting:
say for Rock I would have in my head: 1a2a3a4a
for Funk sometimes: 1ena2ena3ena4ena
for Nanigo my head would go: 1a2a3a4a5a6a on the hands sandwiching inside my feet count of 1234
for Half note shuffles: 1en2en3en4en
for salsa, mambo I would like to keep the son or rumba clave pattern in my head.
etc.

its not necessary to have accented strokes or even a stroke on each and every backbeat (1,2,3,4) and thats what gives the delayed behind the beat or ahead of the beat ....

The above examples are not for Lee (obviously he knows all these and much more) but just to emphasise my point that any child unless he is a prodigy cannot maintain the exact same pattern for 10mins in an ensemble. If he can he is not sloppy.

Actually, why am writing these supposedly obvious (and non-value adding to even mediocre drummers) things because there are many kids who visit this forum who may think that since you are teacher / role model whatever you say will be True. And they will develop distorted opinions about non-Rock rhythms.

feel can be developed by continuous listening and practicing the particular rhythm exercises for that culture at any age. So guys don't fret if you are born a USA citizen, African or cuban rhythms are totally systematic and so are rhythms of India .... they are not all haphazard or weird.

Trilok Gurtu combines Carnatic rhythms with jazz feel to make it palatable for western audience, Dave Weckl always does the mixing with cuban, jazz and rock ...... but these people obviously have to know the feels of the different cultures ...... most studio musicans gets only notation papers in front of them to paly a particular genre of music from any part of the world. So you cannot become a true professional unless you know how to execute the rhythm.
Independance is a must .... so refer to Gary Chester's book New Breed... ( beware this book is ultra hard though and the exercises are to build independance and doesn't groove)
on a sidenote, I have not completed even one forth of that book ...

[finnhiggins]

When do you consider yourself a drummer? When you can use "... but I'm a drummer!" as an excuse for being crap at something else and people let you away with it, of course!

[jiltednut]

As soon as I play a drum.

[RudimentalDrummer]

Wow...this is indeed a nice thread....

Recently I saw on our local TV "Super Bands" - a competition among band groups in my country...of course there are Drummers in every band. I say...most of the drummers are average drummers not "Superb" ones.

I also witness an Orchestra playing in my District just past Sunday, they are no professionals but are from the Community Centre at our area. The drummer is a girl in this Orchestra......She is a Drummer, but is human too of course and Human does makes mistakes, even the most simplest form in drumming.

I was actually standing right behind her observing her playing - then she roll, and (I don't know why - but she cross her hand in doing a particular fill around the Toms) - Technically speaking - this shouldn't happens - It's wrong in it's application - (that's why we are all flexible with both our hands - we make sure it doesn't cross - problems arise when we we have to do it very fast)...

Now, I look at her - asked myself a question - Is she a Drummer? - Yes of course, she plays in an Orchestra, read notes of course too....

So, when we generalised "When do we consider ourself to be a Drummer"....I think "We can indeed consider ourself a drummer.

Talking about Perfection like some of us here - It means "Mastering Drumming"..where you can actually close one eye and do most of the things in drumming without having a problem....Honestly how many of us can really do that - I mean "In Perfect Timming with Speed, Control & Dynamics"...These probably takes many many many years not just practicing drums but being exposed countlessly & professionally - There are not many of us here I would say playing professionally for 30 to 40 years.

We don't have to be akin to playing like Steve Gadd, Dennis Chamber to be call a Drummer.

Let's asked ourself a simple question here -
"Who Comes & Visit DrummerWorld" ? .
"What is DrummerWorld Main Intent or Purpose Here For" ?....

One Word, one Answer - DRUMMERS ! ...isn't it my fellow drummers & Bros of DrummerWorld.

[Jason Strange]

As far as i'm conscerned, there are no "requirements" to being a drummer. As long as you have a set, no matter how many peices, and you enjoy doing it, your a drummer. No matter how bad you may suck.


I spent the better part of my child hood tapping on the hoods of cars, desk at school, washing mechines, and I even made a massive set out of cardbord boxes. And I was actully really good. It helped me develope a lighting fast hand speed. When I was over in iraq I used to just tap my hands and feet like I had a set. I would have called myself a drummer then.

[harry_GR]

I think this is an easy question to answer...

For me the difficult one is
"When do you consider yourself a musician who plays drums?"
there is a difference for sure...

[d.c.drummer]

I agree with most of the people. Bad drummer, good drummer both are drummers.

[Drummer Karl]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?

Actually a very good question...but overall it depends on how you see it. I think that drumming is more than just hitting things/drums.
When you can do a rhythm and when people will automatically move...that is one factor. I accociate drumming with rhythm, actually not with hitting. ha, and with moving I don`t mean dancing or jumping...a rhythm shows its strength already when tapping the foot.
Another thing is having fun and living a passion. I wouldn`t consider myself as a drummer if somebody MAKES me drumming or so...but I think that is my personal view.

And as a drummer you don`t need a big set and best equipment to be the drummer. I mean, making a rhythm on my leg is...drumming. Actually kinda woeful that at these days we think we need a kit to start drumming.

Also things like playing in a band or knowing all styles are expanding thoughts...hehe and if the second statement with knowing all techniques had been true almost nobody would be a drummer. :-D

Karl

[tamadrummer132]

your a drummer when you pick up a pair of sticks and decide to pick up drumming. (this doesnt mean percussionist for all of those bongo players)

[mhx93]

How about, you're not a drummer if you shove a pair of sticks into your back pocket and learn two grooves just so you can act all cool and say "I'm a drummer."

Everything else is a drummer.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Drummers are just people who play drums and enjoy it for drumming. I considered myself a drummer after I learned my first few grooves and could jam with friends.

[drum.lad]

i think your a drummer when you begin to enjoy it after my first lesson i taught drumming was stupid and i hated it i didnt feel like it should have but soon when i was able to play along with people and had fun i felt like a drummer for the first time

[hawk9290]

I have never considered myself a drummer in a strict sense. I've always considered myself to be a musician first, who plays drums to demonstrate my musical concepts. Of course, I use the term drummer a lot here because its a pain to type out the rest, but by just saying I'm a drummer, most people immediatley think I have no musical concept and I just hit stuff pretty randomly, and that is not true in the least. Even the guy's who I consider to be more of drummers (Thomas Lang comes to mind first) still have a ton of musicality, they just fit into a solo act, whereas I need to be with a band, and then there are guys like Peart who can do both incredibly well.

[Drummer_boy3]

Anyone can consider themselves a drummer for various reasons.
I personally consider myself a drummer simply because i enjoy playing drums.

[WYdrummer09]

At what point do you consider yourself a drummer? when you join a band? or is it when you've mastered all kinds of drumming techniques and styles? If one can play the drums but is not part of a band is he a drummer?


I feel that you don't have to be in a band to be a drummer. I mean there are a lot of Solo artists out there such as Jojo Mayer (Even though he is usually associated with Nerve). He's better than most drummers in bands. I feel you become a drummer when you enjoy every moment you are drumming. When you just want to learn more.When all you want to do is play!

[rendezvous_drummer]

I considered meself a drummer when people started to pay me to drum for them haha. KIDDING. Honestly, I don't know. But as Harry_GR said, the more difficult (and important) question is "when do you consider yourself a musician who plays drums".

[zambizzi]

I've been a drummer as long as I've been alive. I just got my first drumkit a year ago, though, and have only been "playing" drums for a year. Long tortuous wait, but well worth it.

If you're not rockin' what the hell is the point.
Rock on!
-Michael

HERE, HERE!!

I've been tapping on pots, pans, pillows, chair arms, my teeth (clacking them together...not smacking them with things :) - for as long as I can remember...maybe 3 yrs. old or so? I didn't buy my first actual drum kit until a year ago, or so.

[Robdrmz]

I think it is the PASSION OF RHYTHM.

For example PACO SERY built his first drumkit out of logs and began the journey on his own. That is PASSION.

I was in a studio and met a CUBAN percussionist. We started talking drums & he told me that "daily he went to a drum circle in Cuba and played cowbell for a year before he was allowed to drum" - That is PASSION.

Keep the groove.

[jazzin']

I think this is an easy question to answer...

For me the difficult one is
"When do you consider yourself a musician who plays drums?"
there is a difference for sure...

As with Harry and Rendezvous I agree this is the question to be asking. As most people have mentioned anyone who taps on something or has a drumkit can, if they want to, consider themselves a drummer.
Everyones opinion will differ though. I didn't consider myself a drummer until it was what I knew I wanted to do full time. I suppose that may be because I see the question as being a drummer = musician. Others don't though so...yes I guess there is a difference Harry.

To drum or not to drum, that is the question.

[Neurotica]

Well...
I play in a band and visit drum school... But still, I can't say I'm a drummer. I can say - I play drums. Yeah, maybe that's pretty silly of me, but oh well.
I guess I'll become a drummer, when I'll be proud of myself. And I'll be proud when I'll achieve some goals that are hard to achieve (talking about music).

[fourstringdrums]

I considered myself a drummer the moment I picked up a pair of drumsticks. If you truely love the instrument, and feel that it's a part of you, then you're a drummer. It doesn't matter how long you've been playing or how good you are.

[That Guy]

I tend to feel that one literally becomes a drummer when the basic understanding of reading and the ability to play basic notation have become 2nd nature.

Which makes me... NOT a drummer, lol.

[TheGroceryman]

Well I started playing drums in third grade. But, I'm not the one who wanted to start. I actually thought drumming was "stupid." I have to thank my parents for me starting drumming because they practically made me do it. If it wasnt for them, I wouldnt be drumming today and I would be missing the thing in my life that I enjoy the most. So I should thank them for that.

I really didnt consider myself a "drummer" because, frankly, I wasnt interested in drumming. But once I started to realize how fun it really was, the passion for drumming started coming to me. This happened after the first school concert we had. After this concert, I started to call myself a drummer. And, about 10 years later, I still do. So in my opinion all you need to be considered a drummer is the passion for drumming, and basic knowledge of how to play drums ie. quarter notes, eigth notes, sixteenths, triplets, etc.