Lessons...

[Capwi]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum and recently (in the past couple of months) got really serious about playing the drums, I want to pursue it as a career. I've been playing for about 7 years, but only in school bands and never really applied myself. I've been told I'm a good drummer, and have been offered band spots a lot, thing is, and here's the point of this thread...

I'm a rough-molded, self-taught drummer. My chops are crap, and I have staggering independence. Also, I notice, but few others do, that I usually pump out the same beats when I jam. These beats kind of change time to time (one month it'll be boom-chic-ba-boom-boom-ch-chick, next month it's something totally different... but it sticks :( ), but when I sit down and practice I usually do the same beats over and over. when I try to get away from it, I keep coming back. I know this makes me sound like a really simple and horrible drummer, I assure you I am not... I think it's because I lack discipline in the drumming department.

All that crap being said, is it worth it to pay for drum lessons from a local music store or should I just practice rudiments at home?

[Velimor]

Definitely go with the lessons, even if its only for a few months. I was only able to do them for about 3 months, but they were a tremendous help to me. There's also some really good books out there to help with technique, independence, and beats. Try to find a book or instructor that teaches a style you don't normally play. And of course practice rudiments at home as well.

[jeffwj]

Don't just settle upon the first store or teacher you see. Call around, do some research. There are many teachers out there who are excellent. And there are the few who give us all a bad name. Find a teacher who is doing what you want to do. Some teachers try to tell students what to do when they haven't even done those things themselves.

Please let us all know the area you are in and what you are looking to learn. Maybe one of us can suggest a teacher in your area.

Jeff

[Just Drums]

[QUOTE=jeffwj;327108And there are the few who give us all a bad name....[/QUOTE]

Yeah! Tell me about it. Like there's this guy named Jeff living in Richmond who claims he can......


Just kidding bro! Just kidding.

=)

[voldak]

I seem to do the same thing (or used to anyway). I'd always get stuck on the same beats over and over again. Now....my problem is fills. I get stuck on the same fills for countless number of times, until i'm on to a new fill. It gets old....But, books have helped me out tremendously. I've been going through Reed's Syncopation, Stick Control, and Master Studies (stick control mostly) and it has really opened up my playing.

These books will help you, but a teacher can really really help you along the way. I believe getting a teacher is the way to go if you can afford it.

[masonni]

Lessons will always help. I have been teaching on and off for 6 years, and I still take lessons with another teacher.

[beefythedrummer]

I had that same problem about a year ago, but what helped me was books and the music I was listening too. I started to listen to more technical stuff across all genres, and the books helped me apply new things. You're just going back to your comfort zone, which is exactly what I did. I think its more of a mental block than anything..so start making yourself uncomfortable lol. If I could take lessons I would, because I know that they would help anyone a great deal.

[jeffwj]

Yeah! Tell me about it. Like there's this guy named Jeff living in Richmond who claims he can......


Just kidding bro! Just kidding.

=)

lol - Good one!!!

Talk to you soon.

Jeff

[Hammer]

I played for many years as a self taught drummer. I reached the point where I hit a wall, could not play what was in my head, could not read or write music. I found a great teacher and started taking lessons. The hard part was, and still is, breaking all the bad habits I developed. I didn't even hold the sticks correctly. I wish I had started lessons as a kid when I had time to practice many hours. It's not easy and it will take a lot of effort. My instructors favorite line is, "Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect".

I thought I was a good drummer and so did most of the musicians I played with. Truth is, I was just a guy making noise. I wasn't a drummer at all. Ever see the Tommy Lee series where he tries to join the marching band? Look for the movie, "Drum Line" for inspiration. You will have to forget most of what you know, or think you know. It will be frustrating but, eventually, it will pay huge dividends. You will become a musician, not just a noise maker.