drummer depressed and discouraged

[frenchfries]

Hi lads...

Well I dunno what I am writting here, maybe to get some encouragements or being motivate again...anyway, if you read through that thread, thanks already!

I've been playing for two years now!, started alone and always practice with some stuff found on the internet, with books and dvd's!
I played most of time rock and i will say that i am not that bad. laying funky-rock groove!
- of course this was all learned alone - it was hard trust me!
but now i feel discouraged coz i feel like i do not get no where! I mean i still practice but i feel like I am not progressing and this is discouraging!
I played the drums today and being not focus at all, I played like a 5 years kid! thanks God the guys from the band were really patient with me! but after playing today! i felt like quitting the "job", i sounded like "this is not for me", my "independant coordination" is bad, cannot even try Jazz... I try hard exercices, strokes, everything you can imagine but nothing to it....
i met some people who let's say "have the gift", then i feel a little bit stupid! trying to reach for something i was not made for....

anyway lads.... I dunno, did you guys ever been through that? anyway, this thread helped me to release a bit...

thanks a lot :-)

[Derek Matthews]

Hey Frenchfries...I am learning alone too and the only thing I can tell you is to TAKE LESSONS! You will get advise and critique.
The other thing is that there are always obsticles when it comes to learning. You will get past them, too. I am a beginner so let's see what the experts have to say.
Hang in there and DON'T give up!

[fourstringdrums]

I think every drummer goes through this phase. I've actually been bummed alittle bit lately about my playing and whether or not I could even consider myself good.

But, if you take a break from the instrument or go and learn something new or even pick up another instrument, you'll find that it'll come back to you and you'll feel good again. Playing in a band is one of the best things you can do because the other musicians can be a support. I think it's harder when you don't do things like that and just play on your own.

*edit* I suggest you check out my site www.handidrummed.com (http://www.handidrummed.com) for disabled drummers. I've had many other "abled" drummers tell me that it's good inspiration for them.

[onemat]

Hi Frenchfries,

Always remember that EVERYONE goes through times like this. I've got the mental funk myself. Someone suggested lessons and I agree, even if it's only oonce or twice a month. The interaction between you and an experienced good teacher will help tremendously. I am just starting to play my kit again after not being able to use my right foot for seven weeks. I played the kit last night for the first time and It was awful, especially in the feet. I've lost a lot of strength in my legs...But I'm not giving up. I ordered a double pedal to celebrate getting cleared by the doctor to play and I don't know anything about double pedal playing. Hang in there, and keep playing. ..Matt

[funked_up]

when you're in a funk, you gotta play along to cds and read some music and play it. it really helps man. playing along cds puts you in a good mood to play on your own afterwards. i play to dave matthews band alot, then play, and my playing sounds muhc better. good luck.

[frenchfries]

Thanks guys for your encouragement, I truly appreciate it since I really love the drums!
i cannot really afford any lesson! and not sure if i can find any arround here so easily!

how do you guys practice? i mean how long and what?

thanks again

[deltadrummer1]

I think every drummer goes through this phase. I've actually been bummed alittle bit lately about my playing and whether or not I could even consider myself good.

But, if you take a break from the instrument or go and learn something new or even pick up another instrument, you'll find that it'll come back to you and you'll feel good again. Playing in a band is one of the best things you can do because the other musicians can be a support. I think it's harder when you don't do things like that and just play on your own.

*edit* I suggest you check out my site www.handidrummed.com (http://www.handidrummed.com) for disabled drummers. I've had many other "abled" drummers tell me that it's good inspiration for them.

Fourstring is right. I think it would be a good idea to take a break from playing and then come back later. FF i've been in this dull depressed situation so i know exactly how you feel, man. What you do is just lay off the drums a while then come back and like fourstrings says...you'll feel good again. Do it!

[Capitaine Quebec]

As Fourstringdrums said, take a break like a week and come back after, you will be satisfied with what you do :)

[NaturalRaz]

I'm not gonna repeat what everyone else said. All I can say is.......thats life. If you love drumming.....it will call your name.

[somedrummer]

I hit the same thing occasionally. Sometimes it helps to just stop drumming for a while (a few days or more) and take a break. Also, if you cant afford lessons, see if you can find another drummer to just jam with every once in a while. I find playing along with another drummer and "trading fours" can be very inspirational, as you can just hear their fills and try them out while they keep a groove.

Just a few ideas..

[RudimentalDrummer]

I played the drums today and being not focus at all, I played like a 5 years kid! thanks God the guys from the band were really patient with me! but after playing today! i felt like quitting the "job", i sounded like "this is not for me", my "independant coordination" is bad, cannot even try Jazz... I try hard exercices, strokes, everything you can imagine but nothing to it....
i met some people who let's say "have the gift", then i feel a little bit stupid! trying to reach for something i was not made for....

anyway lads.... I dunno, did you guys ever been through that? anyway, this thread helped me to release a bit...

thanks a lot :-)

Yes frenchfries...I've been through that .... again & again.

There is a limit as to trying to learn Drumming on my own. We all need a Drum Instructor (and a very good one) if not, we will not improve and play better even if we had been playing it for 20 years. This I assure you that having a Instructor play alot of difference....Like me now...I can play things that I never dream about been able to do...the credit goes to my Instructor and .... myself (most importantly) ...God helps those who help themselves...and you must have a thirst to do good in drumming through your perseverance, stamina and disclipining yourself to practice often everyday whenever possible.

I wouldn't say that some people have a gift in Drumming (a gifted born drummer).....just like in school, or even at work...everyone is not the same. There are always some people who have a higher potential in drumming (in whatever) cause they learn a little faster than the normal person .... but what's the diff at end of day ???? .....You have to take 2 years what he took one year to learn & master that's all .... but you are both equally good and will be able to play the same stuffs at end of day.

Hey bro ... You can be an awesome drummer one day ... if you choose to. So.ooooo carry on drumming and visit DrummerWorld more often...remembering that you have some Bros like us here who are in a similar situation like you are now....but we'll make it ...yeah...cheers !

PS; - Just my 2cent - Each time I tell myself to take a break....it broke...and I took drumming back after many years...then I took another break ...and the same thing happens. That' why I don't dare to take a break now not ever in Drumming - It's No.1 to me now, and I do whatever to get a very good instructor and I tell myself that I cannot have any more break ... "Just Do It !" no matter how tough, dissapointed I'm feeling at times, cause It Feel So Good .. when I am able to do that something at end of day even it took me some time to do it ...and I practice till it's almost perfect...That's My Motivation - Never Give Up ! and If I Give Up ... I am a Quitter .

[FatherTime]

i felt like quitting the "job"

I think what you said here says it all. Everyone at one point or another will get the feeling that what they are doing day-in day-out, even if it is something they like and want to do, gets to become a job. It's only natural and it's your creativity and body's way to tell you, it's too much and you need to take a break so that you can replenish your self again. Too much of anything, even something good, is NOT good. ;-)

[Bernhard]

Progress in drumming comes in in steps, not in linear form.

So if you're feeling depressed, because your'e playing don't get better, but you practice hard, so then well:

You just stand before a closed door, who will open very soon. And you enter a room full of great new things.....worked hard for it, but now YOUR THING, nobody can take away....

Take the time and have patience - you will be surprised very soon....

Bernhard

[Fat Elvis]

we all know what you are going through. I took a 15 year break and picked up (and learned very well) the guitar. I sold all my drum stuff to get mor einto guitar. I dont regret any of it -- now I know 2 instruments very well, but I have recently gone back to the drums and honestly i feel like i am better now than i was when i left it. sometimes a break is what you need.

as for my practicing, i play for 1-2 hours a day usually. I always play to music -- i find playing on my own without music pretty boring. I find playing to music something i look forward to -- like i rush home to play my drums. I think music selection is also very important:

i tried to play The Cult, Guns n Roses, AC/DC and honestly those were all too advanced for me right now. So instead I drum to Gavin DeGraw and Jason Mraz -- stuff with a great groove but slow enough that i can concentrate on foot work and fills instead of just trying to keep up.

im lucky as well in that i LOVE that music. For me, music selection makes the difference. I know that I will have to go to a metronome (sp) and rudiments at some point, but for now i am just enjoying what im doing. :)

good luck

[frenchfries]

Thanks guys for all your help and support!
you guys are really brothers and this forum is great! God bless it!

I will take a little break but already with your encouragement, I feel comming back the desire to go get my stick and get back to practice!
I also decided to take everything step by step; I will practice as if i have never learn drum and want to start with Jazz!

I heard it helps develop good inter independance!
is that true?
what you guys think?

thanks again guys!!!!!

[giantantreal]

I agree, my playing at one point i thought that too many poeple were geting better than me, including people who i had just shown my kit and stuff to. but, consider yourself lucky to have a kit, i dunno, that sometimes works for me, but lessons are the way to go definetly

[aarbo]

Pssst... hey Frenchfries!
Just in case you want to improve your practice results extremely -
I can recommend the following book: Kenny Werner - Effortless Mastery (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002HLKRS/qid=1129757593/sr=8-10/ref=pd_bbs_10/103-2267584-3019816?v=glance&n=507846)
On the surface it looks like it's mainly about Jazz improvisation, but in reality it's about the psychological aspects in your attitude towards your intrument and yourself as a musician.
(As Jazz always is the mother of all music, but thats another discussion...)
Maybe you give it a try. I completely reinvented myself as a musician after reading it. And fun increased heavily! :)))

[sabian_aax]

take it easy :D relax, have fun, if u think ur not improving try making a practice plan, make a list that u need to work on, play with ur favorite cds play with a band, u really need to play with a band to be able to have fun and improve on ur grooves. :D

[franklinj]

Man, I know EXACTLY how you feel. it really sucks man. After hearing and attempting to play some things, it seems hopeless. Im going through the exact same thing right now. i dont know what it is. Ive taken a break for a week, and when i got back on it yesterday, i played so much better than I did before. Just give it time.

I dont recommend a 15 year break like the one guy below, but whatever works...

[nate]

some real nice commets above...


i've been playing for bout 15 years now- and there are a load of people better than me and a load that are worse...but the thing i enjoy about drumming - is playing with other people - playing in bands - it takes a while (for me) to get a really good groove going but i when play and find the spot when everything sounds real good....life is good...it's the best feeling EVER and i don't say that lighty!! I've had some pretty damn good times over the years but nothing beats being a part of a band making a lovely sound (for me)....


..so maybe you should try playing with some others....

[drumzalicious]

Hi lads...

Well I dunno what I am writting here, maybe to get some encouragements or being motivate again...anyway, if you read through that thread, thanks already!

I've been playing for two years now!, started alone and always practice with some stuff found on the internet, with books and dvd's!
I played most of time rock and i will say that i am not that bad. laying funky-rock groove!
- of course this was all learned alone - it was hard trust me!
but now i feel discouraged coz i feel like i do not get no where! I mean i still practice but i feel like I am not progressing and this is discouraging!
I played the drums today and being not focus at all, I played like a 5 years kid! thanks God the guys from the band were really patient with me! but after playing today! i felt like quitting the "job", i sounded like "this is not for me", my "independant coordination" is bad, cannot even try Jazz... I try hard exercices, strokes, everything you can imagine but nothing to it....
i met some people who let's say "have the gift", then i feel a little bit stupid! trying to reach for something i was not made for....

anyway lads.... I dunno, did you guys ever been through that? anyway, this thread helped me to release a bit...

thanks a lot :-)

everyone goes through this time and it sometimes happens more than once. so i would suggest just taking a few days off and going back to it.

[Slayer_metal_head]

yeah i went throught something like that too but im still pretty much a beginner i couldent get the tuning right, my cymbals were cracked i couldent get the accents and the fills for my lessons right everythin was going wrong and i picked up the accoustic for a week and played around with is i had fun but i missed drumming, i decided to go play the drums for a bit and i started playing and i remembered the feeling you get while playing hte drums its the best its awesome take a break or go and hang with otther drummers thats why i canem here mainly to socialize with other drummers, well good luck man cheers to all drummers!!

[RudimentalDrummer]

yeah i went throught something like that too but im still pretty much a beginner i couldent get the tuning right, my cymbals were cracked i couldent get the accents and the fills for my lessons right everythin was going wrong and i picked up the accoustic for a week and played around with is i had fun but i missed drumming, i decided to go play the drums for a bit and i started playing and i remembered the feeling you get while playing hte drums its the best its awesome take a break or go and hang with otther drummers thats why i canem here mainly to socialize with other drummers, well good luck man cheers to all drummers!!

Great to hear that...carry on hanging in here with us bros...Keep posting in DrummerWorld and when your "post count" reach my mark (though only 400) you're be back in perfect shape and do things you won't imagine...trust me...I did It ! cheers my bro

[madrums]

Hello
My name is Morten and I have had the "mental funck" for 10 years...

My addvice to you is this:

1/ There is more too life than drumming. Try too get outdoors, walk, runn, go fishing or what ever. It`s importent that you are in ballance and sattisfied with yourself, regardsless of how good you play. So, get out of you`r drum-studio for a wile.

2/ Lower yor expectations. If you lower your expectations you might get back on the
right track again.

3/ Get a good teacher and maybee get together with other drummers.

I have been playing for over 30 years, and belive me: As long as you feel good mentaly, you will probably play better.

Sins.
Morten Andersen
madrums

[Funkydew]

You say you "can't really afford lessons". What does that mean? Can you or can't you? Of course you can. If you want it bad enough, you CAN!!! Giving up is easy, I know I want to sometimes, here is my current challenge: my weak hand simply can't play certain things like my strong hand can. This is incredibly frustrating, and I tell myself that my %^$#&^## RH is holding me back. And I know it will take something like 4 years to unlearn the bad habits, and a couple more until my RH is up to par. So what can I do? I can give up, or I can keep trying, and eventually, my callenges will be solved, and I will feel like superman. Same thing for you

My advice is this:
1) Be patient. Realize that drums are a hard instrument, we all have a steep learning curve
2) Take lessons
3) Be patient with your impatience, accept it, see through it, listen to it, then move on and sit down and shed another 10 hours. You know it helps!!!
4) Take lessons. I am not kidding. Get a truly great teacher, it's something like USD 75 an hour. Make that investment!

Best of luck, keep us posted! FD

[fourstringdrums]

You say you "can't really afford lessons". What does that mean? Can you or can't you? Of course you can. If you want it bad enough, you CAN!!! Giving up is easy, I know I want to sometimes, here is my current challenge: my weak hand simply can't play certain things like my strong hand can. This is incredibly frustrating, and I tell myself that my %^$#&^## RH is holding me back. And I know it will take something like 4 years to unlearn the bad habits, and a couple more until my RH is up to par. So what can I do? I can give up, or I can keep trying, and eventually, my callenges will be solved, and I will feel like superman. Same thing for you

My advice is this:
1) Be patient. Realize that drums are a hard instrument, we all have a steep learning curve
2) Take lessons
3) Be patient with your impatience, accept it, see through it, listen to it, then move on and sit down and shed another 10 hours. You know it helps!!!
4) Take lessons. I am not kidding. Get a truly great teacher, it's something like USD 75 an hour. Make that investment!

Best of luck, keep us posted! FD

All good points, but some people just CAN'T afford lessons. I personally believe that you have to take hour lessons MINIMUM as a half hour really doesn't cut it. But even at a half hour, that's about $30 a week or more. That's alot to an adult who lives paycheck to paycheck, or to a kid/teenager who has a part time job making minimum wage, or to someone who doesn't have a job.

[yakbutter]

If you're getting to a plateau with your practicing, it's helpful to review how you have been practicing. I think it's beneficial to set long term goals for yourself, and then write down short term goals that will take you there. Breaking things down into manageable pieces is important. Practice the same ideas consistently and repeat them a lot. If you haven't been playing to a metronome, do so. That way you always know exactly what you can play and can't, and you can register your improvement. Without one, it's really hard to tell if some technical things are getting faster or not.

Also, I would suggest visualizing yourself playing the way you want to, the way that athletes will visualize hitting a ball or what-have-you. The mental part is huge. I watch videos of Dennis Chambers and visualize myself playing like that. I'm not exactly there yet, but it definitely inspires me to practice!

[Blue]

Wow, this is exactly where I'm at right now. I think I suck, and I know I don't. My head definetely gets in the way. I deal a lot with depression and anxiety, and it makes it really hard for me to stay on track, but drums really is the only thing I'm good at and makes me happy, so I stick with it. I practice each day for at least two hours off of the set, and more on the set if no one else is home. I want to be really good, and I see all of these damn obstacles, and fundamental ones too, which is the most annoying! Fixing bad habits is one of the hardest things to do. It's like starting over. I feel like an idiot, but I guess if you want to reach your goal, its what you have to do. I just think, if I practice everyday for five years, I know I'll be nasty, and I'll be a lot happier, so I force myself to practice despite how bad I may think I am. I find that you get the most improvement when you think you're getting the least. Probably because you're ironing out problems that take a while, but in the end, you'll have an achievement that no one can take away from you except yourself. Do it!

[Anduin]

Progress in drumming, as in most things in life, is a fairly slow process. At least, it usually feels that way. And when you're the one doing the drumming, it can feel like you're just sitting in one place making no improvement. But that's usually completely wrong; that is not what's happening!

In fact, you're most likely getting better all the time, but you're so close to the situation that you don't see it. Here's a couple of ideas. Record yourself practicing. For one thing, if you listen back right away you'll probably hear your playing in a different way than when you were actually hitting the skins, and it might give you ideas on what works and what doesn't. But, also, if you record yourself regularly and you pull out a tape from a couple of months ago, you'll hear the difference. Your improvement will become obvious, because at that point you're not comparing yourself to what you did yesterday, which was not too different from today. Comparing to two months ago will give you solid evidence that you're playing really is improving.

The other thing you can do is keep a practice journal. Write down stuff like how much you practiced, what it was, for how long, etc. But take it one step further. Make notes on how you're feeling that day. Are you happy and playing well? Did your dog just die and you're playing like crap? Noting this stuff will help you get a mental grip on your playing.

[jumping joe]

why not change round ur kit. i find it alot more intreasting in times like these to set my kit up round the other way. im right handed so instead i would set it up left handed. you can applie everything you know but learn new skills. itll make you progress when you set it back up normaly.

[foursticks]

Hey Frenchfries...I am learning alone too and the only thing I can tell you is to TAKE LESSONS! You will get advise and critique.
The other thing is that there are always obsticles when it comes to learning. You will get past them, too. I am a beginner so let's see what the experts have to say.
Hang in there and DON'T give up!

yeah man, get lessons. It's something to look forward and you can ask your teacher for different things

[SilverPearl]

Every drummer gets discouraged. I kinda got upset because i am bad at accents in traditional (im learning for marching band) but im good at it in match. you just have to keep practicing and make light of the good things and how yur getting better.

[YAMAHA DRUMMER]

hey man .
music , drums , art what ever !! it's all inside you , you should believe in your self you should love every small part of your drumming and drums... it going to take you time to reach the level that you want to reach but , it's all up to you , it will take a hard work and some guide but , at the end you will feel how you grow as a person , musician and a drummer.
it would be easy for me to come and say ..." hey man , that's cool , every thing gonn'a be just fine , it's just temperory and bla bla bla " but i want you to look at things in another point of view... we all have our bad times... but we should work it out !!!
there will be always good and better drummers around us... you need to learn from them and don't let them take you down , and if they are snoobs and jerks... stay away from them .
the bottom line is - BELIEVE IN YOUR SELF .!!!!!!!!
let your love for music and drums grow and grow and grow.... inside you ... nothing can stop you then.
take care

[webstercat]

Just don't ever quit because your feeling down. It is ok to feel like quitting just put it off till next year, then if you feel like quitting then put it off for another year, you get the point. Drumming can get into your system as you all know. I stopped playing for 10 years then started back and in 9 months the chops were all back and I was enjoying it more than before. Sometimes the business of music can drive you mad, like playing in crappy clubs for small money and with nut case musicians, who are dope heads and drunks. That you can walk away from but don't stop playing. If the music business is getting to you, find another situation in which to play. Do it as a hobby, play at church, jam with friends, take lessons from a real pro, just don't quit!

[webstercat]

Hi lads...

Well I dunno what I am writting here, maybe to get some encouragements or being motivate again...anyway, if you read through that thread, thanks already!

I've been playing for two years now!, started alone and always practice with some stuff found on the internet, with books and dvd's!
I played most of time rock and i will say that i am not that bad. laying funky-rock groove!
- of course this was all learned alone - it was hard trust me!
but now i feel discouraged coz i feel like i do not get no where! I mean i still practice but i feel like I am not progressing and this is discouraging!
I played the drums today and being not focus at all, I played like a 5 years kid! thanks God the guys from the band were really patient with me! but after playing today! i felt like quitting the "job", i sounded like "this is not for me", my "independant coordination" is bad, cannot even try Jazz... I try hard exercices, strokes, everything you can imagine but nothing to it....
i met some people who let's say "have the gift", then i feel a little bit stupid! trying to reach for something i was not made for....

anyway lads.... I dunno, did you guys ever been through that? anyway, this thread helped me to release a bit...

thanks a lot :-)

Get a teacher! Set a goal to stick with him for one year, if after that point you and he don't feel you've progressed then do something else.

[Acronomic]

Everyone goes through this, like said. I get this feeling a lot, but for me it only lasts for like a week, and then I get a boost of confidence and imagination. When you feel like you just can't play at all, just remember that you can! You know you've done it before and it's always possible to get back to that point.

Just try to keep in mind that you DO know how to play drums. Remember what it was like the first week of drumming, and then recognize what you've actually learned since then. You say you've played for two years - you know a LOT if you've played for that long. Try not to compare yourself to others, you have to go in your own pace.

When you play in your band, try to just do what a drummer is supposed to do. Don't worry about technique, just keep the music steady and do it with power. Not strength, but power. Lay back and just keep the groove going.

OH! Almost forgot the most important point. Listen to music a LOT!

[madrums]

Hi :)
I have been thru this and more. Not every one is mend to bee a professional drummer..
Many years ago I was in your situation and I took a long break from drumming. 5-6 years to be exact. I felt that I did not play good enough and got anxiety when I should play....
I sold my drums and took a long break. The problem was that I had a trouble with my self esteem.I do not now everything about your situation, but it can be a very good thing to take a break, and focus on something else for a wile. Remember that you probably just live once:) Try to make the best out of your life with drums. However, its better to have fun as a hobby drummer than bee a professional drummer with "trouble".
My advice: Go out and have fun in your life, and forget about the drums for a while.
All the best from Norway:)
Morten Andersen
http:www.madrums.com

[Coldhardsteel]

I see three different things you can do about this:

1. You can take a break. It's not only easy to do this, it actually helps a lot, even though I don't see it helping as much sometimes.

2. Start listening to music with tracks from a drummer you really like. It will inspire you to try out techniques they use and expand your horizons, thus expanding the things you'll grow in. Or maybe it'll just make you wanna drum more(which isn't a bad thing, right?).

3. You can do my favorite thing, which is work through it. I believe anything can be attained with enough hard work, so I don't like to give up or take breaks, and I found that persistence has its benefits.

Either way, feeling you've hit a wall is certainly not what I would call a sensible way to feel, because no one is limited in musical ability compared to the next guy. Keep pushing it!

[Ian Williams]

Great words of wisdom and inner strength...Thanks.


Progress in drumming comes in in steps, not in linear form.

So if you're feeling depressed, because your'e playing don't get better, but you practice hard, so then well:

You just stand before a closed door, who will open very soon. And you enter a room full of great new things.....worked hard for it, but now YOUR THING, nobody can take away....

Take the time and have patience - you will be surprised very soon....

Bernhard

[JoeLackey]

I think a lot of people go through this phase. Take your time with everything. If you are trying so hard to get something down, but can't get it, take a short 20 minute break. This will let your mind catch up and relax. Come back and try it again. You'll do better, and feel better. Listen to different styles of music that give you a fun challenge. Do the best you can! : )

[dairyairman]

did you guys notice this thread is five years old? i wonder what happened to that frenchfries guy. i wonder if he's still depressed.

[legobeast]

Are you still out there Frenchfries???!!!!

Hey Dairyman. You just made my day! What a hilarious end to a 40 post thread!!!


I have the sense that he was just facilitating all of us to get all of our own frustrations off our collective chest!!!


Who needs the TV!!!!

Have fun, and keep working through those frustrations!!!

Personally, I'm now inspired to take my own 15 year break from the drums!!!!!

I wish!!! They hooked my soul good n proper!

[dairyairman]

glad i could bring some levity to sunny tanzania!

[legobeast]

Levity indeed!

It was all so helpfully serious, only to be capped by the realization that our friend, French Fries, was afflicted by his burden five years ago. Have to admit that I was close to writing something sensible myself, as I am in a similar situation in many ways --- until your few words turned the whole debate on its head. Nice one! I'm still smiling Levity aside, lots of good solid advice, however, and glad to say that some had already sunk in to my think skin before that wonderful dénoument.

Have fun!

[Flam_Taps]

Being depressed is not being able to get out of your chair. For that I'd recommend Prozac or Paxil. Either that or try to get laid more often. But being down on yourself drum-wise is often a chronic affliction that can sometimes be treated by getting out a method book, selecting a difficult exercise, then forcing yourself to learn it.