Moving forward...

[zambizzi]

So I've been thinking a lot lately about my playing and actually feeling fairly negative...I'm sure it's a slump and I'm sure everyone goes through it on occasion. I've been playing for just under two years and felt great about progress at first and even though I'm progressing still, it's just not "good enough". I work hard...real hard. I'm playing in 2 rock bands and a jazz/fusion quintet...the rest of the time is spent shedding for 2-3 hrs. everyday. I posted some tunes up here recently but was embarrassed after getting a lot of views and only reply. I think I'll probably hold back on doing that in the future.

Before this starts to sound like a bunch of self-pity, I'm actually looking for direction, not just whining. :) I'm wondering if I shouldn't seek a teacher in a bigger city nearby, maybe Portland or even Seattle, and maybe make a trip up there every few months for a tougher lesson. The teacher I've had here in town is a great player but I just don't feel like I'm being challenged anymore...and has probably helped me fall into this slump. I wasn't a good student in school for the same reason.

Once again I find myself with a massive pile of material and goals that are all over the place...but without any real direction on how to put it all together. Would a good teacher be able to put it all into perspective? The guy I've been going to is great but after two years...the material just seems redundant. I have piles of books on funk grooves and can teach them to myself when I want to learn new grooves....so at this point I almost feel like he's throwing me softballs. I feel like I shouldn't be able to play everything (and do it well) by the time I leave the lesson an hour later. Am I wrong here? Is this a poor attitude?

Bah...maybe that is a bunch of self pity, it's definitely not intended to be. Either way, I'm in serious need of inspiration. It's a good thing I'm going to see Roy Haynes live tomorrow night!

[maddrummr]

The best thing I do to myself when am in a drumming slump is completely stop drumming for a few days. I then come back to my set "refreshed".

[Ironcobra]

The best thing I do to myself when am in a drumming slump is completely stop drumming for a few days. I then come back to my set "refreshed".

This is what I do. I don't choose to walk away, but if for some reason I'm not able to play, when I finally do get back, I've overcome that slump.

[jonescrusher]

It may be less of a slump and more of you battling the weight of your own expectation. You know in you're mind what you need to learn and master to be at the standard you want to attain, but can't wait to get there. Be patient, keep up your work ethic and focus on one fundamental at a time. You should be practicing the same things in every shed session for a period of weeks/months/years if your goal is to fully grasp the material.

There's a massive amount to learn in becoming a good drummer, and invariably, the better you get, the more stuff appears on the horizon that needs to be done. But, to use a cliche, enjoy the journey and be happy to just to be playing. You want to avoid at all costs getting so frustrated that you're turned off playing at all, as this wastes time. Two years playing isn't a long time at all. Often, people find ten years or more playing experience is necessary to really start getting to grips with the art.

Lol, now I want to hear the clips of your playing, you take them down ;) You say that you feel like you're teacher isn't giving you challenging enough material: could it be that, although the material appears simple on paper, there are areas in your playing that could be improved to get that material sounding 'next level'. Remember that it's getting simple stuff sounding good that gets professionals paid.
I'd reckon that if you sought out a higher level teacher, he'd tell you to forget about all teh material you're sitting on at the moment and present you with an entirely different set of challenges, and probably re-evaluate what you've already covered. That's why great teachers are worth the extra money.

[zambizzi]

It may be less of a slump and more of you battling the weight of your own expectation. You know in you're mind what you need to learn and master to be at the standard you want to attain, but can't wait to get there. Be patient, keep up your work ethic and focus on one fundamental at a time. You should be practicing the same things in every shed session for a period of weeks/months/years if your goal is to fully grasp the material.

There's a massive amount to learn in becoming a good drummer, and invariably, the better you get, the more stuff appears on the horizon that needs to be done. But, to use a cliche, enjoy the journey and be happy to just to be playing. You want to avoid at all costs getting so frustrated that you're turned off playing at all, as this wastes time. Two years playing isn't a long time at all. Often, people find ten years or more playing experience is necessary to really start getting to grips with the art.

Lol, now I want to hear the clips of your playing, you take them down ;) You say that you feel like you're teacher isn't giving you challenging enough material: could it be that, although the material appears simple on paper, there are areas in your playing that could be improved to get that material sounding 'next level'. Remember that it's getting simple stuff sounding good that gets professionals paid.
I'd reckon that if you sought out a higher level teacher, he'd tell you to forget about all teh material you're sitting on at the moment and present you with an entirely different set of challenges, and probably re-evaluate what you've already covered. That's why great teachers are worth the extra money.

Thanks jones - helpful as always. I think you're probably right...I'm expecting more than I'm capable of and probably not being patient enough. I also believe that lessons have become stagnant for me and as a result, I'm not learning enough new material.

I'm fine with ten years....twenty years....whatever. I said when I started out that I might have something to be proud of in ten years. I was just overwhelmed w/ frustration yesterday and it has been hard to practice anything specific for the past few days. I listen to these great drummers and think to myself, "I can hear those patterns now, I know what they're doing....I can DO that!!" I may just be trying to build Rome in a day.

I re-posted my clips under "Your Playing", let me know what ya think.

Thanks again.

[MattRitter]

So I've been thinking a lot lately about my playing and actually feeling fairly negative...I'm sure it's a slump and I'm sure everyone goes through it on occasion. I've been playing for just under two years and felt great about progress at first and even though I'm progressing still, it's just not "good enough". I work hard...real hard. I'm playing in 2 rock bands and a jazz/fusion quintet...the rest of the time is spent shedding for 2-3 hrs. everyday. I posted some tunes up here recently but was embarrassed after getting a lot of views and only reply. I think I'll probably hold back on doing that in the future.

Before this starts to sound like a bunch of self-pity, I'm actually looking for direction, not just whining. :) I'm wondering if I shouldn't seek a teacher in a bigger city nearby, maybe Portland or even Seattle, and maybe make a trip up there every few months for a tougher lesson. The teacher I've had here in town is a great player but I just don't feel like I'm being challenged anymore...and has probably helped me fall into this slump. I wasn't a good student in school for the same reason.

Once again I find myself with a massive pile of material and goals that are all over the place...but without any real direction on how to put it all together. Would a good teacher be able to put it all into perspective? The guy I've been going to is great but after two years...the material just seems redundant. I have piles of books on funk grooves and can teach them to myself when I want to learn new grooves....so at this point I almost feel like he's throwing me softballs. I feel like I shouldn't be able to play everything (and do it well) by the time I leave the lesson an hour later. Am I wrong here? Is this a poor attitude?

Bah...maybe that is a bunch of self pity, it's definitely not intended to be. Either way, I'm in serious need of inspiration. It's a good thing I'm going to see Roy Haynes live tomorrow night!

Hey, Zambizzi

Sorry to hear you're in a slump. I go through the same thing quite often. Here are a few things that might help:

* Keep in mind that you're basically a beginner on the drums. I know that's hard to believe based on how hard you're working. Still, someone playing 2 years is a beginner in the eyes of the larger drum world. So don't expect yourself to be further along than is realistic. When I was playing 5 years, I called my teacher on the phone and told him I was unhappy with my playing. He said "Matt, in terms of drumming, you're just a 5 year old! I've been playing 55 years. I wasn't happy with my drumming until I'd been playing 25 years. Keep it in perspective." I've always remembered that. Now, many years later, I'm getting close to playing 25 years myself. I'm hoping when I hit that point, I finally feel happy with my playing!

* Read Kenny Werner's "Effortless Mastery." It talks about playing music for a deep, spiritual experience of it. It talks about freeing ourselves from the limiting "I hope I play well" attitude. It also talks about taking small amounts of material and TRULY mastering them. You said you often can play your assignments well before you even leave your lesson. Your definition of playing them well might not be all it could be. What if playing an assignment well meant being able to play it 100% correctly, 100% of the time, without even thinking about it? Imagine! What if playing it well meant being able to do it at every tempo, at every dynamic level, with left-hand lead, with right-hand lead, etc. etc. See what I'm getting at? If you dig really deeply into the material you're receiving from your teacher, you might find that there's really a ton of stuff still to be done there.

* Read Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way." This book is a sort of "cult classic" amongst artists. It's organized as a 12 week course with exercises. If you do the exercises, it will give you some insight on your path in music, and the rest of your life as well! I did the entire book in 1995, and it was one of the best things I ever did.

* Finding a new teacher is sometimes helpful because it can bring a fresh perspective that is inspiring. On the other hand, changing paths too often can lead to a course of study that is unfocused and unfruitful. It's your call. There are pros and cons to changing teachers. You must decide if your teacher is a really great teacher. If so, it might be good to stick with him and dig deeper into his assignments as described above.

* If all else fails, you can take a hiatus from drumming. I once hit a wall years ago in my playing and my attitude about playing. I wasn't enjoying it anymore. I decided to quit. Believe it or not, I quit for about a year and a half. I thought I was finished with drumming. Then I started feeling inspired again about drumming to the point where I couldn't resist starting up again. So I began again and found that I hadn't lost a thing! In fact, the time off had IMPROVED my playing. All the old negative baggage had faded away to some degree. I was playing better than ever and worked full-time as a drummer for about a solid year. I traveled the country and the world and had a blast doing it. So sometimes a break is just what the doctor ordered.

I hope some of this helps. The journey of an artist is an interesting one. Try to enjoy it!

Matt Ritter
Bass Drum Techniques For Today's Drummer
www.UnBuryingTheBeater.com

[Derek]

Hey Zambizzi.

I see that you've already gotten some good advice here; especially from jonescrusher and Matt.

Jones really hit some of my thoughts in his last paragraph. Material that you nail on the day of the lesson - if you truly listen to yourself with critical ear, are you really "delivering", whether it's a groove, fill ect. or merely hitting the right notes?

Now, that said perhaps a thoughtful search for a teacher that challenges you more is what you need. We should always be trying / working on things that cause us to fail when new to us. We want and need that because as you already know, this is being challenged and where we grow.

I'd also encourage you to avoid the "buy another book/and yet another book" treadmill. I too have been down that road. A couple of them at a time can keep us plenty busy and set us in the direction we want. A good teacher will help map out a course that you may not on your own.

Hang in there. I read your posts in this forum. You sound like you love playing the drums.
Remember that it's a journey of a lifetime.

[KLittle123]

This is what I do. I don't choose to walk away, but if for some reason I'm not able to play, when I finally do get back, I've overcome that slump.


I third that. I do the same thing and when I come back I usually have something new.

[zambizzi]

Matt - sincere thanks, that was a very thoughtful post and it really puts things into perspective. I couldn't imagine going w/o playing for that long, wow! I think you're absolutely right about clearing out the negative thoughts.

I think a lot of this that has been creeping up on me has come from my attempt at playing in this jazz group I hooked up with a few months ago. I am a beginner and I'm so below the level of playing that this type of music demands, it's been as much stress as it has been fun.

Also, like jones pointed out, it's a waste of time. That was a fine piece of jagged-edged wisdom right there!

I'll definitely check out the reading list you recommended...thank you.

Derek - the last few lessons I've actually not only nailed the material but gotten comments like, "that was played with gusto, nice feel!" or (somewhat jokingly) "you might be playing that better than I am!". While I do understand the difference (and correlation of) depth of learning and breadth of material being learned, I just don't feel like I'm learning anything. I say this because I can crack open a book here at home and spend a 3-4 weeks working on a page or two....and feel like I've sprinted ahead much further. But, being new, I may be totally off and just have higher expectations of my lessons than I should have. I scheduled an appt. with another teacher here in town in a couple of weeks...just to see what he has to say, not necessarily to start on a new course entirely.

I agree with you on the stockpiling of material. I won't buy anything new for years, probably...seeing as how I could spend my entire life and not get through what I have already (again, depth vs. breadth). I just need to find some direction now.

Thanks again, everyone.

[MattRitter]

I think a lot of this that has been creeping up on me has come from my attempt at playing in this jazz group I hooked up with a few months ago. I am a beginner and I'm so below the level of playing that this type of music demands, it's been as much stress as it has been fun.


I had EXACTLY the same thing happen to me many years ago! I was a beginner drummer trying to play jazz with experienced jazz musicians. It killed my confidence. Very dangerous. I actually mention this story in an article of mine that was recently published in Modern Drummer. The article is about confidence. You might find it helpful. Check it out if you can. It's in the issue with Cindy Blackman on the cover. It was out just a month or so ago. You can probably still find a copy. Best of luck!

Matt Ritter
Bass Drum Techniques For Today's Drummer
www.UnBuryingTheBeater.com

[mikei]

I posted some tunes up here recently but was embarrassed after getting a lot of views and only reply. I think I'll probably hold back on doing that in the future.

Easy there buddy!

You are doing the right thing by posting your playing. I have heard you play and you are damn, damn good for 2 years. Better than me and my 3 years, that's for sure.

That said, 2 years is only 2 years. You have to give it more time.

Also, don't pay attention to the lack of responses. DW has THE toughest critics out there. I have posted 3 or 4 things and on 2 I got no responses and the other 2 I got maybe 5. Even the great players out here only get a few comments. Then, a lot of the comments are totally unconstructive and can be down right rude. Don't pay attention to these egomaniacs.

I have analyzed the whole "lack of response" thing myself and then thought, how many of these videos do I watch and not comment on? Unfortunately, I was the same way. I watched so many solos, songs, jams from the best of players to the beginning player and rarely had the decency to respond or comment. I have made it a point to comment on things out here that I never really made time for in the past. If I can constructively help someone with advice or just make them feel better with a nice, honest but professional response, I need to do so.

Also, I don't think it is a slump. You might just want to much to quickly.

Even for bright kids, it takes 12 years to graduate and learn.

2 years from now you will be a LOT better than you are now, and again, I think you are better than lots of people who have been playing much longer than you.

So, stop the pity party and start practicing again and know that you have at least one fan out here!!!!

[That Guy]

FWIW... sometimes when I'm in a slump I focus on things that are beyond my playing capabilities. Sure it seems futile and probably more discouraging than anything, but good lessons can be gleaned, it keeps me moving forward and sometimes I overcome some little glitch I might have in my technique.

It doesn't work everytime, but its something I do. That way, when I come back to the basics.. sometimes there is something new in there that spices it up.

[DestinationDrumming]

Hey Zambizzi,

Sounds like you've moved focus rather than lost it. Knowing you there are a bunch of goals you have but it seems you have moved from short/med term goals to long term goals and now are getting frustrated at the lack of progress (in terms of long term goals).

You could try setting more realistic goals, even easier shorter term goals for now. Then when you are over your slump you might be in a better position to reset your goals with better perspective.

Let me share my experience with you, if I may. I've been playing about as long as you and became frustrated at my lack of progress. I seem to be reverting to my playing ability I had when playing for one year. The reason was obvious....lack of practice (not that in your case!). I had to realise that my goals were unrealistic compared to where I was at the time. I reset my goals to lower than they should be at 2 years. I'm now meeting those goals easily and it's giving me the impitous to set more challenging goals. Without that I might have been circling for a long time.

A new teacher might help you to do that or just another more experienced drummer to help you put things into perspective. Whichever or both doesn't matter because it's the drawing a line under your progress now that helps you to start again with your goals and get back to making progress in your terms.

Best of luck

[zambizzi]

I had EXACTLY the same thing happen to me many years ago! I was a beginner drummer trying to play jazz with experienced jazz musicians. It killed my confidence. Very dangerous. I actually mention this story in an article of mine that was recently published in Modern Drummer. The article is about confidence. You might find it helpful. Check it out if you can. It's in the issue with Cindy Blackman on the cover. It was out just a month or so ago. You can probably still find a copy. Best of luck!

Matt Ritter
Bass Drum Techniques For Today's Drummer
www.UnBuryingTheBeater.com (http://www.UnBuryingTheBeater.com)

Too funny! I had actually read that when I got that issue and didn't even notice that you were the author! I went back and read it today, sure enough - there's Matt swingin' sticks up on the top right of the page.

Great article. And, although I'm getting a lot of encouragement from the guys I'm playing with, I feel like I'm not doing the music justice and not keeping up as well as they'd like. I'm teetering on the brink of dropping out - it definitely has put a beating to my confidence at times.

Thanks again.

[zambizzi]

Mike - thanks for the verbal smackdown! I appreciate the kind words. I didn't mean to cry foul on the posting of the clips (and all of deeze tings). I just wasn't sure how to gauge the complete lack of responses, my first thought was; "wow, usually a lack of response is relegated to clips that suck so bad, no one wants to say anything!" I took it the wrong way and maybe overreacted. I've normally gotten at least some sort of response and usually it was positive, constructive criticism. I, too try to comment if I view or listen to other folks stuff.

That Guy - You make a good point, it's always good to do what's uncomfortable in order to progress. I think my lack of learning any substantial new material lately is part of my funk.

DD - I've heard Jojo talk about short and long-term goals on his video and to be honest with you, I haven't the first clue on how to put either of them together, in my mind. I sat and thought about my strengths and weaknesses but somehow could not put down my goals. I just don't know what they are? I suppose it's something to think about. I think my short and long-term goal of having all the skills and style of all of my favorite drummers is running the engine a little hot....I may need to scale it back a bit. :)

I've been thinking a lot lately about soloing and I think one short-ish term goal would be to compose a solo of my own. I've spent 18 mo. learning groove after groove after groove, adding fills, and learning snare solos...yet I don't have the first clue what even a basic solo should be played like. I'm going to put something together and work on it daily until I reach my 2 yr. mark.

Thanks guys!

[jonescrusher]

Finally listened to the tracks - really nothing to sweat about; you obviously have a musical understanding and have some good ideas. Your technique sounds to be where one would expect it after two years playing, if not better. It sounds like the key to improving your sound is to solidify your technique. Your grip will become stronger over the years and thus your tone will improve.
To that end, it might be a good idea to focus your practice time on the pad, as putting the hours in developing your grip is the only way to gain more facility. When you get to the kit look at one groove and stick to it - concentrate on transferring the aspects of grip technique you've developed on the pad onto the different voices of the kit.

In soloing, I've found it immensely frustrating when i've set a goal to come up with a great show-stopping solo, normally because lack of technique and facility around the kit has let me down. I'd recommend developing a solo based on the three basic rudiments. Apply dynamics, accents, and different kit voicings. Use it as an exercise to practice transcribing - write down the ideas you're happy with.

[SickRick]

As far as goals:

You might want to sit down and really ask yourself where you want to be drummingwise. What is it that you want to play? What kind of music, what kind of grooves etc.

Then, once you've settled with that, get the best books available on that topic, get all the DVDs available and check out the drummers who play in that style. Then set goals like these:

Short term: Be able to play certain exercises from the books / DVDs

Mid term: Be able to play all the exercises from one book or DVD with ease and apply it to your own playing

Mid term/Long term: Be able to play all the exercises from all the books and all the DVDs plus understanding what the pros play in that style - make some transcriptions from the clips/songs you like best

Long term: Play that style like your rolemodels play it (really long term goal... only possible if you master other styles along with it since many styles go together and reflect in each other).


Its really really important to keep a positive mindset about drumming. NEVER and I mean NEVER walk away from the drums with a bad feeling. Schedule your practise session in such a way, that you start with things you like, then things you may not like but feel the need to work on them and end with something you LOVE. That way, whenever you walk away from the drums you'll feel good about them making you want to come back to them.

Plus: Don't forget to rest.... take a break, maybe a longer one like two weeks or even a month. You'll find that you come back refreshed and with many many great new ideas.

From your posts I think the most important thing for you at this point seems to be to find out what you actually want to achieve, where you want to head to, what you want to aspire to. Hey, thats a great thing to find out.... Watch many vids, listen to a lot of music and just ask yourself what of all the material available you want to work on.

Good Luck!

[jayp]

Zam,

I feel for you as I am pretty much in the same boat, been playing about 3 years, almost 2 years w/ a teacher and I feel im at the point where I could almost continue w/ my studies on my own and still take lessons maybe once a month or bi monthly or something.

But!! (theres always a "but" right?)

My teacher is always throwing some sort of creative idea in my head, weather we be working on jazz and he switches into funk, or jazz to Latin or even just a little bit of inspirational solo or groove, theres always a snippet that I can take from that lesson and expand on creativley so I would say my lessons are worth it.

I say if you don't find the material challenging maybe you need to re-focus on your approach of the exercises, sure at first a simple rock groove w/ bass on 1 and 3 and snare on 2 and 4 is easy, but when you start to add double strokes on the bass, open hits on the hats, syncopation, displacement ect... You can really open up new doors to your playing by taking a simple beat and making it complicated, maybe you should ask your teacher to devote some lessons on ideas for rearranging grooves or fills and maybe that will get you over a hump. Or even having your teacher devote lessons to different styles, I know that personally helped me a ton, it maybe something new to your or maybe something your not entirely to excited about, but I guarantee you will enjoy it after you start to learn and experience new things.

If your willing to travel to Seattle for lessons every so often I highly suggest it, we have some great teachers here and a 5 star drum shop that holds master classes allllllll the time. (Dave weckl, Matt chamberlain, ect...) the shop is Don Bennett Drum studios
and this is where I found my teacher whom is an incredible player and w/ out him I'de probably end up a self tought double bass whore or something.

And BTW, I happen to enjoy your clips, For some reason I never comment tooooo much on everyones playing. Don't take it personal Im just usually an on the fly guy.

Let us know how it goes brotha.

[zambizzi]

Finally listened to the tracks - really nothing to sweat about; you obviously have a musical understanding and have some good ideas. Your technique sounds to be where one would expect it after two years playing, if not better. It sounds like the key to improving your sound is to solidify your technique. Your grip will become stronger over the years and thus your tone will improve.
To that end, it might be a good idea to focus your practice time on the pad, as putting the hours in developing your grip is the only way to gain more facility. When you get to the kit look at one groove and stick to it - concentrate on transferring the aspects of grip technique you've developed on the pad onto the different voices of the kit.

In soloing, I've found it immensely frustrating when i've set a goal to come up with a great show-stopping solo, normally because lack of technique and facility around the kit has let me down. I'd recommend developing a solo based on the three basic rudiments. Apply dynamics, accents, and different kit voicings. Use it as an exercise to practice transcribing - write down the ideas you're happy with.

Thanks again, jonesy. I've spent some time thinking about what has been discussed in this thread and you (and everyone else) have been very helpful. I think you're absolutely right - technique is my gateway to opening up new worlds for my own playing and I'm going to focus on that, for the foreseeable future. I do believe I could become one of these obsessive technique freaks like Jojo - the physics of drumming is a fascinating subject. He's just one example of what exceptional technique can do to a drummer!

I hear what you're saying on the soloing and have to agree. I found a nice thread recently, where the late, great Finn Higgins was talking about developing patterns for yourself, rather than spending a lot of time learning patterns developed by others. I think I'll worry more about transcribing my own phrasings and building a vocabulary slowly, rather than throwing some sloppy, ameteurish solo together to simply feel better about myself.

Thanks again!

[zambizzi]

Its really really important to keep a positive mindset about drumming. NEVER and I mean NEVER walk away from the drums with a bad feeling. Schedule your practise session in such a way, that you start with things you like, then things you may not like but feel the need to work on them and end with something you LOVE. That way, whenever you walk away from the drums you'll feel good about them making you want to come back to them.


Thanks Rick! I understand this now; getting bummed out and frustrated is always detrimental. I'm trying harder to stay inspired now and walk away happy w/ what I've worked on.

As for goals - I still don't know where I want my playing to go...I simply have no idea. Everywhere would be great but that's not feasible, obviously. ;) I'll have to put some thought into what my "area of expertise" will be.

[zambizzi]

...I feel im at the point where I could almost continue w/ my studies on my own and still take lessons maybe once a month or bi monthly or something.

But!! (theres always a "but" right?)


Yeah, always a "but". It isn't until I take a break from lessons that I realize what I'm missing out on. My playing simply isn't mature enough to stay focused and inspired for long periods of time w/o lessons, just yet. I'm going back to bi-weekly lessons for a while...and have asked my teacher to take me back to basics, especially w/ technique and relaxation. I could use the refresher course.


If your willing to travel to Seattle for lessons every so often I highly suggest it, we have some great teachers here and a 5 star drum shop that holds master classes allllllll the time. (Dave weckl, Matt chamberlain, ect...) the shop is Don Bennett Drum studios
and this is where I found my teacher whom is an incredible player and w/ out him I'de probably end up a self tought double bass whore or something.


I think I'm going to try to do this once or twice a year, if possible. Hell, maybe I could grab a lesson from your guy, if I do!


And BTW, I happen to enjoy your clips, For some reason I never comment tooooo much on everyones playing. Don't take it personal Im just usually an on the fly guy.


Thanks man!

[burnthehero]

I'm another one of those guys that will take a mini-vacation from the drums. I've even gone over 2 weeks without even touching the sticks. It's happened many times over the years, and every time I come back I just seem to pick up where I left off, but with renewed energy and focus and I make it through the slump.

Another quirky little thing that works for me is to change sticks every now and then. I usually go back and forth between 3A's and 8D's, but sometimes I'll use a 5A for a while.

[pasta]

Since you are very motivated to improve, getting a lesson here and there with someone new would probably really be a benefit. Just take great notes or bring a recorder of some sort so you don't miss anything and you'll have pleny of new material to last a while.
I used to live in Moscow and know a few great drummers in the area so I'll PM you with some names and you can follow up or not. Good luck.

[aydee]

Vin, yours are some of the nicest tracks I've heard for someone whos been playing2+ years, so quit beating yourself up there, man.

books, motivation, rates of progress etc etc are all stages of the progression. extreme frustration is part of the process.

There are times when the progress doesn't match the enthusiasm or even the confidence.Thats when you feel like the way you're feeling now.
Like you said, you could teach yourself a lot of the stuff yourself.

Stick with it. The energies will ebb and flow. It really would be great to find an inspirational person so that you have someone to share your musical journey with.

Would be great if its a drum teacher, but hey,if no drummers are available, try hooking up with horn players, guitarists, thinkers, philosophers anyone who can stir your creative juices..

Go back stage & talk to Roy Haynes...........seriously : )

cheer up , bud, it'll pass.

[zambizzi]

Vin, yours are some of the nicest tracks I've heard for someone whos been playing2+ years, so quit beating yourself up there, man.

books, motivation, rates of progress etc etc are all stages of the progression. extreme frustration is part of the process.

There are times when the progress doesn't match the enthusiasm or even the confidence.Thats when you feel like the way you're feeling now.
Like you said, you could teach yourself a lot of the stuff yourself.

Stick with it. The energies will ebb and flow. It really would be great to find an inspirational person so that you have someone to share your musical journey with.

Would be great if its a drum teacher, but hey,if no drummers are available, try hooking up with horn players, guitarists, thinkers, philosophers anyone who can stir your creative juices..

Go back stage & talk to Roy Haynes...........seriously : )

cheer up , bud, it'll pass.

I appreciate that, Abe...thanks.

I hear ya too, I do. Inspiration and confidence are just emotional responses....sometimes they get out of whack and restoring either of them can be a challenge.

Maybe I just need some new drums? :)

[aydee]

Maybe I just need some new drums? :)

certainly, absolutely, positively, NOT!