drummingman
Gold Member
As a drummer it is my goal to reach the upper levels of mastery on my instrument. My goal is to one of the greats, so to speak, in the field of drumming. A lofty goal, but one I fully believe is achievable. It's not my intention to reach this goal for mere adoration from others. But my main reason for striving for such mastery is for the personal achievement of going farther then many every will.
I'm inspired by people in every field who have done this. For example, Buddy Rich, Bruce Lee, Etc. These guys are the standard bearers that show what is possible when one truly dedicates themselves to a goal.
So I'm pondering the ways to truly reach such a level of mastery on the drums. There are so many areas one can focus on as a drummer that mastery of every one is honestly not possible. So that by default means narrowing the focus down to at least a hand full of areas. After this has been decided upon then it's time to get to work. This is where my main point of discussion falls.
In order to achieve mastery in the decided upon areas what does it truly take? How many hours of practice a day? Does it mean sacrificing all hobbies and only focusing on one's musical goals? What does it truly take to be a master of something?
Obviously time, dedication, passion, drive, and a refusal to quit in tough times is paramount. But I'm also looking for the intangibles, as well as other tangible, to implement.
Just to be clear, when I say mastery I mean reaching of the highest levels of a certain area. Not where one reaches a point and says "that's all there is to learn here" and then just moves on. I don't know if that's ever truly possible in any area of study. So by mastery I mean reaching a level that is far higher than most will every go or pursue.
I'm inspired by people in every field who have done this. For example, Buddy Rich, Bruce Lee, Etc. These guys are the standard bearers that show what is possible when one truly dedicates themselves to a goal.
So I'm pondering the ways to truly reach such a level of mastery on the drums. There are so many areas one can focus on as a drummer that mastery of every one is honestly not possible. So that by default means narrowing the focus down to at least a hand full of areas. After this has been decided upon then it's time to get to work. This is where my main point of discussion falls.
In order to achieve mastery in the decided upon areas what does it truly take? How many hours of practice a day? Does it mean sacrificing all hobbies and only focusing on one's musical goals? What does it truly take to be a master of something?
Obviously time, dedication, passion, drive, and a refusal to quit in tough times is paramount. But I'm also looking for the intangibles, as well as other tangible, to implement.
Just to be clear, when I say mastery I mean reaching of the highest levels of a certain area. Not where one reaches a point and says "that's all there is to learn here" and then just moves on. I don't know if that's ever truly possible in any area of study. So by mastery I mean reaching a level that is far higher than most will every go or pursue.