ADrummerGuy
Member
Do you have anyone in your drumming/musical journey that after looking back after a number of years, were influential, if not instrumental in your progression as a musician? If so, feel free to share!
Mine:
My parents - without their support and tolerance, I would never have spent my last 47+ years doing this. My Dad was a big band / jazz drummer and he was not only influential as a drummer to me but as a musical educator. He was a historian of the music, taught me so much about the instrument and what to expect when I first started to play live. He passed away 20+ years ago.
My uncle (dad's brother) who studied and played all of his life. He graduated from a world renowned music school and was a professional jazz musician (locally). The minute I could play somewhat of a 'coherent' feel of time, he assembled players he knew and we played together. I was probably in the 6th grade at the time. We continued to play until he couldn't any longer due to physical issues from arthritis, etc.. He has long since passed. He taught me so much about playing with others.
I am fortunate to have lived in a town where amazing musical education was and is available on almost any instrument. Though I've had a handful of teachers, I've had 3 that I consider the most important. They were either all professional players (with international touring acts) and /or professional educators. I will only list their first names and last initials here: John B., Dave M. and Ruth C. They are all well into their late 70's or 80's by now. But they weren't way back then when I was under their guidance. Each were unique and each were identifiably critical to my development.
A particular friend (Steve) who I grew up with. We hung a bunch and talked drums and music for many years. It was very inspiring to have someone around my age that was bit by the drumming bug very hard who I was able to share my first Modern Drummer with (when the magazine first came out) and SOOO much more. He would share the same in return. We fed off each other. It was never competitive and was always inspiring.
Lastly, 3 people who were looking for a drummer in a very busy local band in the early 80's. I was as brand new as it could get in the 'working club band' world. Through a connection they humored themselves and let me come to a club they were at and sit in. They took a chance on me and we worked together for a handful of years playing loads and loads of club dates. They taught me how to conduct myself in a 'professional' manner. I was in my last month of high school when I played my first club with them. My parents needed to provide permission slips so I could play with them in certain clubs.
How about you?
Mine:
My parents - without their support and tolerance, I would never have spent my last 47+ years doing this. My Dad was a big band / jazz drummer and he was not only influential as a drummer to me but as a musical educator. He was a historian of the music, taught me so much about the instrument and what to expect when I first started to play live. He passed away 20+ years ago.
My uncle (dad's brother) who studied and played all of his life. He graduated from a world renowned music school and was a professional jazz musician (locally). The minute I could play somewhat of a 'coherent' feel of time, he assembled players he knew and we played together. I was probably in the 6th grade at the time. We continued to play until he couldn't any longer due to physical issues from arthritis, etc.. He has long since passed. He taught me so much about playing with others.
I am fortunate to have lived in a town where amazing musical education was and is available on almost any instrument. Though I've had a handful of teachers, I've had 3 that I consider the most important. They were either all professional players (with international touring acts) and /or professional educators. I will only list their first names and last initials here: John B., Dave M. and Ruth C. They are all well into their late 70's or 80's by now. But they weren't way back then when I was under their guidance. Each were unique and each were identifiably critical to my development.
A particular friend (Steve) who I grew up with. We hung a bunch and talked drums and music for many years. It was very inspiring to have someone around my age that was bit by the drumming bug very hard who I was able to share my first Modern Drummer with (when the magazine first came out) and SOOO much more. He would share the same in return. We fed off each other. It was never competitive and was always inspiring.
Lastly, 3 people who were looking for a drummer in a very busy local band in the early 80's. I was as brand new as it could get in the 'working club band' world. Through a connection they humored themselves and let me come to a club they were at and sit in. They took a chance on me and we worked together for a handful of years playing loads and loads of club dates. They taught me how to conduct myself in a 'professional' manner. I was in my last month of high school when I played my first club with them. My parents needed to provide permission slips so I could play with them in certain clubs.
How about you?
