There are certain logical and effective
steps that happen in any learning process of any skill or art form like
drumming. It starts from a chaotic or unschooled or
unknowing place, that means “no form”, then we learn the skill set and learn to
make forms, “the system”, something organized and coherent.Once you have
mastered the form, you can stay with it and further perfect it, add your own
unique styling to it, or drop the form perhaps. But you cannot drop it until
you have it in your possession.So, it is advisable to simply learn the basics.
It can be easy and fun. There are books, videos, downloadable lessons,
teachers, study groups. For best Drum teachers Neath, there are some really good drum
teachers available in Swansea, Neath.
I personally like fusion and hybrid
drumming. To fuse two items together, they both must be strong enough to hold
their own weight or force. So before you fuse them, you have to make sure both
materials you fuse are strong enough that they will not break or fall apart.If
you are fusing traditional drumming with something “new” (or old or different),
then both forms of drumming should be well established and strong on both sides.
That would mean that the drummer fusing the two styles would need to be
established and somewhat advanced in both or any of the styles being
“fused”.The problem or challenge I see is that many western “fusion/hybrid”
drummers never bother to even learn the most basic forms of traditional
drumming. Some are quick to say they “have their own unique style” and have
rejected the traditional teachers and learning process and want to jump past
the schooling.Like everything else in life we all want it now and fast. But any
kind of drumming and especially West African drumming and dance might take some
time to learn. So, please be patient and take your time. Enjoy the process of
learning drumming first and then experiment with it.
Now, everyone learns at a different
speed and in different ways. Good teachers find the way that works best for a
student to learn. Some people learn well from a vocal method. If you say it,
you can play it. Some people need to understand the math. Others are better at
assimilating. And we all need to remember that we all will always be students
because if it is coming from a different culture (originally) then you have to
respect that and keep a beginners mind. Even when you think you are advanced.
So, keep learning drumming and keep playing drums for the love of music!
