Learning to drum can be the beginning of an amazing adventure. The different aspects of drumming, from rhythm to style, theory and technique, all culminate in a study of classic compositions and modern advancements that help to create a show stopping force of rhythm. Taking this a step further, the marching band drummer not only masters the art of drumming, but can keep a beat going while in various formations or while walking and performing choreography.
The Adam Tenor Marching Drum helps student drummers learn the basics of drumming excellence. This drum is simplistic in design, yet provides a well-rounded sound and ease of play that is perfect for the drummer just starting out. Measuring 14” x 10”, it featuring a strap, beaters and a classic style, perfect for the student drummer, beginning drummer or for drummers that may want to experience a tenor marching drum, but without a huge financial burden.
Marching band drummers have the ability to take drumming to a higher, more entertaining level through the music played and the moves on the field. Learning to drum in a marching band requires not only dedication and motivation, but also the right instrument and equipment to help a drummer be the best musician possible.
A drum set, cymbals and percussion instruments are the heart of most styles of music. Depending on the genre, different drums, pedals, cymbals and accessories are used to create the best sound possible for the music being played. Most drummers take a long time to choose a favorite type or brand of drum or cymbal, assured of the sound that is created throughout the life of the instrument, or until a new sound is needed. One thing that may be most overlooked by drummers and musicians is the simple process and absolute necessity of selecting the right drum stick.
Drum sticks are as varied as the drummers, drums and cymbals used to create the favorite back beats and solos in music today. From variations in the size and weight, to the type of wood used to make the drum stick, the process of selecting a drum stick can be as important as the same process of buying a drum or other percussion instrument. Much of the decision in drum stick selection comes from the type of music being played. Louder, more obtrusive songs may call for larger drum sticks that are able to absorb the shock of heavy-handed drumming and increase the volume of the rhythm being played. For more mellow sounds, a medium- or light-weight set of drum sticks can perform even the most dynamic drum fills.
Most importantly, no drum stick is an absolute fit for the drumming. The best way to determine the right drum stick is to test out the many options available on the market until one feels like the perfect fit. If a drum stick does not feel right to a drummer, then the overall sound and rhythm will suffer. The selection of a drum stick can fine tune a drummer’s personal sound, and should be an important part of the entire drumming process.
Recording drums is more than laying down tracks for albums and other performances. As technology continues to provide a wide range of enhancements for drummers, producers and through other aspects of the music industry, the ability to create great music through unusual channels is growing at an exceptional rate.
Drumming on stage allows a drummer to reap the benefits of visual contact with the audience, or, in the case of orchestral drumming, with the conductor. Not all orchestras are allowed the ability to play on stage, and can often be found in the pit, where lines of sight are limited and the range of movement is constricted. However, as the utilization of drum recording equipment and other tools of music production continue to have an influence in more than the studio, the ability to produce a full orchestral sound is possible, even if the space is limited or even unavailable.
Through the use of closed-captioned cameras, microphones, mixing and production equipment, a drummer or other member of a large music ensemble is able to play an instrument without the constraints of playing within a group. The musician or drummer can be given instruction by watching the conductor on a television screen while listening to the score as it plays through headphones. Through the drum recording equipment, the drummer can play and have the tracks integrated into the entire sound, making an orchestra a sort of virtual music environment that is expertly mixed by engineers and technicians.
Utilizing the latest technology does not have to take away from the experience of playing or listening to music. Through innovation and creativity, creating a quality drum sound can be less challenging when it comes to space and other considerations that can be an obstacle to orchestras, as well as drummers in all other music genres.
Sometimes, less is more. The sound of a cymbal is typically the culmination of historic manufacturing methods combined with technological advances, creating a truly inspiring experience for drummer and audience alike. However, sometimes it is the simpler things in life that can create the greatest response, and that is no truer than in the world of cymbals. For a hot cymbal sound that relies only on a simplistic refinement in its manufacturing, the Sabian AA Raw Ride cymbal is unparalled in its resonance, pitch and sound.
Manufactured to take advantage of the natural acoustics present in its alloys, the AA Sabian Raw Ride cymbal is nothing short of unprocessed elegance. This cymbal is unlathed, relying solely on its natural acoustics to produce a haunting, yet bright sound that crescendos brilliantly while maintaining its loud and somewhat grungy volume. Appearing as a well-played cymbal, the finish used to protect the cymbal gives it a rustic, antique look that hides the true brilliance of its resonance.
Perfect for rock, metal and any style of music that needs a loud, bright and trashy, untamed sound, the Sabian AA Raw Ride cymbal promises that its style is eclipsed solely by its substance. Loved by musicians the world over, the unique manufacturing technique used to create this sound are a perfect complement to its power and dynamics. With each aspect of these cymbals coming together, a drummer is sure to delight in the pure power of this incredible musical instrument.
With one of the most recognizable sounds in drumming, the snare drum is an important part of performances, from rock, Jazz and R&B performances and recordings to the drum rolls played by a marching band. Combining the beat of a drum with a raspy, harmonic tone, a snare sound is only as good as the care taken to set it up and keep it tuned.
As with all of the drums in a drum set, the initial setup of a snare drum can make or break its sound. When putting the snare drum together, keep in mind that a snare drum has two drum heads, the bottom and the batter. The bottom head is typically the piece with the snares attached, and may be tightened on the shell of the drum slightly looser than the batter head, allowing the snare sound to penetrate drum rolls and other rhythms. For both the batter and bottom heads of the snare drum, the tightening process should be even, taking care to work in a rotating pattern, across the surface of the drum. When facing the drum, the top and bottom lugs should each be tightened first before moving on to the next set of opposing hardware. Working in this manner assures a uniform sound across the surface of both drum heads.
For drum set drummers, once the drum heads and snare sound is tight, the drum can be placed on the snare drum stand. For both comfort and harmonics, most drummers tilt the snare slightly, depending on the grip used while playing, with the snare drum placed so that the snares are parallel to the floor. The placement of the drum within the drum set is more of a matter of preference, but it is common for the snare to be at the left side of the drummer, between the bass drum and hi-hat.
Ensuring a good snare sound is vital to the overall quality and tone of the rhythms and songs played. By taking the time and care to properly set up a snare drum, a performance or recording is given its best chance to stun and enchant an audience.
Technology and music are no strangers, especially when it comes to drums. Many times, the most popular music is recorded using tracks from drum machines or electronic drums, instead of a live recording from a drumming session. It is the ability to record a drum track, enhance and manipulate its sound, speed and style that makes electronic drums such a common way to learn and perfect drumming skills.
Musicians and producers today are using electronic drums in an abundance of creative and pulse-throbbing ways. Whether on the stage or in a recording studio, electronic drum tracks, fills and solos have the ability to be instantly enriched in ways that acoustic drums cannot. The pitch and timing of the drums can be adjusted before, during or after recording, as well as during a performance. Electronic drums may be plugged into external mixers and midi connectors, and many have the ability to connect to a computer via a USB port. While the connection between drums and computer-based recording and mixing devices grows, the use of electronic drums and rhythm machines is increasing, making drumming more accessible, fun and educational.
Electronic drums are also perfect for the student drummer, whether in a marching band or just learning how to drum. Electronic marching band drums are able to bring the same volume and sound quality as acoustic marching band drums, while reducing the weight of the drum itself. These electric marching band drums and the drum set styled electric drums are all perfect for the student drummer concerned with space issues and the ability to keep the volume low, when needed. Electronic drums today are also programmed with metronomes, sample rhythms, tutorials and more, all to help drummers learn and perfect rhythmic skills.
Many electronic drums are considered a great alternative to a set of acoustic drums, but also bring more than compact size and computerized enhancements. These drums are also the inspiration for some of the most cutting-edge music heard today, bringing together the classic sound of drums with the latest innovations in technology.
A good drum recording can make or break any song, laying the foundation for an incredible song, rhythm and music experience. Techniques and methods of drum recording can vary in several ways, especially considering the place in which the drums are being played, the number and quality of the drum microphones or drum recording devices and even the placement of the drum recording gear. When it comes to recording a drum track, the knowledge of experts in the field of recording can simplify the whole process, making a microphone kit a smart solution for all drum recording aficionados.
With products like the Shure DMK57-52 Drum Microphone Kit or Samson 5-Piece Drum Microphone Kit, the ability to create a quality drum recording is much easier than the process of selecting individual microphones, particularly for the beginner. These products are specifically geared to work together and provide a seamless experience and quality recording with less hassle. Most microphone kits include mics for the kick drum, snare and toms, along with the accessories and equipment needed to place and secure the microphones for the best sound recording. For those who are new to recording drums, drum microphone and recording kits can be a simple and economic solution that provides the basic tools to learn about nuances involved with drum recording.
Whether as a new hobby or for the professional music producer, one of the best ways to increase the quality of a drum recording is through the equipment used. Fitting various microphones throughout a studio space and testing the different configurations to create the best sound possible are some of the most advised methods to record drums, especially for beginners or for drummers using non-traditional recording spaces. Using drum microphone and drum recording kits, as well, can help take much of the pressure off of the gear-buying decisions, putting the focus on the rhythm, exactly where it belongs.
A drummer is nothing without an amazing drum roll. As a hallmark of any drumming performance, the drum roll shows off a drummer’s skills while accenting the rhythm and accentuating the mood of the music. Building up to climactic phrases and keeping the momentum going make the drum roll an imperative tool in any drummer’s arsenal.
Drum rolls are basically an equal repetition of notes hit on a drum, using sticks, mallets or even hands and fingers. Most drum rolls are heard on snare drums, but cymbals can also take on the fast rhythm of a roll, adding style and flair through various tones. There are a few variations to consider when attempting a drum roll, including the Single Stroke, Double Stroke, Buzz/Crush/Press roll and One-handed drum roll. Each type of drum roll has a unique vibe and technique, giving drummers the ability to show off both skill and mastery of drumming excellence.
Single Stroke Drum Roll: Played with a typical R-L-R-L pattern, this roll is the basic pattern to all other drum rolls. Great for beginners, for warm ups, and for those who just love a classic, drum roll sound.
Double Stroke Drum Roll: Much like the Single Stroke, this drum roll rotates between the hands, but doubles the hits on the drum. Using the wrists and hands to bounce the sticks, the Double Stroke requires a R-R-L-L-R-R-L-L pattern when playing.
Buzz/Crush/Press Roll: This drum roll requires more finger movements than the others, particularly the thumb and index finger, and is somewhat more advanced than the other rolls. Gripping the stick between the index finger and thumb, let it bounce on the drum head and rotate hands once the roll slows.
One-handed Roll: A more advanced drumming technique, this drum roll allows one hand the freedom to enhance the steady drum roll with a complimentary rhythm on a different drum, cymbal or percussion accessory. While the One-handed Roll can be accomplished in a few different ways, the dexterity needed to accomplish the technique makes this a truly advanced maneuver.
Drum rolls are easily the most noticeable rhythms to audience and listeners, and an important part of any drummer’s repertoire. Whether played on a snare drum, cymbal or practice pad, the drum roll is a motivating force in all styles of music, from rock and R&B to marching bands and beyond.
A cymbal is more than just an extra piece of a drum set; it is a finely honed instrument in its own right. The timeless manufacturing techniques and attention to detail from companies like Sabian, Zildjian, Paiste and Meinl are a testament to the unique qualities invested in the design and production of a cymbal, its overall sound, feel and what it adds to the music and rhythm. No drum set is complete without a variety of cymbals, from the hi-hat to the ride, but the splash cymbal may be one of the best instruments to help develop the personal sound and style of a drummer.
Splash cymbals are considered “accent” cymbals – bearing a fast sound with quick decay that adds a little flavor to the beat, without overpowering. This sound comes from the smaller size of the splash cymbal and the thickness of the cymbal itself. A typical splash cymbal is not tapered like other cymbals, giving it the punch needed without excess harmonics. Splash cymbal variations include the China, a cymbal that is inverted to create a more authentic Asian sound and can even be differentiated by the genre of music in which they are played. Splash cymbals may be stacked, piggybacked or stand alone on a cymbal stand, allowing for diverse sound while conserving space.
Since Splash Cymbals are a creative way to enhance the personal sound of a drummer, the choices available are as unique as the drummer, backbeat and fill. Manufacturers like Sabian, Zildjian, Paiste and Meinl consistently provide new and innovative Splash, China and Sizzle Cymbal designs to fulfill the dreams of the professional, beginner and hobby drummer.
