[UPSTROKE]

This may get some people mad at me but I feel like I would like to get a dialog started on this subject. I'm new to this site, so I may be way out of line. But, I'm finding some harsh criticism of young drummers just starting out.
Those drummers among us that have been playing many, many years may have forgotten how we sounded at 13, 15, or 16 years old. We had big dreams & ambition for our musical future. We also, fortunately had a lot of energy to pour into playing drums. It was also a great way to relieve some of the frustration of events going on in our lives. These young people today are trying every bit as hard as we did to become great musicians and leave their mark on the planet. They don't have any where near the musical market selection that we did, but they just keep working at it anyway.
It is my philosophy that we have a responsibility to reach back and help any and all of these upcoming musicians of the future in any way we can. Wouldn't you have really appreciated that when you were at that age? What they need is confidence, encouragement, and positive assistance. Telling them that they are no good will help and encourage them how???
A positive attitude mixed with a lot of care, patience and guidance will be worth a lot more for all of us.

[STNDRUMS]

Couldn't have said it better.

[Church Drummer]

Would very much agree that new drummers need encouragement. I've taught some guitar, and I always try to start pointing out the good points in what I've heard, then I can give a little constructive criticism on the things that need work. Never a good idea to tell someone they suck, or can't cut it, etc. Telling them what needs improvment is ok demoralizing, and tearing people down isn't.

[givemethebeat]

Part of taking criticism is to be able to handle anything that people say. Too often everyone goes ga ga at the ugly baby. Sure the baby is loved by the mom and dad but the moment the baby is out of earshot people say. "Dam that one ugly baby".
Everyone needs encouragement! Drummers are but a small speck in the scheme of things. When vulnerable and in the learning stages which really is lifelong... the fastest way to get a result is to confront the issue, not gloss it over.
I agree with Upstroke on reaching back. The secrets are slowly being lost in the drumming world and its sad to see this happen. Eventually there will be the new breed, (sorry Gary) and that will consist of instant gratification and if it doesn't happen 'yesterday' 'I am gonna throw it away' attitudes.
Drumming is not just about drums. Drumming is life. Life is critical and harsh not wrapped in cotton wool. If someone can't take a wrap from someone else then they are single ply skinned.
To clarify the last comment this means that single ply skins don't normally last as long as say thicker skins.. and yes theres all the variables that associate with single vs mulitple but for the sake of the analogy take it as it is intended.

I disagree that its never a good idea to tell someone they suck. Firstly it takes them off the ego trip and brings them down to earth. Then they learn something, whatever that may be and if they are determined will progress where comments like that are water on a ducks back. Sometimes when we look just a 64th note deeper into things, they are all not as they seem.

[skinslapper]

Encouragment vs discouragement. Everyone at this site has a right to feel welcome and not judged, especially in circumstances when they don't ask for it.

Just because you're on an internet forum and the other person can't physically deck you for being rude, doesn't mean it's acceptable.

Voice your opinions, give advice, but don't be negative.

[Church Drummer]

Givemethebeat, I guess we'll have to agree to dissagree, I just think telling someone they suck falls outside the realm of constructive criticism (especially when dealing with a beginner or young person). Where telling someone what they need to work on and how to get better is within the realm of constructive criticism. When someone tells me that I suck at anything it rarely inspires me to work harder, or get better. It normally leads me to discount the source. If someone where to come up and give me a specific area they thought I needed to work on I would take their comments and advice more seriously.

[UPSTROKE]

Givemethebeat brings up a point that is worth mentioning. Some of the art of playing is disappearing. Or maybe it's just morphing into the sound of the future,
I'm not sure. As an old goat drummer now, I look back & wonder why all these young people want to play at 8000 miles an hour. The important thing is to be
a drummer & focus on laying down a groove that will make the band swoon with delight. (probably not a good metaphor). BUT--Then I remember people like Buddy Rich when I was young. The only thing I wanted to learn was to be as fast as my hero Buddy Rich. Same thing only not different. The good news--It made me practice--practice--practice. Who really cares what the motivation is as long as the end result is --LEARN. In 5 years the focus may be somewhere else. Meanwhile--These young people today that are working on 8000 mile an hour hands & feet will be the drummers the new young kids will be admiring.

[Church Drummer]

[quote=givemethebeat;9167] Eventually there will be the new breed, (sorry Gary) and that will consist of instant gratification and if it doesn't happen 'yesterday' 'I am gonna throw it away' attitudes.

I just figured out this reference, went to the library to pick up some new drumming material to work on, and the book I picked out was Gary Chester's "The New Breed" I read through some of the verbiage last nigt and after I've had a couple more cups of coffee and the rest of the family is out of bed plan on going up and working on it for a few hours. GiveMe what's your take on his system? I'm looking forward to trying it out, if I like it might even buy the book for future reference.

[givemethebeat]

[quote=Church Drummer;9193]

Originally Posted by givemethebeat

Eventually there will be the new breed, (sorry Gary) and that will consist of instant gratification and if it doesn't happen 'yesterday' 'I am gonna throw it away' attitudes.

I just figured out this reference, went to the library to pick up some new drumming material to work on, and the book I picked out was Gary Chester's "The New Breed" I read through some of the verbiage last night and after I've had a couple more cups of coffee and the rest of the family is out of bed plan on going up and working on it for a few hours. GiveMe what's your take on his system? I'm looking forward to trying it out, if I like it might even buy the book for future reference.

Hey Church, you will need to buy it. This is not something you can do in a day or a week, like a lot of other methods. This book makes or breaks drummers. My comment was kinda off the cuff and I certainly was not expecting anyone to read deeper into it. After your post I was frantically pulling my bookcases apart to locate my copy.

This system is very unique and requires some higher motivation. If you are really serious about being the best you can be, this is one book that I would totally recommend. Be prepared to go to places that you have never been.

This 48 page book is the biggest challenge for every single drummer on the face of the planet. Even the best of the best are still developing concepts outlined in the instruction.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/cus...283155&s=books

http://www.gary-chester.com/newbreed.php

http://www.gary-chester.com/students.php

[UPSTROKE]

church drummer; As for me, I have to tuck my tail between my legs and sneak off to the music store & find this book--Fast. "I'lla be back"