Who here can read music?

Alvarez · #91 (**permalink**) 09-30-2010, 10:02 PM

Music is like a breath of air
reading music is like taking in the air
a valuable tool to survival
if drummers and musicians want
make it in this world we call "The GIG!"
We must learn to take small breaths at first
then gradually take in more
and pretty soon you'll be breathing on your own!

joshondrums · #92 (**permalink**) 02-14-2011, 09:42 PM

I work on cruise ships 10 months a year. Showband drumming and reading have elevated my playing. I was a good reader when I started but now I'm not afraid of much. Don't get me wrong I still get gigs working w/ musicians that cant read and there feel is great. Usually it's specified to only one genre. I like everything. Peace

chippyt456 · #93 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 05:52 PM

I can't read tabs for crap.

I play by ear instead.

butter · #94 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 06:05 PM

I don't consider tabs drum music. I can't read them at all, either. I can, however, read sheet music for drums, which is better and easier.

chippyt456 · #95 (**permalink**) 02-20-2011, 06:23 PM

I can't read and play period.

Dr RealGood · #96 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 02:10 AM

I can read all... whats the word... Non Tonal music... I can sightread any drum music... but if it has notes, I have to study it and write the letter of each note above it on the page... but I'm workin on fixing that.

Tama Joe · #97 (**permalink**) 11-30-2011, 02:25 PM

In my opinion, if you want to be a drummer in demand, who can play any style of music, then you really need to be able to read. If you aspire to be a studio or recording drummer, it is essential that you can sight read a chart.

Learning to read drum music takes time, but with practice you will get used to reading the various lines for each of your drum set components. As we all know, co-ordinated independence is what all good drummers need to achieve, so that both hands and both feet play smoothly and in time with each other. Therefore when learning to read drum music or charts, my suggestion would be to practice each component separately at first. For example, play the ride rhythm first by itself, then maybe add in your bass drum to keep steady time and then add your left hand on the snare and your hi-hat. If you separate all the parts and practice them in this manner, then after awhile you can bring them all together, to play the full drumset.