The Little Drummer Boy

17 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
  • |
Yesterday night, my son spontaneously started playing drums for the first time in his life at a music shop. Proper technique aside, LOL, he was really getting into it.


(He's 4)
  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    So did you buy Four a set of drums? He's about the age for a first instrument. He's the age I bought my nephew his first drum set (of course, that was more about being obnoxious to my sister but Andy loved his drums).
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9643888].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      So did you buy Four a set of drums? He's about the age for a first instrument. He's the age I bought my nephew his first drum set (of course, that was more about being obnoxious to my sister but Andy loved his drums).
      I got a piano for him a while ago. He takes piano and singing lessons (which he enjoys a lot). I did tell him that if he could master a set of rhythm challenges on an electronic game we have that I would get him a set of drums. It would have to be electronic drums since we live in a condo, so volume control would be necessary.
      Signature

      Project HERE.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9643917].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        I always thought drums were what relatives gave your kids - relatives who didn't like you.

        Electronic drums changed it, I guess.
        Signature
        Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
        ***
        Sometimes I just want someone to hug me and say...
        "It's going to be OK - here's a horse and two million dollars."
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9644300].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    WHAT!?!?!? NO VIDEO?

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9644412].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Signature

      Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
      Getting old ain't for sissy's
      As you are I was, as I am you will be
      You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9644459].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Those are compelling findings. Maybe I should sign my son up for drum lessons too, LOL. Drummers do have a quirky reputation, but most common conceptions and prejudices associated with certain occupations or endeavours are born out of ignorance.
        Signature

        Project HERE.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645120].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
          Banned
          Ooh, I thought it would be your son, from the title - he should be an "honorary member" of the Off Topic Forum.

          .
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645128].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by thunderbird View Post

          Those are compelling findings. Maybe I should sign my son up for drum lessons too, LOL. Drummers do have a quirky reputation, but most common conceptions and prejudices associated with certain occupations or endeavours are born out of ignorance.
          I started with lessons when I was 10. I do wish I had learned piano at some point. I think the biggest benefit of learning piano is that you also learn music theory which is very much based on the piano keyboard. Before I learned how to sight read I had to learn many of the basics of theory's which are covered in the beginning of learning piano. Also the piano is considered a hybrid instrument, basically a cross between a stringed instrument and a percussion instrument (Technically it's classified as a keyed zither).
          Either way I think your son is very fortunate that he is into learning and playing any instrument. It's one of the best gifts anyone can have.
          Signature

          Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
          Getting old ain't for sissy's
          As you are I was, as I am you will be
          You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645166].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        That was an interesting article. The article it linked to about guitarists being more intuitive was also interesting, at least for me as a guitar player.
        Signature

        Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645146].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          That was an interesting article. The article it linked to about guitarists being more intuitive was also interesting, at least for me as a guitar player.
          Now I need to find an article about how brilliant people who press the "play" button are.
          Signature

          Project HERE.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645165].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          That was an interesting article. The article it linked to about guitarists being more intuitive was also interesting, at least for me as a guitar player.
          I think you need a certain skill set to play any instrument.
          Many apply to any instrument like practicing (patience) for one.
          Learning time is another.
          With drumming time can get a little tricky. Listen from about the 21 min mark and you'll understand what I mean, it's Ginger talking about Independence.
          In fact if you watch all three of his drum lesson videos they will give you a good idea as to what goes into making a drummer.
          Signature

          Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
          Getting old ain't for sissy's
          As you are I was, as I am you will be
          You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645194].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
            Originally Posted by thunderbird View Post

            Now I need to find an article about how brilliant people who press the "play" button are.
            I remember when VHS was all the rage and people complained that they had to get their kids to run them. Be proud of your skills!


            Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

            I think you need a certain skill set to play any instrument.
            You could say playing the guitar has similarities to drumming in that one hand is playing one thing and the other hand is playing a different pattern.
            Signature

            Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645383].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author ThomM
              Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

              I remember when VHS was all the rage and people complained that they had to get their kids to run them. Be proud of your skills!




              You could say playing the guitar has similarities to drumming in that one hand is playing one thing and the other hand is playing a different pattern.
              I think of Lindsy Buckingham finger plucking or Tony Levin playing his Chapman Stick. I have four appendages doing different things, they have eight to ten. Really the same goes for any piano player also.
              Signature

              Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
              Getting old ain't for sissy's
              As you are I was, as I am you will be
              You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645676].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                I think of Lindsy Buckingham finger plucking or Tony Levin playing his Chapman Stick. I have four appendages doing different things, they have eight to ten. Really the same goes for any piano player also.
                I like the way you think.

                I was thinking I have two hands going and you have two hands and two feet, although most guitar players tap their foot to keep rhythm.

                Let's face it Thom, our appendages are talented, even if I can't play worth a darn.
                Signature

                Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645834].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
                  Recently,for the first time in 30 years I did a drum solo. The short gig took place at a large BestBuy store on a 3k Roland Electronic kit.

                  The assistant said wow, that was great playing. I just said thanks and walked out.
                  I don't want to take it up again, just wanted to see if I remembered how to do it.
                  Signature

                  Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645898].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                  I like the way you think.

                  I was thinking I have two hands going and you have two hands and two feet, although most guitar players tap their foot to keep rhythm.

                  Let's face it Thom, our appendages are talented, even if I can't play worth a darn.
                  I'm a technique guy With my hands I use different fingers to control the down stroke and usually my ring finger on the up stroke. With my feet I use four different techniques. Toe for power, flatfoot for softer beats and accents, a slide for doubles, and toe heal for triplets and 4 stroke rolls. That's why I see all those fingers going with other instruments
                  Signature

                  Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
                  Getting old ain't for sissy's
                  As you are I was, as I am you will be
                  You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9646087].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        So it seems my head is suited for drumming. Why can't my wrists get with the program? I seriously have mentally stunted wrists. Seriously. Damned good thing I can dance or I'd be a complete musical reject.

        I am pleased though, that all that headbanging can now actually be called "good for me".
        Signature

        Sal
        When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
        Beyond the Path

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9645471].message }}

Trending Topics