lessons vs. teaching yourself

styles2281 · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 5:17 pm Post subject: Lessons

I didn't have a real drum teacher for the better part of my school days and didn't aquire one til I went to college. If you want to a be a good drummer/ percussionist, I highly recommend a teacher. I really wish I had had a teacher back then, because I think I could be twice as good as I am now, because I picked up so many bad habits that I am just now starting to kick. After I graduate college, I still plan on trying to find another teacher because I don't see a lesson as cramping my style, but as a way to add more tools to my tool box. My teacher has never determined my style. He has however helped me expand. When I first started college, I didn't want to learn orchestral instruments, I just wanted to learn how to play the kit better. But, my teacher, had me play marimba, which was only okay til I got to four mallet technique, which I love and that has completely affected my kit playing. I think by playing marimba I have been able to go back to the kit and play it more musically than I did before. All that from lessons.

d0ublestr0ker0ll · Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 5:00 pm Post subject:

I've never paid a teacher to ever give me a lesson. Teachers have given me tips while watching me play. Music teachers in school have critiqued me, but I never had a lesson in my 10 years of playing. I rely on trial and error plus duplicating and even innovating other drummers playing styles. Unlike a sport, drums are truely something that you don't have to be coached in in order to be a monster.

ALTHOUGH, I would like to start reading drum script. Confused

I'm still learning what all the marks mean on the scale. Rolling Eyes

Pearldrum0 · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:10 pm Post subject: creativeness

Hmm.... Lessons or no? Getting taught by another person may cramp what style fits you best. Teachers although teach you whatever you want to, be what happens to your artistic side? I've been playing drums and guitar since I was able to talk. Do what suitas you best

twine10 · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:09 pm Post subject:

Hmm... if you have a good teacher, they will know how to open up and let you express your own style as well as showing you all the different elements that make up players' styles. I am a firm believer in the thought that you can learn faster and more efficiently with a teacher.

-peace

david · Kitten Joined: 17 Jan 2004 Posts: 136 Location: UK

i'm predominantly self taught, but prob is, you dont know what you dont know. a teacher can point out things that you didnt even realise were impeding your progress, or share things with you that you have never thought of.

dave