Comments on: For Drummers Only – Guilty Until Proven Innocent

By: JCdruminstruction

JCdruminstruction — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:07:41 +0000

I agree that many (if not most) drummers these days don’t know how to play at low volumes. My instructors spent much time making me “Play at a whisper:” I can’t even count how many times that ability has been a life saver. (I’ve seen drummers fired from a gig simply because they couldn’t play at the low volume needed for a venue…I don’t want to ever be “that drummer”).

Though on rare occasion, I do leave out earplugs for a low volume gig, I encourage everyone who considers this to do so with caution. Damage can occur before you realize it has happened. If you feel the need to lose earplugs, first try a pair with a lower noise reduction rating.

I believe it was Cindy Blackman that mentioned in an interview about playing along with a small stereo to practice low volume playing.

When you can groove along with your $19 Walmart boom box you’re getting there.

By: proven innocent

proven innocent — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:55:44 +0000

[...] splash which carries this over the top headline: Is this stalking law the most ridiculous ever? …For Drummers Only Guilty Until Proven InnocentFor Drummers Only Guilty Until Proven Innocent. By Mark Walker | December 10, 2009. I've had a [...]

By: Mark Walker

Mark Walker — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:14:09 +0000

I remember giving two final exams at Berklee, one after the other. The first student walks in, puts his isolation phones on (at least he was using Vic Firth), sits down and plays DOINK on the snare drum at fortissimo. I decided right away that I would conduct the exam from outside the room. I’m glad I did, because this guy had the most horrible tone. (He wasn’t studying with me.)

The second guy came in and played just as loud, but made such a beautiful sound that I sat right in front of him the whole time, and it didn’t hurt my ears at all.

Who would you rather listen to?

By: Mark Walker

Mark Walker — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:08:10 +0000

Dear Pocketwade,

If you’re playing at a reasonable volume level, you don’t need plugs. I don’t see anyone else in the band using them. The moment you put the plugs in, you’re not hearing how it really sounds – you just hear what you want to hear. That’s why so many drummers have a horrible sound. They can’t hear it!

Best,

By: thepocketwade

thepocketwade — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:14:01 +0000

Mark,
You make a good point about dynamic control, but I can’t believe you advocate playing without ear plugs. Even at low volumes you can do damage to your ears. Get a pair of good musician’s ear plugs and don’t play without them in, if you want to keep your hearing.

By: imwithvic

imwithvic — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:44:54 +0000

Great story and well said message! Get educated, learn your place in the music and be a professional. Be a musician, not a drummer. Thanks Mark!

By: Paulwall1981

Paulwall1981 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:49:40 +0000

If your agreeing with my comment. Thanks very much I am glad you feel the same way. Paulwall1981.

By: Joshua Dekaney

Joshua Dekaney — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:42:56 +0000

I always called it the “fish tank”.

The truth is: a two month old human baby can hit a drum and get a decent sound out of it. It takes a fine musician to play with touch like Mr. Walker has. Even an adult beginner on string, woodwind, or brass instruments usually sounds terrible when first learning the instruments.

Not enough drummers/percussionists practice playing soft .

By: RANSOMPAIDFOR

RANSOMPAIDFOR — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:08:05 +0000

WELL SAID!!!!

By: Paulwall1981

Paulwall1981 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:46:40 +0000

I agree with you Matt. The more we tach and are taught, then the better are playing will become. Thanks for making this worth while point and also good luck in your durmming.