It sure is! I'm a progressive rock and fusion drummer, but have also played other instruments, but certainly musicianship is prized in our little world. This fact makes it very depressing what has happened to popular music as well as musical education in the schools.
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Keith Z. Leonard
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I guess I'll make this the drummers contributing section, though my genre is more soul/funk. I did, however, play with a classic rock band while they were in between drummers (that's when I found out Eric Clapton was saying "Layla" and not "hey love" much to my surprise
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Took piano and violin lessons to appease my parents, but eventually gravitated towards percussion instruments. How wouldn't want to play the drums after hearing Cissy Strut, Soul Vaccination, and Cold Sweat (funk drumming classics)?DwayneComment
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Music is a very healthy outlet and is proven to help brain development, along with a bunch of other generally positive things. I started singing when I was a kid, and sang in all kinds of things from weddings, funerals, solo festivals, musicals, etc...I still occasionally do when my schedule allows. I played trumpet in elementary school, and baritone horn, and trombone through high school, but haven't kept up on any of that.
We give the kids the opportunity to play/sing if they want to, but don't pressure them if they're not interested, and won't pay for lessons if they don't practice without a lot of badgering. The two youngest girls take instrument lessons and play in the school band, and both sing in the chorus and church choir. One of them took piano for a while but gave it up. My oldest is the lead singer in a local rock band...he doesn't play much of anything but wishes we had pushed him more....yeah, right.
My 19 YO son is getting pretty good on the guitar and can sing a bit. So currently 4 out of 6 kids are musically active.
Happiness is sort of like wetting your pants....everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth.
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Both my sisters and I took piano lessons. I played alto and baritone sax, oldest sister played clarinet, brother played trumpet. My mother once threatened to kill him if he played "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossum White" again!
The wife played violin. Her father played organ and accordian.
my oldest son took up music, playing alto sax and bass guitar. Youngest decided to become a drummer so he could hang out with musicians.Don, aka Pappy,
Wise men talk because they have something to say,
Fools because they have to say something.
PlatoComment
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LOML is an accomplished clarinetist, and both my sons played clarinet into high school. #1 son just bought himself a guitar (he wants me to build him an electric in the shape of a peace sign) and is learning to play it. #2 son dropped clarinet when he started high school, and hasn't expressed any interest in learning another instrument or singing, although he listens to quite a varied selection of music.
As for myself, I'm a former percussionist (marching band from jr. high through college) and played semi-regularly for a few years after college. My neurosurgeon suggested playing piano to help the nerve issues in my right hand & arm. With occasional help from a very talented student of mine, I've been teaching myself.
Being able to read music is a huge advantage for any performing artist.
g.Smit
"Be excellent to each other."
Bill & TedComment
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Been playing since I was eight, first paying gig at 12. Played for a "living" for about 20 years and got into the tech side of the music business. Taught private lessons for years and really enjoyed it.
One thing I'd suggest to those who are teaching themselves or want to teach their kids- get a good teacher and the progress will be faster and better. I'm self taught and had to relearn a bunch of stuff through the years. I got away with improvisation and ears but it's better to bite the bullet and crank down with a good teacher. I'm back into lessons at almost 60 and loving it. Making progress again and learning it right the first time.
Disclaimer- I no longer teach and am not affiliated with any teacher's organization, this is the result a life spent playing music professionally, in church and for fun.
DPComment
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