Music Industry News From a Female Musicians Perspective
Posted on July 30, 2012 by Beat of Her Drum by DJLadydrummer
I have had I have had many discussions and opinions about drummers that read music vs the drummers that play by ear. I played “by ear” for years with minimal reading skills. I know of many great drummers in which have never learned to read music.
Learning By Ear is as Important as Learning Music
Some would say that learning to play by EAR has its advantages as drummers flow naturally and can feel the flow of music better. By ear drummers can sense where the song is going and adapt very quickly. They aren’t depending on a chart, and they are able to fill in where necessary as well as be creative with drumming techniques.
While in school….I learned very little about reading, and because of my natural ability, I never saw the benefit in reading music. While in NY, I was being offered chances to play for school productions/plays, churches, local events and this was very exciting starting out. I attended many jam sessions after moving to Virginia in my junior year. This also helped in developing my skills and getting noticed while creating a buzz around town.
I stay busy in the music industry, and I found that there were a few jobs that I didn’t qualify for, because I didn’t know how to read sheet music. I understood my counts, but did not understand sheet music. I knew that I needed to be able to sight read, or understand sheet music if someone handed it to me.
So…..in a nutsell… DO I think you should learn to read music ???? Definitely YES. It will be an asset in your drumming career. Don’t worry if you can’t read it fluently. I’m not a fluent reader, but I have an understanding of what I’m looking at NOW. I can at least follow along, although I may be slow.
Perfection comes with PRACTICE…. and it takes PRACTICE to read and PLAY fluently. If you are like myself, it will be a little harder to learn to read if you have been playing for a while. Only because your natural abilities may kick in, but with PRACTICE you will do fine.
Now understanding on a different note……some site readers are very mechanical. They are sometimes unable to naturally sense or feel the other musicians around them. After all….good drummers know how to feed off of their band members. Connecting while playing with others will advance your career. There is nothing like having a drummer that can feel and sense the music, while adding dynamics and controlling the flow of a song. I believe that BOTH approaches combined are effective drumming. I hope you find your balance…
DJLadydrummer
Category: drummers, Music, Music Equipment, Music Instruments, Music Online Stores, Music Software, Music Super StoresTags: Advantages of reading music, drum music, how to read drum music, how to read music, playing drums by ear, should I learn to read drum music, The benefits of reading music
Denise believes that musicians create sounds that go deeper than the eye can see. Music reaches the soul. Every aspect of life is centered around rhythm. When you think about it.... Everything that has life.... has Rhythm..
I just couldn’t leave your web site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person supply for your guests? Is gonna be back regularly to check up on new posts
Thank YOU ! Just my own life’s experiences in the music world 🙂
This is a fantastic post! I’ve been debating whether or not I should attempt to learn to play by ear or get lessons and learn how to read music. As I was googling around, I ran across this article. Very nice write-up. I particularly like how you underscore the importance of practice. Being an old football jock, I fully get the importance of repetition. Kudos DJ Lady Drummer!
Thank you so much Jeremy !! If you have an opportunity to get lessons..do so !! It will help you on the long run. Whenever you can play to your favorite song or have a jam sessions. The skills for listening and being able to adapt will equally be as important in the music world. So glad you liked the article !
Rhythm Always….Denise
Denise Johnson omg I have always had you in my prayers I went to school with you and hope this reaches you
Hi Vicki,
Glad you found me here ! Will email you for details 🙂