I started out on drums.

It wasn't my choice. I moved to a town that at the time was small. All the instruments available for the school band were already rented. I really wanted to play the Euphonium, because I thought it had a beautiful voice.

All the new guys or gals got a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks. I practiced intensely, learned the rudiments that were presented to me (rudiments are the drummer's equivalent to scales, arpeggios, and ornaments), and quickly progressed.

Then the tenor sax player moved, and the band director asked who would like to try the sax. At that time, anything with a melody was good, so I guess I said "I do, I do!" more enthusiastically than the others.

It was one of the luckiest things that ever happened to me. Euphonium players don't get work, and the Euphonium isn't a chick magnet.

I rose through the ranks, became first sax in the all-state band every year, and also section leader, which goes to the first alto by default.

>>Fast forward>> I got in a road band. The drummer was a good singer, so I could play the drums while he got up front to sing.

Since every songwriter doesn't have the good judgement to add a sax part to every song, I learned how to get around on bass, rhythm guitar (barre chords) and keyboards. Switching instruments is good show-biz.

OK, here is my point of all this babbling.

I think every musician in a pop/rock/folk/country band should learn how to play drums. You don't have to learn enough to be proficient, but enough to understand them. At least the first dozen or so rudiments, and how to play simple backing rhythms on the drum set.

To me, this is as important as learning to get around on the piano keyboard.

It gives you a good understanding of what the drummer does, and when you are playing your preferred instrument, that helps you play with the drummer instead of playing at the same time the drummer is playing.

It will make you a better all-around musician.

Insights and incites by Notes ♫

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks