DRUMMER - July 2007

Where Y'At? by David Stanoch

Eric's Introduction:

The process of learning to play an instrument can sometimes be overwhelming because striving to become a better drummer requires us to confront our limitations and failures. When practicing, we sit face-to-face with our weaknesses, trying hard not to blink or feel demoralized when we can't feel the flow like we want to.

Yet focused learning is the surest, fastest way for us to mature as artists and uncover our unique musical voice.

This month I've asked an extraordinary drummer and veteran drumming educator, David Stanoch, to help us understand the importance of education for musical growth, and to offer perspective on the best approach to learning. Hopefully, once we understand the role of education for improving our playing we'll come to enjoy, even relish the process, rather than fear it.

Greetings! Thanks to my good mate Eric for inviting me to communicate with you through this invaluable column he stewards so splendidly each month. Welcome to Mind Set.

Knowledge Is Power, So Go Get It

If you've ever been to Motown, USA, and walked into the Detroit Public Library, you've seen the words of the English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon etched majestically in stone above the entrance: "Knowledge is Power." Believe it, and don't let anyone tell you different.

In our fast moving, complicated world, if you're dreaming of a career in the music business I'd recommend you take advantage of all the help you can get because many hear the same calling as you. Even the legends among us will assert that the hours are long, the pay can be questionable, and workers in the sanitation business generally have better standards for healthcare and a pension. That being said, you'll work hard at something for the rest of your life, so why not pursue a vocation you enjoy?

Whether you're a professional player, an aspiring one, or a hobbyist, I'll assume you're here reading for the same reasons I do: you're looking for inspiration and education, mixed with entertainment. Excellent. You've taken an important step toward realizing your musical potential‚educating yourself.

"Where y'at?"

In New Orleans, a common greeting asks, "Where y'at?" It's a good question to ask yourself to assess how in tune you are with your musical goals and where you are on your learning path. Where should you focus in order to grow? What are your options? How can you best nurture your power through knowledge? Giving yourself honest answers to these questions is a good way to understand what you need to learn and how to go about it.

In determining "where y'at", how long a person has played their instrument is not as relevant as how focused they are. Ask, "How often am I actually making music?" Getting out and playing music with others always illuminates the questions I need answered, by practicing, listening, and related study, for my musical growth. The more you do it, I think you'll agree.

Granted, if you're just learning how to hold the sticks or set up your drums, you have a different set of priorities - building a basic foundation to apply to making music with others. Regardless of "where y'at" experience-wise, it's important to always focus on improving your overall musical knowledge. Understanding counting, song form, harmonic movement, and reading fundamentals is essential to allow you to navigate through any piece of music with the command others want from their drummer.

Embracing The Basics

Apply whatever you're shedding (grooves, rudiments, etc.) to these fundamentals to achieve a greater flow to your playing more quickly. We are first re-creative as musicians, learning the language that underlies playing the instrument, before we can stand as creative ones. Bernard Purdie once said, "Learn the basic elements‚don't bullshit them. It will take you far into the music worldäyou can't just walk in and expect it to happen. You have to be ready when the time comes." Any artist or craftsman needs a solid foundation to draw on. Some avoid these foundations, fearing practicing them will make them sound less "original." That's jive. Mastering the basics enables you to think quickly and imaginatively. How can you break the rules, asserting your individuality, if you don't even know what they are?!

The Myth of the Self-Taught Drummer

What are some options for improving your growth? Today they seem limitless with the Internet access available for recordings, DVDs, method books, play-alongs, etc. Ask "How do I best learn? By hearing? Reading? Watching?" Go first with your strengths in the areas that most interest you. As you progress your goals may change. "How can I turn my weaknesses into strengths?" becomes an important question in building your foundation.

One avenue for speeding up your progress is to find an inspiring teacher you can develop a real relationship with. "It's all about the teacher, who should be a major influence on you," said no less than Steve Jordan, in the pages of this very magazine, regarding those who inspired him to make the effort it takes to become truly great. We all know how that story turned out.

Some might get hung up here, preferring to be "self-taught." As drummers go, I certainly admire some that claim to be, but let's debunk a myth right here and now, once and for all: No one is completely self-taught, okay? And yetäwe all are to a point. What we learn and who we are is the result of how we process experiences and influences all of the days of our lives. Our motivation is the heart of how we learn. In studying anything you'll excel if focused, or retain nothing if not. At best, the "self-taught" label simply says "I didn't have a [drum] teacher." That's fine, because in reality you may not need one in order to get to where you want to go musically. But no one learns in a vacuum. Implying that you've arrived fully formed with no education, my friends, is pure ego.

Now imagine what you'd like to learn from a teacher. Typically it's something out of reach from what you can do for yourself. Musical growth requires discipline. The right teacher can help you focus sorting methodically through your interests and goals.

In choosing the guidance of a teacher, be selective. People have different motivations for "becoming" a teacher. Remember that just because someone calls themselves a teacher doesn't guarantee they're any good. Some teachers audition their students. That's cool‚a good teacher appreciates a dedicated student. Keep in mind you'll be auditioning them as well. This perspective can help you relax through the process once you get together and determine if there's a chemistry there.

Dig this: your teacher need not be a drummer themselves. Determine where you are in your development‚what kind of teacher might best help your needs right now? My own development benefited immensely from study with several great artists in a variety of disciplines. Each one had what I needed at the time.

Closing Thoughts

Charlie Parker said, "Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Ultimately the quest is to "tell your own story," isn't it? So think for yourself. Stay open in your attitude. Lose your defenses. Most importantly‚don't be afraid to fail. After all there is much to learn and absorb. It takes time. And balance, as they say, comes from losing it. Your endeavor requires great dedication and any good teacher will respect your vulnerability.

In parting, consider the wisdom of Max Roach who said, "You are only in competition with yourself." I invite you to determine the meaning of that ‚ a realization that, once accepted, gives you great freedom to grow. Take it from there.