DRUMS
A THINK TANK FOR DRUMMERS | Carl Albrecht
I’m trying to stir up the creative juices a bit more. Here are some general areas to consider, but definitely have your click device plugged into
I have some ideas for sure, but I want to reach you’re welcome to ask anything: that. Then add drum & percussion loops with
out to you again, the readers, the drummers,
a small drum machine or sampler. It would be
and any other musicians. Actually anyone 1. Probably the number one issue remains the even better to use a laptop with music software
reading this is invited to participate if you’d like. challenge of adjusting to the acoustics of every like Ableton Live or other drum friendly programs
Now is your chance to be heard. In future articles room or venue. In several articles I’ve dealt and start building a loop library and learn how
I would like to respond to your direct questions exclusively with adjusting your dynamics to to do editing. Every drummer I know does this
about drums, percussion, ministry, church life, the audio environment and how to accomplish in some way. Start small, build your system,
touring, worship, or anything else related to that. But this still remains the biggest issue for and keep learning. I am always working at this
worship drumming. Because this is a “drum/ worship drummers all over the world. Really! and continue to ask other players about their
percussion” feature article let’s try to keep the
technical adventures.
questions focused on that general topic. Come 2. Secondly is the issue of timing & groove. This on… be brave. As they say, “There are no dumb is probably the most important technical aspect Maintain the attitude of a learner. Always be
questions.” of playing music for all musicians. For a drummer open to new drum ideas. Take lessons, go to
this skill is as important as their ability to control drum clinics, get a training DVD and try to keep a
Direct your questions, ponderings, and thoughts dynamics. So maybe these first two elements routine of practice in you life; just like maintaining
to me via email here, or you can private message are tied together. For those new to my writing a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. Don’t fall
me at Facebook. this means using a metronome or other click into the trap of being lazy towards your musical
device for practice and performance. Yes, I use gifts “just because it’s only for church.” The Lord
a click for everything I do when playing drums. does deserve our best efforts.
3. Next is playing with sensitivity to the direction Besides all of these drum ideas your ability to be
of the worship leader and the listening for the a servant/ leader with your gifts is the “umbrella”
leading of the Holy Spirit. Along with this is the that should cover all of these things. It’s sad
drummer’s awareness of the pastor’s role in when I hear about stories of musicians, who
worship as well as the congregation. To be a after gaining great skill and notoriety become
worshipper as well as a minstrel is the primary arrogant snobs. Their talent has short-circuited
spiritual role for any worship musician. All of my their soul. No matter how “great” you think you
musical and life work for that matter is all about are, God did not give you a gift for your own
loving God and loving people. This applies to selfish reasons. He gives us gifts to learn how
church and secular work. The Lord wants us to to be faithful in the short time we have on the
be like Him everywhere we go. planet. To live well is to love God and love people.
4. In recent years the need for worship drummers So, welcome to the drummer’s think tank 2.0. I
to be more production savvy has become hope in sharing this you feel compelled to move
important. What I mean by this is the ability to the next level and to be inquisitive and ask
to use click tracks, computers, sequencers, those questions. I’ll be expecting to hear from
samplers, and headphone systems has become you.
almost as valuable as your playing skill. Even on
a small budget you should start expanding from
just being a player to building a system that will
help you in your “techno” skills.
Start with a small headphone mixer and your
own personal ear buds or headphones. Then
August 2019
Carl Albrecht
Professional drummer for 30+ years, playing with
Paul Baloche, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Abe Laboriel,
LeAnn Rimes and others. He’s also a clinician,
author & pastor.
Contact Carl for coaching, online lessons, producing,
or sessions. I’m still growing too..
www.CarlAlbrecht.com
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