DRUMS
[ A DRUMMER’S WORKSPACE | Carl Albrecht ]
Every musician must have a workspace: A get a cheap rug and some foam padding
place where you can hide out, work out, from a hardware store. You can easily pad
and spread out! For drummers, this is a bit the rafters/ floor joists with heavy insulation.
difficult. A drum room is a big investment If you’re a DIY (do it yourself) kind of person,
of space, both physically and sonically. For you could really build it out and turn it into
other players or singers, it’s much easier a cool studio. It’s your choice. BUT… start
because you normally use less square with something. There are tons of online
footage and volume control is easier. references for these kinds of projects. Do it!
Without being fancy or staging the shot,
A SMALL STORAGE UNIT. Yes, there are
here is a picture of mine.
drummers and whole bands that do this.
They literally go to one of those “climate
It’s just my basement, really… my whole
basement.
Carpeted
and
padded
You can’t see behind the shot, but I can actually
strategically, but not too much. I can adjust cram in a whole rhythm section if needed.
baffling as I need too. Sometimes it’s even more Keys to one side, bass, and a guitar player a
full of drum and percussion gear… depending little farther back… all going directly into the
on the session, lesson, or personal practice system. I’ve actually put a guitar amp in one
ideas I’m working on. Even the storage rooms of the cellars and miked it up. It was isolated
are full of drum gear; more of my percussion pretty well. But usually it’s just me in this “drum
collection, and of course, spare parts and drum workspace” working on tracks; or teaching via
heads. Skype; doing a webinar; or just working out on
the drums.
I’m pointing this out because I often hear
players say, “I can’t practice at home.” That’s
a bummer, and really… it’s wrong! You have
to have a “drum space” either in your home,
or at another place you can go to in order
to workout! I know for most pro players this
is already the focus of their life and work, so
they make something happen. But, for many
weekend warriors, church drummers, etc.
having your own space is a challenge. But you
must find a way.
controlled” storage places and rent a space.
It’s probably more common in larger cities,
but it’s worth checking out if playing at home
or an apartment is totally out of the question.
Be sure to ask the owners if it’s okay to do
this. Don’t just sneak in and disturb the whole
neighborhood without doing some honest
investigation. Some of these storage/ personal
use space rental facilities are set up with power,
insulation, and heating & cooling units.
THE CHURCH AUDITORIUM. It is possible the
church you attend would have a rehearsal
room, choir room, backstage area, or even
a large closet that you could use for practice
or band rehearsals. You might even get your
leadership to let you use the actual platform
with all the equipment you use for services to
practice with, as long as it doesn’t interfere
with other activities. But remember the goal
here is to have a space for your personal drum
workouts. Band practice is in addition to this.
The goal with all of these options is to have
So, what are your options?
a “drum-space” where you can do what’s
necessary to grow in your craft. It will help in
YOUR BASEMENT OR GARAGE. If you don’t have your personal growth as a musician, which will
an extra room in your home you will have to carry over into every playing situation. Find a
use the basement, garage, barn, or shed. way! Blessings on your workout!
Yea, I know it’s not pretty. It may not even feel
comfortable, but go with it. Be creative and
make your drum space work for you. Even if
you don’t have the money to fix it up, at least
36
February 2018
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 with questions or
inquire about lessons.
www.CarlAlbrecht.com
WorshipMusician.com