DRUMS
[ PUTTING THE ‘PLAY’ BACK IN PLAYING DRUMS | Daniel Hadaway ]
When I talk with other church drummers, one
common statement I hear is, “I don’t get much
time to play or practice during the week, so
Sundays are my one day to really let loose on the
drums!” While this statement is usually shared
in a positive light (Sundays are the highlight of
a worship drummer’s week!), sometimes I hear
a bit of regret in those words. Drumming is fun!
So it can be sad or disappointing to only get to
do it once per week.
But it also can be a detriment to our ability to
lead worship as drummers. Here’s how:
Whenever I go without playing drums for days or
weeks on end, one of two things will happen. First, it can keep our playing sharp during
One, I’ll lose my “edge” as a drummer and will times when we otherwise wouldn’t be able
come back slightly sloppy as a player. This
affects my ability to reliably support the other
musicians onstage and ultimately contribute
to an atmosphere of worship. Two, I’ll have all
of this pent-up energy and musical inspiration
inside of me - like a bottle of soda that’s been
shaken up and is just ready to explode! When
Sunday comes around, I end up sounding
exactly like a shaken-up bottle of soda: all
over the place and a bit more than anyone
If we can’t free up
time for ‘proper’
practice, what if
we still sat down
behind the drums
else wanted! and just played
Neither scenario is conducive to a worship because it’s fun?
to play. Keeping sharp is a responsibility we
have not only to our Creator, but the gifts
He’s given us. It also helps us ensure our
playing will be solid and supportive of the
rest of the band on Sunday.
Second, it can enable us to get out some
nervous energy on the drum kit before
Sunday! This way, we won’t be tempted
on Sunday to make some less-than-wise
decisions about drum fills and patterns,
and we’ll be able to look more objectively at
the drum parts we choose, or choose not
to play.
environment for a congregation. When I
bring this up to other drummers, they’ll behind the kit was a joy and a privilege. I didn’t
generally reply that they simply don’t have time look at the clock and think, “I only have 15
throughout the week for a “proper” practice, so minutes to play, and a real practice would take
they just don’t play at all. at least an hour. I’d better not play the drums
at all.” Of course I didn’t say this! Playing the
To be clear - practice on the drums is important!
But the reality is that sometimes other priorities
in our lives may prevent extended practice
sessions. Remembering and reinforcing the fun
drums was fun and I just wanted to play! of drumming in our daily lives is not only a great
drums. While I absolutely think practice on What if we took the same approach to way to honor the One who gave us drums and
the drums is essential, I want us to consider drumming throughout the week? If we can’t something else when “proper” practice isn’t free up time for “proper” practice, what if we an option. still sat down behind the drums and just played
And I agree; many of us don’t have time for
numerous proper practice sessions on the
because it’s fun? I think it can accomplish
I remember when I was a kid and first learning
two things...
to play the drums. Any time that I could spend
January 2018
way to prepare for Sunday, but is also a great
drumming in the first place!
Daniel Hadaway
The Drum Coach. Professional drummer with All
Sons & Daughters. Daniel provides resources for
drummers, including a daily podcast
DanielHadaway.com
WorshipMusician.com
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