PERCUSSION
TAKE A LOOK AND LEARN | Mark Shelton
Practicing on my patio allows me to catch some fresh air while absorbing a dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine . An additional benefit from practicing on the patio is the opportunity to view my sticks and hands in the reflective glass of the patio doors .
Visual observation provides feedback that will point out aspects of your playing that need attention . Some problem areas can be noticed by simply turning a careful eye toward your hands , but certain aspects need to be viewed using a mirror or watching video .
Musicians have long known the benefits of using a mirror to view and scrutinize the physical aspects of their playing . When using a mirror , the player ' s focus is divided between trying to play while simultaneously observing and critiquing . Employing video recording solves the challenge of split attention as it allows the performer to concentrate on performing in the moment and analyzing the video later . If your device has a slow-motion setting , you can observe and evaluate your playing at a level that is unattainable with a mirror .
Here are a few ways to improve your craft by taking a close look at your playing .
STICK HEIGHT Inconsistent stick height while playing can lead to inconsistencies in sound . Stick height can affect evenness between the two hands as well as when playing a line with only one hand . It is easy to observe your playing in a mirror or on video and detect problems with stick heights . implements are drifting to different regions of the drum head as you play ( See Photo 2 ), it can cause unwanted fluctuations in tone quality . You do not need any external viewing device to check your striking area on a drum head . Simply use your eyeballs to watch where the sticks are making contact on the playing surface .
GESTURE Have you seen a concert pianist play an ascending run and finish with a graceful lift of her hand - a lift that continues to move upward as the sound of the final note fades ? That gesture probably had little or no influence on the actual tone , but it helped convey the musical intent of the player .
People process music with their ears and eyes . Never underestimate the power of gesture as a means of expression in live performance or visual media . Study the expressive movements of great percussionists to learn how to use this tool . Watch video of your playing to see if your gestures are assisting you in transmitting your musical intentions .
POSTURE While playing percussion at church , I caught a glimpse of myself on one of the big screens . Upon noticing my slouching body carriage , I immediately straightened up and noted the improvement . Proper posture is important for the mechanics of playing music , but it can also convey a positive and confident attitude . Get in front of a mirror while you practice ( or watch some video ) and improve your posture .
PRESENCE Whether you are leading worship , singing a solo , or shaking a tambourine , your body language is communicating something . A worship musician ' s stage presence has the power to either enhance the music and set a positive example for the congregation or come across as detached and dispassionate . Do your facial expressions indicate joy and sincerity as you worship ? It will benefit you to watch video of yourself during a worship service to see what kind of example you are setting .
While our sense of hearing is essential to monitoring , critiquing , and adjusting our playing , we can also employ our sense of sight to assist in addressing technical issues and improving how we present music . Keep a watchful eye .
© 2022 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician , content creator , and music education consultant based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Singers & Band , Gateway Worship , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com
STRIKING AREA CONSISTENCY A variety of tone colors are produced by striking different areas on a drum head . This variance can be very noticeable on both snare drum and timpani . For a stable tone , both sticks should strike in close proximity to each other and on the desired striking area ( see Photo 1 ). If your
Photo 1 Photo 2