DRUMS
EVERY DRUMMER ’ S BATTLEFIELD | Carl Albrecht
In an age of YouTube stars and social media exposure for everyone how do we keep ourselves hidden in Christ for his purpose for us as musicians ? … And at the same time use everything within our reach to learn , grow , and let people know what we do for the Lord ? I don ’ t want to overlook the fact that we are still called to be faithful to do our best with everything the Lord has given us . I still have tons of ambition and desire to see what God has next for me on the horizon . I hope you do too !
For worship drummers , probably the biggest challenge is to find time to keep growing in you talent . Most of you are not doing music full time and you feel overwhelmed with just trying to learn songs for next Sunday . Though you may not be in a big church with all the latest technology I challenge you to keep reaching for higher levels of what the Lord has called you to and gifted ( equipped ) you for ! Don ’ t be discouraged by what you can ’ t do , but build upon what you ’ ve got . Be faithful ! This seems to be the biggest issue for drummers / musicians today . So … I ’ m expanding your “ work list .” Yes , I ’ m building upon some familiar topics , but there ’ s always more .
PLAY EVERYDAY ! At least 30 minutes to an hour . If you don ’ t have a structured routine at least work on a bunch of songs of various styles . (* Practice routines can be found in my previous articles and at many websites ).
WORK WITH A METRONOME ! Always ! When doing rudiments , groove exercises , and even drum solos get use to playing everything to a click .
MIX THINGS UP . If you ’ re stuck , just cruise the web , or YouTube for drum ideas and lessons and learn something new . https :// worshipdrummer . com /
CALL FOR A BAND JAM . Sometimes you have to take charge as the drummer and get your team together to practice more . Talk to your worship leader about a monthly night of worship where you just play through a bunch of songs worshipping God as the minstrels of the house . It might just be a band jam on one song for 20 minutes ; or it could be an extended band time after your regular rehearsal . Be creative !
TAKE LESSONS AND GO TO DRUM CLINICS . At any age or skill level you can always find a teacher to push you to the next level . If you don ’ t relate well with one , move on to another teacher . Clinics are great single events for inspiration ! Go !
BUY A DRUM DVD OR WATCH YOUTUBE DRUM INSTRUCTION VIDEOS . There are so many good teaching videos you ’ ll never be able to see them all . Pray when searching … No Kidding ! The Lord will show you what to learn next .
WORK WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY . Besides using a metronome in practice , rehearsals , and events … also dive into drum machines or loop software . Again , there are so many options just start simple and then build as you go .
ASK FOR SUGGESTIONS AND USE THEM . This is a tough one . Ask your worship leader and team mates how your playing feels or what they need from you . Do they need more or less volume ? … more or less notes ? … whatever … Don ’ t get offended … really look at it as a way to learn and improve .
RECORD EVERYTHING . Even if it ’ s a cheap digital recorder or your phone video , record yourself practicing , at rehearsals , and during any performances . As they say , “ The tape does not lie !” You can learn so much by doing this . * NOTE : Don ’ t be so critical that you become discouraged … use it as a way to improve your skill . Every great performer and athlete uses this tool . If possible have your engineer record direct from the mixing board .
WORK WITH YOUR ENGINEER . You and your drums might sound amazing , but work with your tech team to be sure all the mics and drum channels are working great . Take the time before the rest of the band shows up to get the drum mix happening .
These aren ’ t necessarily the top ten ideas , but they are ten of my favorites . As you get into the habit of working at your craft you ’ ll find inspiration in many things . I ’ m more and more excited about the amazing talent God has deposited in artists today . Don ’ t let the devil mess with your mind by comparing yourself to others … choose to be inspired ! Being “ WOWed ” is a good thing when you see the world as God ’ s “ playground .” He ’ s the one who deposited talent and beauty into His creation .
As you fight your own battles in your journey as a drummer remember the Lord will never leave or forsake you . This is serious business , and I know the struggles . Musicians and artists are very emotional people . We also tend to be very insecure or melancholic . I really believe the arts are meant to be an expression of the Lord ’ s creativity in His people , and that ’ s why it ’ s such a battlefield . The enemy hates us . So we need to know the Lord fights these battles for us . So stand strong and press on in your journey with Jesus . May He be your strength and your song !
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 carlralbrecht @ gmail . com
74 February 2025 Subscribe for Free ...