DRUMS
WHEN YOU ’ RE STUCK , JUST PLAY ! | Carl Albrecht
There are times we all feel bored with our playing . It ’ s that sense of being stuck in a rut and we don ’ t know how to break free of it . The simple solution to getting past this phenomenon is to “ just keep playing .” The slogan “ Just Do It ” really does work . But does it feel good ? Honestly , not too often . It is purely the discipline of your calling and the knowledge that it will pay off in the long run that will get you to the other side of the struggle . Through the years I ’ ve written on the power of routine and different approaches to scheduling your practice time . So let ’ s take a look at some options to help you get through “ the slump .”
Work on something new . When the practice routine thing is just totally uninspiring let the music move you along . Yes , just playing along to music is still my personal “ go to ” to charge my musical battery . Let it be anything ! LOL , I think I need to go play “ Let It Be .” And THAT is how it happens … a spark of inspiration hits and you take advantage of it . Whatever it is , go with it . It doesn ’ t have to be anything your band is playing right now . Play old songs , new songs , something you ’ ve always loved , or something brand new that you ’ ve never tried before . Just PLAY ! Put on some music and go for it
Don ’ t worry if you don ’ t feel like it . When you ’ re in a slump this is the normal feeling . But it ’ s super important to not live by feelings . This could be a sermon about life , but for now let ’ s focus on the music . Schedule a time to do your drum work-out even if it ’ s only 30 minutes and , again , “ just do it .” ( I personally recommend at least an hour .) Are you beginning to see a theme here ? It ’ s actually the main theme to this article . Breaking through negative feelings and just doing what you ’ re called to do .
Prayer does help ! Especially when I ’ m not feeling inspired to play , besides just embracing the discipline of life , I definitely pray ! As worship musicians this is actually the first thing we should do ! SO … keep the first thing , THE FIRST THING . Pray ! Ask the Lord for help . Ask Him what ’ s going on in your life that has become a hindrance to your passion for playing music . Maybe playing for services and being with your worship team feels great , but otherwise you don ’ t care to play . Maybe you ’ ve allowed it to become all about the “ performance ” but not about your personal intimacy with the Lord and expressing yourself to Him . I know … we ’ re diving in deeper here . But it ’ s important . Take just a few moments before you play each time and dedicate yourself and the skill the Lord has given you to HIM . Not for the idea of impressing others , but to honor the Lord . Let all of your playing be unto HIM . Even practicing should be done to honor the Lord . * Make all of it “ The First Thing ” – Colossians 3:23 AMP - Whatever you do [ whatever your task may be ], work from the soul [ that is , put in your very best effort ], as [ something done ] for the Lord and not for men …
Don ’ t be too critical . Yes , that ’ s right ! Don ’ t beat yourself up when you ’ re feeling stuck . Everyone hits a slump sometimes . So don ’ t compound the problem by being down on yourself . Just shake it off the best you can and step forward into the next season of life with hope and trust that the Lord will help you find your breakthrough . * Side note – If you ’ re dealing with serious issues such as physical or emotional health , please seek
medical or counseling help . It ’ s important to seek professional assistance if you feel there is something more serious going on .
Mix it up . Like the way I ’ ve written this article … don ’ t worry about the order of your practice routine . Just do it when it works best for you . Some people like a set time , especially if they must fit it into work and family routines . But I work out in the morning , afternoon , or evening depending on what my day is like . That may not work for you , but it ’ s just how my life works . Find what works for you . That is the key . And … when it doesn ’ t seem to be working then keep trying new approaches until you find your groove . That works for life and drumming .
Keep growing ! Keep learning ! Keep worshipping !
Blessings ,
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 LMAlbrecht @ aol . com