How do I keep getting better at the drums?

Question

I've been playing the drums for about 2/12 - 3 years. I was taking lessons for the first two years. however Because the cost was too great, I had to stop. I LOVE playing the drums and want to keep getting better. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give myself a 5. Although I know I'll never be a 10, I still want to get a lot better. the style I would like to play is Hard Rock, Rock, or something along those lines. But because I play at my church I really need to get better at all styles. (maybe not styles like jazz or latin. stuff along those line I can leave behind.)

I think my greatest problem is not that can't play what I want, but being creative. I don't know what to play from song to song that's really different. Everything starts to sound the same as the song before. Also I need to work on hand/foot speed. I'm getting to a point where I think faster than I can play. so I need help with that too.

I would like to get advise on what I should do and maybe get a daily practice schedule. Any and all advise will greatly be appreciated. Just to stress what I'm looking for. I don't want to stay at the same skill leave, but to get better.

Thanks for reading this and god bless.

Answer 1

You need to practice your rudiments (preferably with a metronome or similar) as well as just bashing on the kit.  It is fine to play a part passably but are you playing it perfectly?  Are you consistant on the bass drum parts?  You need to develop real independence with your hands and feet. You also need to branch out and look for more challenging parts to learn how to master.  I would suggest listening to some old Genesis, Peter Gabriel (with Manu Katche on drums), Rush, The Police and other bands known for their good drumming.  Ill tell you one thing if you can master "Supper's Ready" from 70's era Genesis or the live In The Cage Medley from Genesis' album Three Sides Live you will officially be a good drummer!

Answer 2

To be a good drummer, you need to study music theory. You must understand melodic rhythm.

You don't need to "put a beat" to a song. Just play the melodic rhythm that is already there!

There is also Cadential rhythm...the rhythm of the changing chord progressions. You could play that as well.

Answer 3

As a bass player......... and working with MANY different drummers and styles of music, here are my thoughts

Timing is everything

Keep it simple

Think Musically

Remember you're PART of the mix

If you're not feeling challenged...look outside the box....different genres, ethnic music

Work with other players as much as possible.....LISTEN

All the FLASH/Bang stuff is neat during practice or in the basement......if you want to work...........be solid, blend in, concentrate on the SOUND of your kit.....tune, no squeaky hardware,etc

Be a pro in skill and demeanor

Keep at it......the world needs more "GOOD" drummers

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Work on your dynamics and when you are able take lessons from a reputable teacher from a good school like the Royal Conservatory of Music (a Canadian Institution).