A drum in every home
People often ask me what kind of drum to buy after a really great workshop or session (or, they ask me if all those drums are mine, and how do I fit them in my car!).
Babatunde Olatunji, a Nigerian drummer and educator who was responsible for introducing many people in the western world to the joy of drumming, once said in the future there would be a drum in every home.
We’re not quite there yet – but we’re getting there.
As music becomes easier and easier to listen to in the digital world, I think it becomes more and more important to ensure people still want to actually play instruments. But, our culture tends to place more importance on perfecting technique on an instrument, over simply enjoying it. That’s where drums come in. Here are 3 simple reasons why you should buy a drum!
Drums are so easy to buy
No longer do you need to find a specialty music store in your area. While you can certainly do that, chances are they won’t have a wide selection of drums that aren’t drum kits. Three of my go-to websites for drum-buying are Amazon, West Music, and X8 Drums.
I just recently had the honor of becoming a Remo Endorsed Drum Circle Facilitator. Remo is a world-renowned percussion company that not only manufactures and sells top-quality products for professional and amateur drummers and facilitators, but also has its own evidence-based protocol (called HealthRHYTHMS®). Over the years as a facilitator, I’ve had ample time to try out a variety of drums and hone my kit that I utilize for gigs. Remo consistently makes dependable drums, and what’s more, many of them are versatile, lightweight, and practical.
Some of my favorites for individual playing are:
- the Remo Versa Tubano drums (set of 3 that nest inside one another)
- the Remo Buffalo drum (it comes in different sizes and has a nice, calming low tone)
- the Remo Advent djembe (it has a great high sound that really pops, plus it’s easy to tune even if you’re not musically inclined).
You don’t have to really know what you’re doing to enjoy it (although it helps!)
While I believe strongly that drumming is an acquired skill just as any other instrument, and drummers work really hard at their craft, that doesn’t mean non-musicians can’t also have fun with drums.
You can certainly find a recreational drum circle in your area, or a drum class for beginners, but you can also drum in your home. Jim Donovan and Christine Stevens are two excellent and highly skilled facilitators and musicians who share simple how-to videos on their YouTube channels. You can view videos on drumming from the heart, creating your own rhythms, and culture-specific rhythms and techniques.
You’ll experience deep, in-the-moment mindfulness
Drumming requires us to utilize both sides of our brains, much like swimming. Because of that, we experience periods of deep relaxation while also feeling energized. We clear our heads temporarily of the clutter that fills our day and causes stress. And we learn to listen carefully, breathe deeply, and just be.
So, dive in and get started! Buy a drum, find a class, or simply venture online and find some inspiration. Or, if you’d like to bring rhythm to your organization, give us a call today!
