No talent drummer wannabe

**Frank McGrath** · 17th November 07, 06:50 AM

I want to be a drummer in a pipe band. How hard is it to learn to play the drums when you have no musical talent at all. I have the desire to beat on things and make a lot of noise.

Frank

**haukehaien** · 17th November 07, 07:39 AM

Can you keep a steady beat? If so, it's not that hard. The drums in a pipe band are a bit different from the drums in most bands, for the reason that they provide the dynamics of the band. Basically, since the pipes can't get louder or softer, the drums do.

The main things that are required to be a good drummer are:
1) The ability to internalize and keep a beat.
2) The desire to hit things and make noise.
3) The willingness to practice.

I suspect that anyone with 2 and 3 can become a competent drummer and an important part of a band. You can start developing 1 by learning to identify the beat when you listen to music and playing along with it.

Check with your local pipe band and see if they teach aspiring drummers; many bands do free lessons for pipers, provided the pipers will march with them.

**pipesndrumsnun** · 17th November 07, 07:46 AM

If you are underestimating yourself and just have not yet found your musical ability, you could benefit from the instruction a pipe band has to offer.

If, on the other hand, you actually discover that you have no musical talent whatsoever...you could always be in the honor guard/color guard/flag corps. No offense to any flag corps folks out there, I'm just suggesting a non-musical alternative that would still allow pipe band participation. Some bands will even let you carry the flags while you learn an instrument.

Drumming is LOTS of fun!!

**beloitpiper** · 17th November 07, 07:48 AM

The snare section in my pipe band gets all the girls. I think it's because all the pipers get "frog face" while playing...it's not that attractive.

**TheKiltedWonder** · 17th November 07, 08:11 AM

I've never been in a pipeband before, but from what I remember from MS and HS band is that neither the ability to keep a steady beat nor musical talent were ever requirements for the drummers...

**haukehaien** · 17th November 07, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by TheKiltedWonder

I've never been in a pipeband before, but from what I remember from MS and HS band is that neither the ability to keep a steady beat nor musical talent were ever requirements for the drummers...

(NOTE: I play drums (trap set) as well as other instruments.)

What do you call someone who hangs around with musicians?
A drummer.

What do you do with a musician who can't play?
Give him two sticks, sit him in the back and tell him he's a drummer.
What if he still can't play?
Take away one of his sticks and put him in front ...

How can you tell when there's a drummer at the door?
The knocking speeds up and he doesn't know when to come in.

Thank you, thank you, try the pork chops, don't forget to tip your waitress ...

**Mr. Kilt** · 17th November 07, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by haukehaien

(NOTE: I play drums (trap set) as well as other instruments.)

What do you call someone who hangs around with musicians?
A drummer.

What do you do with a musician who can't play?
Give him two sticks, sit him in the back and tell him he's a drummer.
What if he still can't play?
Take away one of his sticks and put him in front ...

How can you tell when there's a drummer at the door?
The knocking speeds up and he doesn't know when to come in.

Thank you, thank you, try the pork chops, don't forget to tip your waitress ...

This is me about 10 years ago in a recording studio with the band I played in...

I haven't played since 2000, but I may get back into it once we move. I'm self taught and couldn't read sheet music if you held a gun to my head. However, I can follow along and can usually learn most songs by ear.
If I can do it, you can too! Go for it.

**Moosedog** · 17th November 07, 03:01 PM

Frank,

You are right where I was about two months ago!

I and two friends who have a little musical background but are new to drumming have discovered we all share this fascination with pipe bands...It's not about the kilts--just has always been there...So, we contacted our local band, and they need drummers!

Their teaching options are in a state of flux due to illness and retirement of some longstanding members, but we hope to arrange some instruction soon. I'm sure the various bands have different expectations of expertise...You may have more than one option in your area.

Meanwhile, we:

Go to their rehearsals and listen and watch (the "soak it up like a sponge"method.") But take ear plugs.

Listen to pipe band music whenever possible.

Search the internet for informational sites

Practice the rudiments (we're fortunate to have access to practice pads and drums.)

And are waiting patiently for lessons to start in a week or two.

Scottish-style drumming is definitely different, but any practice you can get in terms of counting, reading music, keeping a steady tempo, should be helpful.

I'll look forward to hearing about your journey and I'll keep you posted on mine.

Moosedog

**Marcel** · 19th November 07, 10:12 PM

If you really want to learn to play drums you can, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And you can start with just a pair of sticks and a throw pillow. Oh, and one more thing, METRONOME!!!!! It sucks to practice with one but worth every click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click,click, click, ahhhhh BLEEP!!**##@&

**thatcelticband** · 20th November 07, 12:33 AM

You know what you call a drummer without a girlfriend? Homeless
What does a drummer get on the S.A.T. test? Drool
Two drummers get into a cab. Which one is the professional musician? The cab driver
A man with a drum and a Racoon are walking together. Whats the difference? The coon may be on his way to a paying gig.