Earlier this week, we came across an article and podcast on NPR about Han Bennink, a Dutch drum maestro and one of the leaders in European free jazz and free improvisation.
Bennink is recognized as one of the best jazz drummers alive today, and like most drummers, he’s known for playing with and on any everyday object he can get his hands on. In the podcast, the interviewer presents a range of everyday objects – from paper clips to a book stand to mic stand – and Bennink goes through everything, making a variety of noises and exclaiming “This is fantastic!” The idea – as presented in the NPR article – is hearing “sonic possibilities in so many objects beyond the typical drum set.” And that’s exactly what sets apart the musicians from the amateurs – learning to cultivate that ability and using it to your advantage.
As we explored last week in the article about music and baseball, a great way to train your ears is to listen to the “music” of everyday life. By that, we don’t mean the music playing through your earbuds. Instead, listen to nature. Listen to crowds of people. And for drummers (and in fact, any beginner musician), this carries over into listening to the rhythm behind everything.
Next, you can practice those rhythms on pretty much anything. If you’re not near your drum set, tap rhythms on a desk, table, phonebook, or whatever you can find. Parents or roommates asking you to be quiet? Drum on a pillow. Whatever gets your hands moving and your feet tapping – do it, and don’t be afraid to look silly. Carry your sticks with you, and you’ll always have the freedom to practice when you have a spare moment. Most drummers do this anyway – ever found yourself tapping your foot without even noticing? Yeah, we thought so!
Check out the NPR podcast here. Also recommended: Check out Bennink playing on a drum set made out of cheese.
Drummers: how do you practice rhythms when you don’t have access to your drum set? Leave a comment below or head on over to our Facebook page and share with the community! Like these posts? Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe.
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Tags: Drum exercises, Han Bennink, NPR
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