Are drummers real musicians?
I get asked often what I think about the whole drummers not being “real musicians.” First, I don’t have to tell you how much that fries me, but instead of simply flaming anyone who says that, I thought I’d blog my eloquent reply …
Drums are a musical instrument capable of just as many notes, tones, sounds, and expressive capabilities as the guitar or saxophone. I’d challenge any horn player to try and outnumber the number of sounds I can get on a drum kit .. heck – ONE DRUM! Why then, is it assumed that just because this instrument does not prescribe to the Western concept of a set of 12 semitones per octave that it somehow requires less musicality to play? In fact, it requires just as much musicianship and I feel, dare I say more creativity to play an instrument with such an abstract musical nomenclature. (more…)
Filed under: Musicianship, Opinion | 1 Comment »
