Taking a break from the kit... ?

I'm wondering what the general concensus is about consistent playing. I think that the whole 8-hours a day thing is a bit over-rated, though I used to do that as a teenager. How often do you guys play and also how often to you go a day or two without touching the drums?

I saw a Weckl clinic recently and he said that he plays/or/practices everyday and that there might only be a few days of the year when he dosen't have sticks in his hands. I can understand that, at his calibur... but then on the other hand Stewart Copeland stashed his drums away in a closet for TEN YEARS, and then returns to drumming just fine!

For me, as a drummer, I feel a responsibility to play/practice everyday - but I really don't... unless I have rehersals or gigs. If I (for some reason) go a week without playing, I notice it. A day or two is OK. Though in an indeal situation I'd like to have a practice routine again and play regularly, but believe or not: there is more to life than just drumming! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Again, if a great drummer can take a break for a decade and still be able to play, maybe this whole 8-hour a day thing is a little bit overkill. What do you think?

You should never base your own needs on what someone else has done. Doesn't matter if copeland never touched his drums for 10 years and then came back to it note perfect.That's him. He's unique and you're unique. One person may need to practise 8 hours a day, another may only need an hour a day. It comes down to how much you want to progress and not stay at the skill level you're at, and how fast or slow you can learn and develop new skills at the drumkit. That's my take on it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

That's pretty much my point too... did Stewart Copeland need to practice 8 hours a day? Nope!

Of course, he is VERY unique... and I am not saying that I want to quit or take a ten year break, cause I certainly do not want that at all... I just wanted peoples input on how often they practice/play and if they have ever, like stewart, taken a break.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ December 08, 2004 06:52 PM: Message edited by: CLWarunki ]</font>

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Originally posted by CLWarunki:
That's pretty much my point too... did Stewart Copeland need to practice 8 hours a day? Nope!


<font color="#a62a2a"><font size="1">[ December 08, 2004 06:52 PM: Message edited by: CLWarunki ]</font></font>

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Maybe he did practise 8 hours day leading up to his awesome talent? After that though, coming back to drums after 10 years, I'm guessing his chops were much the same if he never went back to a hard practise regime. The players like weckl and vinnie though that continually practise everyday reach newer levels all the time.

To answer your question more specifically, I, like you, feel a duty as a drummer to practise a lot everyday, but I don't practise that much anymore because I simply got lazy. [img]frown.gif[/img]

I think , like Rudy, that not every drummer needs the same practice hours. I remember the early years, I would practice about four hours in a closed up studio, and the reason I did not advance in my playing, is that I was always playing the things I already know.

Of course, you get to be great at that particular beat, in my case, the one-hand shuffle. But, if I was to practice one hour on things I was not good at, then that hour would have been better than the four I was used to doing.

I am told that guys like Virgil practice 8 hour a day ! I guess that it does it for Virgil. But, it would seem to me that getting out of the practice room once in a while, and trying to live a little and enjoy other things like sports, taking in a good film, driving in the country, would be welcome ! Then , when you get back to the kit, your head is clear, and ready to take on new challenges when it comes to playing new rhythms, etc.

And as Rudy says, what's good for one drummer is not necessary good for the other. Some drummers find it easy to learn new things. But, if you are not one of them, take it easy...
the main thing is that you ARE a drummer and sitting behind the kit is a dream for many people out there.

I think the points mentioned above are spot on.

Here's my 2 cents:

I definately think that practicing regularly is the key. Playing every day is fine, however playing for example only on weekdays is also something worth considering. It all depends on how focused you are when practicing.

At the moment I an on a "forced" break. I am at university here in Montreal and currently have no place to practice. But being realistic, I also have no time to practice at the moment. My studying is simply too demanding - the one time I do have spare time, I sleep or watch TV just to relax. Sometimes Ill go running too. Bottom line is, I havent played since August 20th. I get home on the 19th of December and have my practicing routine planned out perfectly already. I cant wait! I think about drumming every day. Its been killing me inside that I cant play here...YET.

Although this has been a rough time, I think it might just be a good thing. Thing is, now Im really motivated to go back to practicing.

Also: When youre practicing a certain style, technique or whatever and you're stuck or frustrated with it: Just take one or two days off. A break will sometimes be of great benefit.

-Suspiria

Hey Suspiria,

I'm surprised you still have not found a place to practice in Montreal ! I guess it's your studies that are taking up your time.

Did you get that Annual Guide I told you about ? In it there are many possibilities in the Montreal area. When you get back from your holidays, take a look at this guide. There's even a chapter on rehearsal studios who rent by the hour.

Another idea: I heard that Pro-Mark sells a "silent" kit for the apartment or room, wher you cannot make any noise.

Great posts guys. I have to agree with the consensus: different strokes for different folks.
For me there is a point of diminishing returns if I practice too long. In short, an hour or two of productive practice is better than 8 hours of noodling. I feel like I get a lot more accomplished in a short spurt of focused concentrated practice rather than just winging it for a long period of time.JMHO

A few years ago I would only practice on the weekends for sometimes up to 6 or 8 hours a day. I also played in a band on weekends but felt this was still not enough to move my playing forward. I definitely feel that practicing something every day is more beneficial. Again, JMHO.

I get a lot from mental practice which is what I spend most of the time doing during my day at work. Something as simple as humming a song, motif, or pure drumnistic lick helps me greatly when I get to the practice room.

Funny you mention this, i am on a break also. I haven't been away from the sticks or longer than two weeks, ever since i started playing. I usually practice every single day, a minimum of 2 hours, a max of 4. Average... typically 3 to 3 and a half. The last three weeks, i have just been burnt out. I was going like a mad man the last month. Composing on the computer for about 6-8 hours, then on the set for about 4-6 hours. It just took it out of me. This is great, however, because i do need to step away and get that inspiration back. Sometimes i have my life revolve around practice, that i lose focus on other things. This next week i am planning on getting back into it. When i am 'on it', as far as my routine, i never miss a day. If i do, it makes me feel all weird the next day. However, this little break i am on, i am using it to inspire me. Enjoy free time, see shows, go to the drum shop and not worry about getting home to shed. Play basketball, hang with friends... all the stuff that is on the back burner when i am in the practice routine, i am making time for it now. Little moments like this are the fuel to my fire that can last for months after this. I am more productive when i have a fire inside me, than when i just do it to 'do it'.
However, i think when you are serious about your playing, make a serious effort to make time, everyday. I have worked 70 hours a week, been married, and still had time to shed everyday, and do it productively. Having the discipline is more than just getting things worked out on the set, it is being able to know how to be serious, keep pushing that stone uphill. It is a symbiotic relationship. Having that discipline gives back to you, i think, in more ways that chops. When i have been on the set alot, and had myself just focused, it gives me confidence. When i haven't been dedicated, i don't feel like i have earned this gig, or that gig. When i am in the practice zone, i am like: "Ok, oh, you need me to read that crazy chart, ok, i'll do it". When i am not in the zone, and haven't been putting my time in, my confidence is messed up, i get overwhelmed instead of meeting the challenge head-on like i should, i get down on myself. You pay psychological dues as well when you are 'on it', not just musical and physical ones. However, when i just have NO inspiration, it is ok to just go out, live life, come back and feel fresh again. Just make sure when you come back to the routine, you are willing to 'do it right' when you are back. No noodling! I would rather spend productive time when i am 'on' and just step away for a period of weeks when i am 'off'.
Get myself inspired and ready for another round!
That is what i am doing now and i love it [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Sounds good Matricks. Cant believe you were still practicing during a 70 hour work week...Now thats dedication!

Anyway wanted to make another comment:

Some ppl mentioned people like Donati playing 8 hours every day. Dont forget that these players are out of our league. They are out of the league of 95% or more of all drummers. You dont get to that level unless you dedicate your life to drumming. While your playing may end up being the best in the world, I sometimes wonder what these guys have in life.

I mean theres always fans telling them they're great, but what else do they have? I find it hard to believe that they can build and take care of true friendships and even marriages or family life.

Some people forget that the only thing these people do is drumming - The cost for becoming so good is definately VERY high.