From: icsu0182@cs.montana.edu (Sean)
Subject: Re: to autoco-ordinate or not to autoco-ordinate, that is the question.
Keywords: drums 
Organization: Montana State University, Dept. of Computer Science, Bozeman MT 59717
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 18:05:31 GMT

In article <1992Nov17.191747.13567@sfu.ca> wonge@fraser.sfu.ca (Edmund Wong) writes:
>   However, I would like to inquire if I should also purchase a 
>hi-hat or at least a cymbal(?? you know..the cymbal on a stand.. is
>that what you call a clash?  -Yes..I'm a beginner..(wonder what gave
>you guys that idea, eh? :))       

I don't think that this is really all of that important until you get the
co-ordination of your feet and your hands going a little better.  At that
time, I would recommend a high hat and stand, just so that you get used to 
using your off foot.  If this sort of thing doesn't really come all that 
naturally, don't worry.  A lot of really good drummers have to work on their 
coordination, otherwise they wouldn't have invented rudiments!!!

>   Also, a point about the feet.  While tapping with the sticks on the
>wouldbe snaredrum, what should I do with them?  I've noticed that if
>I beat on an 'imaginary' snare drum, and tap my feet, my feet get
>REALLY tired.  So is this 'tiredness' just a typical reaction for a   
>beginner's feet, or am I doing something wrong?  Also, my coordination
>seems to be set; that is, when my hands start drumming, even if I
>did start tapping at a constant pace, I ALWAYS find myself either
>losing my taps(therefore tapping either faster or slower) or I lose
>my hand coordination(you know, when I start pretending that my 'sticks'
>are hitting a snare drum and a cymbal(?))..

Okay, on this point, it is two things.  Yes part of it is muscle fatigue.
If you are not used to using your feet like that all of the time, then
yes they will get tired, and so will your arms if they aren't properly 
conditioned.  Yes, it is a "typical" reaction.  The coordination thing will
come in time.  I think that one of the things that you might want to     
consider is that wailing and beating the holy hell out of your drums and 
playing these great drum solos and stuff isn't what being a good drummer is
all about.  It is about being well rounded, accelling in one or two areas
of interest, and being musically consistent.  Play with, or tap with, some
of your favorite music.  This will help you to keep a constant rhythm over
a period of time, and at the same time will help to rid you of this tiredness.
There are tons of exercises that you can do to help this too.  If you want to 
know some of these, let me know!!!

Also, if you can get one, a metronome(sp?) is a good thing to have around.
Part of being a good drummer is being able to keep a good tempo, and a
metronome will help a lot!

Hope that this helps.

Sean 
-- 
================================================================================
Sean Reid                 ||  "Baseball is a rather simple game. You throw the 
Dept. of Computer Science ||   ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball...  
Montana State University  ||   Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes
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