“Feel Good” Aspects Of Playing Drums

The following represent just some of the very positive things I got from playing percussion.

1-When I was a kid, after hours trying to develop an open double stroke roll, I got a great feeling  when suddenly discovering I achieved the ability to play clean, even, and fast double strokes with its resulting machine gun effect. The same holds true for many other aspects of learning to play my instruments.

2-Knowing I wanted to be a musician from a young age gave me a direction in life that so many other people continually search for.

3-Achieving a certain level of expertise made me feel good, even proud of myself. That, of course, is contradicted by the frustration of knowing there are aspects of my playing that I’ve never been able to master to the degree I see or hear in other musicians.

4-As a bachelor, being able to play my instrument gave me a certain self assurance. I  found it relatively easy to chat with single women, especially when they discovered I belonged to the band to which they were listening.

5-Receiving admiration from family and friends.

6-Getting gigs from musicians I respected, with many of them remaining lifelong friends.

7-The special indescribable feeling I got when swinging in a rhythm section that’s tight and in sync. Hearing the crowd applaud at the end of a solo.

8-Being able to take out my frustrations at the drum set during practice—a great way to relax, although I doubt it’s as relaxing for the neighbours!

9-Being privileged to be part of performing the wonderful music of great composers and song writers.

10-In younger years going away with a band for the entire summer to play in a major resort hotel in the Catskill Mountains outside New York City. I ate three great meals a day  and partook in all the available facilities. The  best part—getting paid for something most people have to pay for.

11-Most of all, my life long passion allowed me to make a decent living and support a family, while so many others have to go to a job every day they don’t enjoy.

There’s many other feel good aspects I get from playing my instruments—what are some of yours?