Broken leg = MORE IMPROV!

Blog #2

I have been a little behind on my blogging the last couple weeks. However I had an experience in class that I wanted to talk about regarding improving.

A few weeks ago I fractured a bone in my knee and being that I am a drummer I tend to use both legs, one for a hi-hat and a the other for a kick pedal. Like everyone else in class I had a chance to play with another member of class. I could have used a set on bongos, or something else not involving my feet but instead I decided to bring in a small drum pad with foot pedals and try it one footed. I never imagined how difficult it was to get into a smooth rythym only using one leg.

It takes a lot of time in general to be comfortable playing any instrument with confidence but when I took away my right leg (kick pedal) and played the kick pedal with my left it brought in a whole new world of technique. I started noticing that I was back to a simple beat on the bass drum while my arms tried to make up the difference for the missing leg. I seemed to be completely improving everything I played because nothing felt familiar to me. I felt like I was learning the drums all over again. I kept wanting to use my right leg but I obviously couldnt.

I feel like if a guitarist broke a finger or something that would be similar. I am not saying that breaking body parts is the way to go, but I am saying that this minor injury opened my eyes up to how a small change in a regular form can allow you to improv a lot easier. Once I get my leg back I may try doing other things to change it up like removing a few toms from my kit, or playing hi hat with my right leg and the bass with my left. It could either be very annoying, or I could love it. It could even be a good practicing technique to become a better drummer. Who knows!