Three Ways to Improve Your Drumming Without Using a Kit

For drummers, it's hard to practice all the time. There isn't always a drum kit handy, and the dang things are loud, so it isn't practical to drum at night, or when family is home. So how do we keep sharp in the meantime?

Earphones

A Walkman or iPod is your best friend as a drummer. Always have one handy, and listen to your favorite music, paying particular attention to the drums. Simply tapping along to the drummer on the album can improve your timing, accuracy, and intuition. I also recommend listening to music you wouldn't normally put on, because ideas can come from all facets of the music world for a drummer. Another benefit to earphones is that they are quiet and won't bother others around you.

Practice your Stickwork

Sure, you may not have a drum set with you, but that doesn't mean you can't practice drum rolls and modulation on other objects. Practice pads can be purchased pretty cheaply at any music store, and are a great way to increase your stick speed and accuracy. A plethora of items can be used, however, including car windshields, trash cans, counter tops, pillows - you name it. You can even set up a makeshift drum set in your bedroom at night. Turn a clothes hamper upside down or place a chair in front of you, and put a pillow on it. Then put on some music and "play along with it" on your quiet practice set! Carry your drum sticks with you wherever you go, and you will find endless ways to use them.

Practice your timing

If you listen to a song on the radio or a CD, you will find that the beat is very accurate, and never speeds up or slows down unless the song calls for it. That is because the drummer is playing to a "click track", meaning he or she is listening to a series of beeps or clicks with headphones on, so the drum beat will not falter. Try this: put on a song, and tap your foot to the drum beat. Then shut the song off, but keep tapping for a few seconds. Then turn the song back on, and see if you are still with the beat. When you can get this down, your drum timing will improve greatly at the set, as well!