A different concept.

[JFunky]

...yeah so, I met this older gentleman, who happens to be a professional trumpet player who's played all over the world, the other day and he noticed me reading the August Edition of Modern Drummer Mag. and he asked if I was drummer.  I said yes and then he asked if I knew how to read music.  I said, "no, but I know very basic things."  Point is that he told me to get with a piano instructor and put in about 1 to 2 years of that.  I asked him why?  He said "That way you can learn how to read properly, learn progressions, chords etc. and learn Music Theory all at once."  He said that every musician needs to start off on the piano because it'll definetly help you down the road.  He said it doesn't matter if you're a drummer or not.  What do you guys think about this?

[Mud]

Well, considering the piano is the greatest instrument known to mankind, I concur.

~Div

[Mud]

...Okay, seriously.

I totally agree. Nothing else to really say about that. I advise all instrumentalist to learn SOME piano, for those very same reasons.

...and also because it's the greatest instrument in the world!

~Div

[Eccentric-Rhythm]

Very interesting concept. I would have to agree. The piano, in our realms is usually lead, knowing that instrument would be beneficial above and beyond. Well, thats my opinion anyway. My father is an incredible trumpet player, has been playing for 40+ years. He first learned piano. He can also play Guitar, Bass, Trumpet, Sax, Organ and who knows what else. All of which he picked up because of his knowledge of the piano.

I agree.

God Bless.

[thescientist]

I agree as well.  I wish my parents would have put me in piano lessons when I was younger.  The little theory that I do know came from playing percussion (timpani, mallets) in symphonic band coming up through jr high and high school.  But I when I got into college and really started getting into reading charts, and giging out with the "Real Book,"  I really wished I had a better understanding of chords and chord progressions if nothing more than to get an idea of what the different sections of the song sounded like. 

[Mud]

The piano/keyboard is a primary instrument. If you can get a first hand feel of how to support the music rhythmically, melodically, and harmonically ... on the piano - just imagine how much that will help your musicianship as a drummer. Combining the knowledge, and the approaches of both the piano/keyboard, and drums  .... you will notice you will go from 'beating" drums ... to being a much more musical drummer.

[Cherri]

Yes. Music Theory is the language we musicians should be able to speak it regardless to what instrument, I agree to the fullest. Ear training is essential too. JFunk here's a good book you should get " Drummer's Guide to Music Theory" by Peter Magadini. This book is really a great resource well worth $7.95...

[JFunky]

...thanks Cherri.  I just went to his website.  He has some good books and reviews by Vinnie C. and Steve Smith.  Thanks a million.

      http://www.petermagadini.com/

[Cherri]

...thanks Cherri.  I just went to his website.  He has some good books and reviews by Vinnie C. and Steve Smith.  Thanks a million.

      http://www.petermagadini.com/

You are more than welcome...

[smarkland38]

Hey Everbody! JFUNKY great post bro. Music Theory is good to know i start playing drums at six then my mother signed mw and my sister to take pianio/ theory lessons it help us out tremondously, but i wish i stuck with it though.It do not hurt to go do it again or start. Everbody would benefit from it GOD BLESS!

[Praise_Productions]

I totally agree with you on that.  I have a friend who is an excellent keyboard player but he is better at the drums.  He told me that because he knows the different structure of music that helps him brake things down a lot differently when he plays the drums.

[fretai03]

Yeah I started on the piano but was never really interested. (Yes, I regret it now)

But even the basic foundation I learned back then helps me now which I can't see myself doing without.

[SabianKnight]

...yeah so, I met this older gentleman, who happens to be a professional trumpet player who's played all over the world, the other day and he noticed me reading the August Edition of Modern Drummer Mag. and he asked if I was drummer.  I said yes and then he asked if I knew how to read music.  I said, "no, but I know very basic things."  Point is that he told me to get with a piano instructor and put in about 1 to 2 years of that.  I asked him why?  He said "That way you can learn how to read properly, learn progressions, chords etc. and learn Music Theory all at once."  He said that every musician needs to start off on the piano because it'll definetly help you down the road.  He said it doesn't matter if you're a drummer or not.  What do you guys think about this?

Read the Modern Drummer December 2004.- Louis Bellson cover. This is exactly what his father made him do as a child. Now 75 years later he is living history and still playing.

Also look at the Police's drum great Stewart Copeland whom has won Oscers etc for his Movie Scores.

...it's a hard road to bing great at something you don't REALLY know...MUSIC (MUSIC THEORY is the makeup/breakdown/dna of music) don't fool yourself. That is why every  college music program makes percussionist take theory and keyboard classes. 

[Metronome]

...it's a hard road to bing great at something you don't REALLY know...MUSIC (MUSIC THEORY is the makeup/breakdown/dna of music) don't fool yourself. That is why every  college music program makes percussionist take theory and keyboard classes. 
[/quote]

True they went so far ith me in high Schoool that they took me off of 98% of percussion so that they coul force feed me with music theory to compliment my perfect pitch.  nnow it has made me beeter.  i can sit and tell the organist/pianist what chord to play while on the drums.  Even if you are pretty nice on an instrument, piano will make you better.