A Deeper Thread...

[JFunky]

Quote:" In my opinion, in order to become a master, you must first become a slave. "     
                                  - anonymous.


Well, I can only base it off of my own personal experience & the ones I know of, but I'm willing to bet that any musician that has achieved an extreme degree of skill or is striving to - they would likely agree that it takes a tremendous amount of dedication to get to that level. You start to respect great musicians even the more, 'cause you KNOW, first hand, the insane amount of work it took for them reach the level's they're on. Long past the point where people say "It don't take all that", lol...

Research how many hours a day Steve Vai & Malmsteen(sp?) have consistently practiced over the years, lol. Virgil Donati, too. Hey, I could very easily put myself and Cherri into the practice-aholic category.

The point is, when you've set your sights high, and actually put in the work necessary, you start to realize that music is so much greater than any individual, 'cause for all the practicing, sacrificing and studying you do, their still seems to be an ENDLESS amount of things you can learn, apply &try to perfect. Imagine what it's like for a truly dedicated MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST!!

 
                                                - anonymous



....any thoughts?  This post/quote got me thinking and revisiting my goals.

[stiksnmypocket]

This is the truth dude, I respect that, anything worth getting and achieving does not come easy at all..... and at some point we'll all be slaves of some sort if you're really in to perfecting your craft, like giving up your hangout time to practice, or sacrificing the newest sneakers for a decent cymbal, I've done it, spent hrs shedding, going thru the growing up stages where you feel that it should just come to you, but you're not doing your part to get there.....it's a struggle, but its a struggle worth going thru......

[bigblackdrummer]

Quote:" In my opinion, in order to become a master, you must first become a slave. "     
                                  - anonymous


Well, I can only base it off of my own personal experience & the ones I know of, but I'm willing to bet that any musician that has achieved an extreme degree of skill or is striving to - they would likely agree that it takes a tremendous amount of dedication to get to that level. You start to respect great musicians even the more, 'cause you KNOW, first hand, the insane amount of work it took for them reach the level's they're on. Long past the point where people say "It don't take all that", lol...

Research how many hours a day Steve Vai & Malmsteen(sp?) have consistently practiced over the years, lol. Virgil Donati, too. Hey, I could very easily put myself and Cherri into the practice-aholic category.

The point is, when you've set your sights high, and actually put in the work necessary, you start to realize that music is so much greater than any individual, 'cause for all the practicing, sacrificing and studying you do, their still seems to be an ENDLESS amount of things you can learn, apply &try to perfect. Imagine what it's like for a truly dedicated MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST!!

 
                                                - anonymous



....any thoughts?  This post/quote got me thinking and revisiting my goals.

Its the truth!!! That's why I got mad when Id hear guys dissin Gadd, don't know who Buddy Rich is, and trying to put guys like Spanky and Chris Dave on that level!!! I gave up my teen and part of my 20's to practicing, and still now I try to practise when I can.....There's too many young punks like Drumma Sheen (who I believe is totally of the right path) I have to keep runnin from and as you 19, 20 year olds become my age you will understand what Im talking about.... Nows the time for you guys to humble yourselves, understand that you are a student of the craft, and learn the craft!!! Just because you can play a Spanky lick does not mean you're good.....If you can play 4/4 time and play and make it feel so good that it would make a man want to slap his Mama, then you have the starts of something!!!!

[Cherri]

Quote:" In my opinion, in order to become a master, you must first become a slave. "     
                                  - anonymous


Well, I can only base it off of my own personal experience & the ones I know of, but I'm willing to bet that any musician that has achieved an extreme degree of skill or is striving to - they would likely agree that it takes a tremendous amount of dedication to get to that level. You start to respect great musicians even the more, 'cause you KNOW, first hand, the insane amount of work it took for them reach the level's they're on. Long past the point where people say "It don't take all that", lol...

Research how many hours a day Steve Vai & Malmsteen(sp?) have consistently practiced over the years, lol. Virgil Donati, too. Hey, I could very easily put myself and Cherri into the practice-aholic category.

The point is, when you've set your sights high, and actually put in the work necessary, you start to realize that music is so much greater than any individual, 'cause for all the practicing, sacrificing and studying you do, their still seems to be an ENDLESS amount of things you can learn, apply &try to perfect. Imagine what it's like for a truly dedicated MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST!!

 
                                                - anonymous



....any thoughts?  This post/quote got me thinking and revisiting my goals.

Div, you probably will kill me for this what the heck, Email me! This man has been the clairvoyance in my quest without a shadow of a doubt. You are definitely a jewel in my life.  

That quote has everything to do with kah (inner self) and Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)… It's Phantom!
These things you can’t even get from your mother and/or father.

[MENDOZA]

Quote:" In my opinion, in order to become a master, you must first become a slave. "     

First of all this statement is really deep because it not only goes for drumming, but can translate to any aspect of your life.  Getting back to the statement and it's importance/revelance to music.  You have to become a slave to music.  Notice, what is the job of a slave?  To serve, protect, and work!!!  We must serve the music with the right intentions.  Even though sometimes we might not like it, we have to submit to it and do things we do not like.  However, we benefit from this in sooo many ways.  For instance, breaking down a flam accent slowly at 80 beats per minute and noticing that there are actually 3 heights in the actual rudiment (not 2) and literally seeing how each stroke works, whether it's a full stroke, down stroke, up stroke, takes time and diligence.  You need to respect what music is offering and you need to CONTRIBUTE too!!!!  It's not about us, it's about the overall music/purpose.  What are we trying to portray or convey?   What is it that makes YOU different?   What is it that you are trying to say at that moment?  Whatare you NOT saying?  Remember a conversation goes both ways.  Sometimes you speak and most of the time you have to listen.  That's the point of a conversation.  In addition, a conversation has many different dynamic levels and nuances.  Why do you think Steve Gadd is sooooo amazing.  Just listen to first his balance of limbs, consistency, and more importantly if you really want to break it down listen, to the CONVERSATION he has on just the snare drum.  Listen, to his ghost notes, buzzes, accents, etc.  You see that's when you become a slave to music, not trying to learn the latest lick? But paying attention to the details of the conversation.  Most can understand the point of the story, but why do we neglect the details?  This is what separates the men from the boys.   Why do you listen to these great drummers?  Because they have put the time and have become slaves to music.  Being a slave is not always a bad thing.  Remember, we are here on Earth to SERVE and to me that's the biggest priveldge (and I'm not talking about literally a  slave from the South back in day LOL).   We all want the title of the CEO, but notice the people who work (slaves) for the corporation.  THEY make the corporation successful.  So look at this statement as a postive one and continue drumming and becoming the best musician and STUDENT of music.  Take care and God Bless.

Carlito

www.myspace.com/juancarlosmendoza

[dude-on-drums]

Yeah I agree with that guy.  I didnt attend alot of football games, school dances or house parties.  My after school activities involved playing and listening.  If I wasnt in my own choir rehearsal, I was trying to go to someone else's just so I could be in the environment of music.  But I actually did more listening than playing because I didnt get my first drum set till I was two years into the Marines.  And there were no sheds, cause they were unheard of in my teenage years.  I litterally listened to music like it was a job.  Before and after school and especially on my way to bed.  Alot of people say to me, "Man youre good,"  while they shout and dance in church but they have no idea about how much time I put into my craft, on and off the drums.

[MIKELOVE]

  Why do you think Steve Gadd is sooooo amazing.  Just listen to first his balance of limbs, consistency, and more importantly if you really want to break it down listen, to the CONVERSATION he has on just the snare drum.  Listen, to his ghost notes, buzzes, accents, etc.  You see that's when you become a slave to music, not trying to learn the latest lick? But paying attention to the details of the conversation. 

 If I wasnt in my own choir rehearsal, I was trying to go to someone else's just so I could be in the environment of music.  But I actually did more listening than playing because I didnt get my first drum set till I was two years into the Marines.  I litterally listened to music like it was a job.  Before and after school and especially on my way to bed.  

I’m on here every day learning just don’t post much. I catch so much heat up here for just wanting to listen and not always tryin to get on the kit. Its like if I don’t blaze real hard so I can be heard over the other musicians they look at me funny. Ya’ll are the first group of drummers i ever known to be so deep in the craft, and learning how to be a musician not just a drummer.
Every one has been a great help on here.

 

[Jedi3]

Brothers and sisters while I find this discourse intriguing, I would caution against calling ourselves "slaves."  The word slave defined means: 1)a person held in servitude as the chattel of another 2)one that is completely subservient to a dominating influence 3)a device, as the printer of a computer that is directly responsive to another.  God hasn't called us to be slaves, not to him and certainly not to any other person or pursuit.  He has called us to be servants.  The difference being that servants can choose who or what they will serve, slaves cannot.  Our mission is always first to serve Him.  We thank the Lord for the opportunity, the desire and the gift to do what we do, but we can never be "slaves" to it because that is not what he has ordained for us.  So to make the most of what He has given us we study and practice, and work to perfect our craft  becacuse ultimately what we seek is for our playing to be a reflection of Him in us.  Our goal is to take what He has given to us and give it back to Him.  That's ministry.  And through our ministry, we have the capability of touching others through music and song which I would consider a by-product, if you will, of our true purpose.  As we endeavor to perfect our craft through long hours of practice and study and maybe putting aside some things that aren't really so important in the grand scheme of things, we get to the point where we are honestly and truly serving the Master, and serving the music, and serving his people.   

[JFunky]

...I believe that. meant slave as servant.  That's why MENDOZA was saying slave in a good way so in other words or correct word.....servant. 

...I have to print this thread out cause there's too much good info. in here.

[SabianKnight]

This is for the mature crowd and those seeking more out of their ability to create and enjoy music. Great topic.

[MENDOZA]

This thread is definetly for the "mature" crowd or people who are really into MUSIC and it's details.  As far as my "slave" comment, I guess the better word for it would be servant, but I wanted to stick to the whole "slave" theme.  So that's what I meant, however, this is probably the best thread I have read here on LGM, especially within the past 8 months or so.  So....let's keep it clean because I don't want it to be locked LOL!!!!  Take care and God Bless.

Carlito

much love to the LGM fam!!

[IICOII]

...I believe that Div. meant slave as servant.  That's why MENDOZA was saying slave in a good way so in other words or correct word.....servant. 

...I have to print this thread out cause there's too much good info. in here.

I used the word "slave" to put emphasis on the fact that "mastery"(Relatively speaking, of course...) is only achievable through extreme dedication. Dude, if I told people how much I practiced, they'd think I was lying, so I won't - however, I will say this ... for ALL the studying and practicing I've done; and for all the extremes I'm gone to ... my mind is still coming up with new ideas to perfect & their is still a great body of information out there that I've yet to totally absorb and apply. It's very humbling when you stop and think about it...

Their are MANY musicians out there that are considered GREAT, who have just scratched the surface of what's been written & recorded via DVD, CD's, & books. To me, music is one of the most supreme examples that their is a God, and It is indeed vast beyond our comprehension - 'cause music, alone, is too vast to totally be mastered by one individual...

It doesn't stop & that's why none of us should.

[JFunky]

...this is great.  It goes along the same lines of a book that I'm reading.

[j_kay]

Their are MANY musicians out there that are considered GREAT, who have just scratched the surface of what's been written & recorded via DVD, CD's, & books. To me, music is one of the most supreme examples that their is a God, and It is indeed vast beyond our comprehension - 'cause music, alone, is too vast to totally be mastered by one individual...

It doesn't stop & that's why none of us should.

That's it - [/end thread]!!!

[fretai03]

I'm cyber heaven...

[HumbleGospelDrummer]

This thread is................just too much.  It needs to be stickied.

[edough]

Wow... deep stuff for the drum room... I always try to see things through a biblical lens. We first must consult the scriptures.  " If a man desires to gain his life, first he must lose it" It is the same principal with our craft. First we must enter in with clean motives searching ourselves and our hearts for roots of self. This needs to be done continuously. If we are not clean in this area our praise and worship can be offensive to God.
 Secondly, " what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul.  Knowledge is included in this as well.. We strive so hard to become top notch and educated in our field, but we in the process have left our first love..

I agree with "being all you can be", however ( speaking for myself ) I dont want to lose focus.

[tko05]

I LOVE IT!!!! Today's society is so much into getting what you want right now! People lose sight of the fact that dedication and hard...EXTREMELY hard work is the only way to actually achieve something.