Here are some things I realized through my experience:
1.You don't need amazing technique to be creative, but a strong technical base (rudiments etc.) will expand your possibilities for personal expression.
2.Be open minded to all types of music and keep your ears open.
There are no rules about how you should or shouldn't sound, play, set up your kit or improvise.
3.There are unlimited possibilities: masters of the instrument (V. Colaiuta, T. Williams, Roy Haynes, Jack Dejonette) prove this fact.
Play what YOU think fits the music, yet be willing to accept and apply suggestions.
4.Play YOUR style, and spend time developing your style.
Think of EVERY SOUND as music and see if you can emulate sounds you like on the kit.
5.Become close to your drumkit - think of it as a friend- take time to tune, clean and enjoy it.
6.Play your drums, don't beat them (unless that's the vibe you want your audience to get).
7.Play in the moment. and in da pocket
8.Never practice repitition, always practice perfection
9.Music is feeling, Feeling is music.
No feeling, No music.Enjoy the feeling, Enjoy the music.
Not enjoy music with feeling, No MUSIC!!
** Try to get your feeling with your body movement. Feel it in every phrases with a deep breath also.
Feel the DRUMMIN'!!
YYYYYEEEAAAAA!!!
