BB had some frustrating experiences at competitions as a young pianist, if I remember his biography correctly. And he had quite distinct things to say. And he was extremely talented. Not everyone is Bela Bartok! But Stephen is right: compare yourself to other is IF it encourages you and don't if it puts you down! It's all about motivation.
I think competitions in music are great in Ensembles. I grew up in a Drum Corps. It pushed my limits in a fun way while never loosing sight of the musically site
Stephen Taylor You have great TIME... The reason I make that comment is... Because my acronym for time is....and feel free to quote any of my writings... TIME....Teach Inspire Motivate Encourage. Young man you have a good heart, and you're very good at what you do. Chances are I've been playing drums before your father was born and still can't get close to where I'd like to be . However I'll continue to climb that mountain that has no peak. Thank you ...Authorjohntrainor @gmail .com If you feel it's appropriate please use another of my acronyms . If your students say they can't do this or that. Ask them to tag on the word YET. ....You'll Eventually Triumph. " I can't play a fast single stroke roll." ......YET.
Anytime is see someone that can play something I can’t, I tell my self “I can’t wait to get there. I can’t wait to get to that point” I look at it as that’s going to be my future once I’ve put in the practice.
Everyone has their own style. Embrace yours. Not everyone wants to be super fast. I myself want to be a great pocket drummer and one who writes catchy beats. It's all about feel. What feels and sounds good in the song.
Amen! I've been playing full time for 25 years and I finally got into the thinking that my own drumming is what I do best, not trying to be someone else, this is very applicable to many things in life.
I’m 60 and just took it up again after 42 years. I still have a few chops but I will never be “good” again. But you know, every time I sit and pick up the sticks, I am a rock star in my own little world. Screw social media, gave that up a year ago and haven’t looked back. Play for yourself not others.
Love this msg!!! I’m 47yo & it’s funny how bad I needed to hear THIS MSG!!! Wisdom doesn’t always come with age...obviously! More over this msg should be applied on EVERY level of life & the worlds pursuit of happiness! Its our individuality that makes Gods creations all that more beautiful! Thnx for the reminder & lets all rock on! LCL
In my teens and early twenties I thought I was such a talented, amazing, phenomenal drummer, I thought I was so good that I DESERVED everything on a golden, diamond encrusted platter! But It was just that I knew nothing about nothing, there was little internet and music in my life except mtv and the occasional mix tape cassette now and then - whatever albums I could get a hold of, few and far between; drum videos, dvds, books, they were either out of the question or such rarities to be close to myth. But, thank God, I slowly grew into realizing that I was nothing but a mediocre hack. I realized I had to learn everything from scratch, had very little talent if at all, had to get rid of a ton of bad habits (ongoing struggle), and grow to realize that it's work that does it and - along with it and tied together - being self critical, just keeping myself in constant reality check. And that's a hard one to do, because it's easy to be like - I know enough, I can play this and that style, that one style has nothing on me/ for me, that drummer is just technique and no feel, that other drummer's been doing it since he was 5, etc. all the usual suspects of trying to avoid cognitive dissonance, to feel ok with sucking. But it was actually comparing myself to all those great drummers that flipped that switch and also what keeps me in check on that narrow road to hopefully, (very slow) progress, it wasn't going easy on myself, it wasn't "everyone's got a different voice" it was, "I suck so, so incredibly bad, I need to fix it or give it up". There's nothing wrong with encouragement but I think most people (I sure know I am one of them) will settle for a lot less than what they could achieve because they get the notion that they're actually "there" holding themselves higher than they deserve. It's not that plateau thing - this is all I can do - but actual overestimation of their skill and ability. That's what kills development the most I think. So my point is - do feel bad about your playing, because if you feel too good about it you're holding yourself back. I'll never be a true pro, I'll probably never even be a decent amount of good, but I'll never think I'm there, no sir, of that I'm forever cured. There's lots of things where I just don't care if |'m wrong or overconfident, but with drums I'll never let myself feel that. I just gotta make it better or continue to attempt to because I really love drums and because there's so many great drummers to learn from and to feel bad in comparison to. Comparing yourself to talented, hardworking overachievers is good for drummers. The "I just have a different voice" devoid of self criticism I think is nothing but a grave, a full stop. There's no full stops in drumming, there's only trying to get better. And it's ok because it's not that consumerist societal thing - you need something newer, better, stronger that someone else can give it to you, it's actually something within, something worth the discomfort if you will. I mean, maybe that fish won't grow wings but he can sure be the best fish (in that over-connected ocean!) that he can be, and that's worth the struggle.
Comparisons is the way we qualify how things are the same. Contrast is recognizing how things are different. If everything was just the same, life would be dull. Creativity is achieved when we explore a new approach, that may contrast with what we think we know. Props to all those who work hard to improve themselves regularly.
You are correct...comparing and contrasting in the true sense of the words is doing just as you said. But when it comes to art, all too often those comparisons come with a value judgement, ranking one "better" than the other. That's where the problem comes in. So true what you said about creativity!
"Find your own voice" - this is the best musician's video I've ever seen. So many individuals have been held back by comparison rather than inspiration.This advice should be part of every music lesson.
Gal 6: 4 - “But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.” Words to live by in every pursuit in life. Thanks for your take on this, Stephen.
Oh man you hit home with me now 😅 I often feel so inadequate as a player and so unsure of myself. I’ll save this video as a reminder for myself that my voice matters too. Thank you Stephen 🙏🏼
Thank you Stephen for validating my teaching philosophies. This talk is almost the same as what I tell my students every year. It's always good to hear someone else thinks and feels the same way that you do. Keeps me from thinking that I'm the crazy one in the room. Always enjoy your talks. Thanks again and God bless.
MR. Taylor,first I want to thank you for your post.Second I was overwhelmed reading the response from so many fellow drummers. IM 63 Years old,got to play semi pro for 25 years.For the last 12 years I have been disabled. Major back and neck surgery. Had to go to rehabilitation for 6 months to learn how to walk again.Never thought I'd ever play again.By the grace of GOD I didn't. My left leg was in terrible shape,was left with A LOT of nerve damage.When I was able to walk again I got behind the drums and cried like a baby.I lost so much ability that I once possessed, it was gone.Every day I told myself I'm not going to give it up.My love for this instrument and what it meant to me,I was determined to give it my best.Today,I can play better in so many ways. I only last about 30 minutes at a time but what a wonderful joy it is. The moral of the story is Put your faith IN GOD ,PRACTICE FAITHFULLY AND DONT GIVE UP. When you see people who are better drummers than you,don't be intimidated!!!. YOU ONLY GET GOOD TWO WAYS,BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND ALOT OF HARD WORK.Be inspired when you hear or see someone who's really good.I tend to ramble on,,I'm just very passionate about this fine instrument we all cherish. Thanks again Stephen and the people who watch these videos. Sincerely David
Thanks so much David. And sorry you've had all of those problems. It's nice to know we're all in the same boat and go through the same mental battles ;^)
This is honestly really reassuring to watch. I’ve been feeling like total shit with my playing and I always doubt myself. I just seem to never be happy with how my sound comes out. Doesn’t change the fact that I love to play drums, I just want to be happy with the sound that I have and be more confident with it.
Man you are 1000% correct. I have been playing music for the last 30 years. I have been great, I have been horrible, but through time I am still me. I have made some really great music, I have made some really poor music, but through it all I made music. I have been frustrated that all I could get to come out was the opposite of what I wanted. But, I kept playing music. You have inspired me in the last few weeks to go for it and play, to not worry that I am not great today, but to keep playing and I will be the greatest me I can be.
Mr Taylor. G'day my friend. Yup, the Aussie accent is pretty damn awesome. I'm from Perth in Western Australia. Even I like my own accent. Anyways young fella, you are doing a bang up job with your online drum lessons. There's several reasons why I tune into your channel more than other drum stuff on here........these are the reasons. 1) you take a philosophical approach to your drumming. 2) you show us that you are human. 3) you admit to your weaknesses 4) you have a very Aussie sense of humour 5) you identify with the average, beginner and advanced player 6) you are a big fella but sometimes I have an urge to give you a big cuddle 7) you wear flannelette shirts better than anyone 8) you have a very meaningful speaking voice 9) you aren't pretentious
Being an Aussie thanks for the reference ha ha. This vid isn’t just for drummers. It’s an essential life skill, and you totally nail it. So easily. It’s exactly how it is. Thank you Steve. Simple and straight forward.
I greatly appreciate this post. I had a bad practice last night. In fact, my whole band sounded bad. Wrong notes, wrong tempo, etc. I have to remind myself that this is part of the process. Good days and bad days. I've been playing drums for nearly 25 years, and like any relationship (yes my drums and I have a close relationship), there's good and bad. It reminds me of the lyric in Kamasi Washington's "Rhythm Changes:" "Daylight seems bright because of night..." Thanks for all your work and inspiration, Stephen.
I find myself inadvertently doing this all the time. Comparing myself to those who I respect immensely - and it is really detrimental to my progress as I end up getting disheartened. I think it's really amazing when you realise that if you play semi-publicly, then there will be someone looking up to you and your playing. A couple of drummers local to me are always very complimentary to me and comment on the stuff I do, and every time I always have to remind them that they can do so much more than they think and this is all about our imagination and how we feel the songs etc. Wonderful video Stephen!
Great job on this topic! I have been playing drums forever as I am 54 years old. The thing I have learned over the years is that I can only be me. Growing up I played along with a lot of records, tapes, cd’s, radio, basically anything I could. Those guys are professionals, I am not. The best thing a new drummer can learn is tempo and groove. Stay in the pocket. As I say, learn to drive the bus! Everybody will get on and ride with you. All those crazy chops won’t help you as much as you think. Just be you, be the bus driver. Be the best dang bus driver you can!
Love this video! I just started drumming with a real set a couple weeks ago. I'm 33 and sometimes get discouraged when thinking about how others have had so many more years to practice than I have. Thank you so much for this video!
I’ve been drumming for 15 years and still have people tell me that people are better than me at every turn. As long as you believe in what you play and you love getting behind that kit day by day, then everything is gonna be alright. Keep rocking out, man 🤘🏼
Yes I agree 💯. When I started recording with some artists recently, and I had to come up with a drum track, this question of individual drum " voice" stared at me in the mirror. Thanks for the perspective Stephen, much appreciated as I start my new musical journey. 🍻🎶👍
When I started out it was long before TH-cam and Stephen Taylor! Not much access to good tuition and guidance,so I started buying the Modern Drummer mag and winged it. It almost killed my passion and self confidence..... I just could not cope with the Dave Weckles and Omar Hakims of this world. Became older and wiser..... Now I've come to realize that it's about finding your own groove, own voice and using that to say something by being creative with my God given talent. It is a great place to be. You are wasting your time comparing, but it is great to be able to communicate with 2 wooden sticks and a couple of round things that make a beautiful sound.... For me it became about being the best I could be by practicing, and then taking that to create a sound and a voice. Self expression is something we all need to develop. A truly liberating experience. Thank for your guidance given so freely, as always Stephen.
Thank you! Much needed as I have had some discouraging days when I find myself comparing - which then distracts from what I’ve actually accomplished and what I CAN do…. And WILL do with practice!
We should apply this to EVERYTHING in life... we are different, things are different, our perspectives are different, our purposes are different, are priorities are different... Great video!
This video is EXACTLY what I needed. So many times I tell myself I’m not good enough but this makes so much sense and I will not be so quick to criticize myself next time.
I appreciate natural aptitude/talent in any activity but I greatly respect those who work for it. I respect you for showing up every day and working on this craft that we love. I hope you can respect yourself for the work you're doing, the challenges & setbacks you're overcoming, the breakthroughs and the gradual improvements you're surely making. YOU ROCK!!! Also, personal development will happen as a consequence of working on being a better drummer & musician. This will serve you, your friends, family & community in ways that you can't imagine. There's scientific proof that learning to play any instrument greatly benefits our brains. Frank Briggs has been playing drums for 50 yrs. You probably never heard of him. At age 67, he said he's still working on developing as a drummer & musician. R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Thank you Stephen, I can feel the emotion you’re speaking. Thank you for this perspective! This is eye opening for myself and I know I’m going to use it! Mind over matter!! Let the music speak for itself through your voice. Much love from Texas AEA OAS AAS LLS Pyro
I'm so glad that I discovered your channel Stephen. I love your optimism in the drumming community and your passion to inspire others to do great things. You are such an inspiration to me man, don't stop being your amazing self!!
Hey Stephen, you always know the right time for you messages as I was in a state of bother about me not been a good drummer..... You are an inspiration to every drummer in every way you always make us realize that we r humans and it take good practise to b as good as we want to be..... That five hour practice you did also make me more discipline and patient as a drummer... Thank you for the advice you gave and to top it all off... This message .... A motivational message, keep it up man....God bless!!!! Greetings from Jamaica....
You're so positive and it encourages me. I've hardly touched the kit (for home playing purposes) in the last three years. I'm a drum teacher, I've been playing for 20 years and teaching for ten, but I've all but stopped trying to learn new things. What a crime! I've been learning new stuff this week, for a few hours, for the first time in a very long time. Keep up the good work, man!! :D
My spousal unit (who is a drummer) played this for me. I'm a professional singer and ukulele player and I am FOREVER thinking I'm not good enough. I will listen to this often.
Join the club lol. A book you may be interested in (from one professional to another) is Effortless Mastery by jazz pianist Kenny Werner. It will completely blow your playing and mindset open. Extremely insightful into this internal struggle we have as professional musicians.
Your right i understand now, it's best to be your self, & not someone else. because u can never be someone else. & alway's have Respect for other people's idea's.
It’s just a phase you have to go through and as you mature as a musician. You lean to embrace what you have to say behind the kit and respect what others do for the instrument.
Powerful. Deep. Personal. Greatly appreciated. I totally loved the intro too! Competition & comparison are a natural part of life. It can however have negative consequences if we're not confident about who we are and clear about where we are in our own development and path. If you want to be in a band, get a gig or be a session player, competition & comparison is going to happen. So I think this comes down to confidence in yourself and developing your own voice. Confidence in my opinion & experience comes from the struggle of learning and having breakthroughs in your drumming. Most of us have a lot of autonomy in our development as drummers or musicians. Especially, if we're not in a band or gigging. You could work on a song, sticking technique, a rudiment, a groove, a fill, your time, music theory, etc. Be you. Study, practice, learn, develop and don't forget to enjoy the awesome adventure of playing drums and being a musician.
Hey Stephen! Thanks for the video! What a great topic to talk about! I started drums at the age of 14. I played until 26. I am about to turn 28 and not touched a stick in 2 years. The main reason being is from the start I compared myself to any drummer I saw play, I have lost all my confidence with music in general and also in life. I now have Bipolar disorder and stress is a trigger for me. When I was drumming I was so so stressed, I had performance anxiety before any gig, So I stopped gigging, I tried to practice 8-12hrs a day and sometimes I would stay all night or for 2 nights trying to learn technique,grooves and drumming discipline to practice harder. I had a breakdown in 2011 and that for me was my drumming career over with. So to see this video makes me happy in way because this comparing thing is a serious problem for many so to see it highlighted here is great! I do feel a bit inspired by this video too! Cheers Stephen!
I am so glad you brought this up Stephen. To many beginner drummers get that mind set and just believe that there not good enough. I sure did this when I was a beginner and still do that now. Comparing is one of the worst habits that anyone can get, not just a drummer.
I ran into this video and all i can say is Thanks man!!! This was much needed I’ve been stuck in this crossroads of taking up more gigs and posting stuff in social media just never felt i could live up to these drummers postings. Much love, made a new fan. To all drummers out there keep grinding and support each other.
Nailed it Stephen! i feel if drummers focus on finding their own sound & creative style instead of copycatting ever drummer they see on the internet, it's much more inspiring and impressive to me.
This is one of the most inspiring videos I have watched in a long time. Thanks man! Musicians everywhere struggle so much with this. I know I have in the past for a long while. Oddly enough, it comes from the urge of people wanting to fit in: a survival instinct. Music and Art doesn't require people to fit it, it's the exact opposite. It's a chance to express who you are as an individual and appreciate and be inspired by others who are doing the same.
Preach! My “drummer of choice” who I try to mirror is this one freakishly talented drummer from Tennessee who played Bourbon Street as a kid and now teaches during the day while gigging in top Nashville clubs at night, in between raising his young family with a smile on his face and a Stoic’s wisdom in his heart. Of course, my “mirror” of him is like one of those fun-house mirrors, but (HEY!) NO COMPARISONS!
"Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today" Jordan B. Peterson....rule #4 from: 12 RULES FOR LIFE An Antidote to Chaos.
When i was 26 i had been playing for 10 years i went into a music store and saw a 10 year old just killing the kit he was so good i wanted to quit but i when i got on a kit and was playing a song with a lot of double bass he came over and asked me if i could teach him how i do that which was awesome and made me feel good!
Great video. Something I struggle with on a daily basis. Thanks for that message. Great motivation to practice and work harder. Thanks . Keep them coming !!
thanx Stephen for these words...it is easy to lost our individualities in tones of videos on yt and lost that great feeling to be proud as a drummer...
"Competitions are for horses, not artists."
-Bela Bartok
Leave a comment and let me know you stopped by!
BB had some frustrating experiences at competitions as a young pianist, if I remember his biography correctly. And he had quite distinct things to say. And he was extremely talented. Not everyone is Bela Bartok! But Stephen is right: compare yourself to other is IF it encourages you and don't if it puts you down! It's all about motivation.
Finally got to watch this video, realized the quote is by the guy who I'm doing a report on and Bartok has the same birthday as me.
I think competitions in music are great in Ensembles. I grew up in a Drum Corps. It pushed my limits in a fun way while never loosing sight of the musically site
Stephen Taylor thank you so much for this
Stephen Taylor You have great TIME... The reason I make that comment is... Because my acronym for time is....and feel free to quote any of my writings... TIME....Teach Inspire Motivate Encourage. Young man you have a good heart, and you're very good at what you do. Chances are I've been playing drums before your father was born and still can't get close to where I'd like to be . However I'll continue to climb that mountain that has no peak. Thank you ...Authorjohntrainor @gmail .com
If you feel it's appropriate please use another of my acronyms . If your students say they can't do this or that.
Ask them to tag on the word YET. ....You'll Eventually Triumph. " I can't play a fast single stroke roll." ......YET.
Anytime is see someone that can play something I can’t, I tell my self “I can’t wait to get there. I can’t wait to get to that point”
I look at it as that’s going to be my future once I’ve put in the practice.
Been looking for a reason to pick the sticks up again... I think I've found it.
Danny M. This made my week.
Everyone has their own style. Embrace yours. Not everyone wants to be super fast. I myself want to be a great pocket drummer and one who writes catchy beats. It's all about feel. What feels and sounds good in the song.
100%
This is me 100% simplistic is better sometimes especially in songs etc , time and place for soloing. Pocket is where it’s at
This is the way I put it.
Keep it simple if you need to but always be ready if you need to get technical.
Amen!
I've been playing full time for 25 years and I finally got into the thinking that my own drumming is what I do best, not trying to be someone else, this is very applicable to many things in life.
I’m 60 and just took it up again after 42 years. I still have a few chops but I will never be “good” again. But you know, every time I sit and pick up the sticks, I am a rock star in my own little world. Screw social media, gave that up a year ago and haven’t looked back. Play for yourself not others.
Love this msg!!! I’m 47yo & it’s funny how bad I needed to hear THIS MSG!!! Wisdom doesn’t always come with age...obviously! More over this msg should be applied on EVERY level of life & the worlds pursuit of happiness! Its our individuality that makes Gods creations all that more beautiful! Thnx for the reminder & lets all rock on! LCL
I'm 36...and I still need to hear it at times. It's a day to day journey...and getting the mindset right every day is crucial
Love music/drums, Love yourself, Love each other 💙
In my teens and early twenties I thought I was such a talented, amazing, phenomenal drummer, I thought I was so good that I DESERVED everything on a golden, diamond encrusted platter! But It was just that I knew nothing about nothing, there was little internet and music in my life except mtv and the occasional mix tape cassette now and then - whatever albums I could get a hold of, few and far between; drum videos, dvds, books, they were either out of the question or such rarities to be close to myth. But, thank God, I slowly grew into realizing that I was nothing but a mediocre hack. I realized I had to learn everything from scratch, had very little talent if at all, had to get rid of a ton of bad habits (ongoing struggle), and grow to realize that it's work that does it and - along with it and tied together - being self critical, just keeping myself in constant reality check.
And that's a hard one to do, because it's easy to be like - I know enough, I can play this and that style, that one style has nothing on me/ for me, that drummer is just technique and no feel, that other drummer's been doing it since he was 5, etc. all the usual suspects of trying to avoid cognitive dissonance, to feel ok with sucking.
But it was actually comparing myself to all those great drummers that flipped that switch and also what keeps me in check on that narrow road to hopefully, (very slow) progress, it wasn't going easy on myself, it wasn't "everyone's got a different voice" it was, "I suck so, so incredibly bad, I need to fix it or give it up".
There's nothing wrong with encouragement but I think most people (I sure know I am one of them) will settle for a lot less than what they could achieve because they get the notion that they're actually "there" holding themselves higher than they deserve. It's not that plateau thing - this is all I can do - but actual overestimation of their skill and ability. That's what kills development the most I think.
So my point is - do feel bad about your playing, because if you feel too good about it you're holding yourself back. I'll never be a true pro, I'll probably never even be a decent amount of good, but I'll never think I'm there, no sir, of that I'm forever cured. There's lots of things where I just don't care if |'m wrong or overconfident, but with drums I'll never let myself feel that. I just gotta make it better or continue to attempt to because I really love drums and because there's so many great drummers to learn from and to feel bad in comparison to. Comparing yourself to talented, hardworking overachievers is good for drummers.
The "I just have a different voice" devoid of self criticism I think is nothing but a grave, a full stop. There's no full stops in drumming, there's only trying to get better. And it's ok because it's not that consumerist societal thing - you need something newer, better, stronger that someone else can give it to you, it's actually something within, something worth the discomfort if you will. I mean, maybe that fish won't grow wings but he can sure be the best fish (in that over-connected ocean!) that he can be, and that's worth the struggle.
Well said Stephen. These perspectives aren’t talked about enough.
100% agree Don't get discouraged rather get inspired!!
Thanks bro. I want to cry..
Comparisons is the way we qualify how things are the same. Contrast is recognizing how things are different. If everything was just the same, life would be dull. Creativity is achieved when we explore a new approach, that may contrast with what we think we know. Props to all those who work hard to improve themselves regularly.
You are correct...comparing and contrasting in the true sense of the words is doing just as you said. But when it comes to art, all too often those comparisons come with a value judgement, ranking one "better" than the other. That's where the problem comes in. So true what you said about creativity!
Thanks for the reminder to stay focused and be the best that I can be. It's so easy to forget that sometimes!
"Find your own voice" - this is the best musician's video I've ever seen. So many individuals have been held back by comparison rather than inspiration.This advice should be part of every music lesson.
Mark Alcock It’s so important to learn. The mental battle is where the war is won.
Gal 6: 4 - “But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.” Words to live by in every pursuit in life. Thanks for your take on this, Stephen.
classixdrummer You bet my friend...great verse
Wow I was exactly thinking about this verse but I didn't know were it was thanks man, God bless you
Oh man you hit home with me now 😅 I often feel so inadequate as a player and so unsure of myself. I’ll save this video as a reminder for myself that my voice matters too. Thank you Stephen 🙏🏼
Wise words and worth hearing over and over. Thank you.
Glad they hit the right spot Jordan
Thank you Stephen for validating my teaching philosophies. This talk is almost the same as what I tell my students every year.
It's always good to hear someone else thinks and feels the same way that you do. Keeps me from thinking that I'm the crazy one in the room.
Always enjoy your talks. Thanks again and God bless.
I follow and watch lots of drummers on TH-cam but Stephen is so much more. A true teacher, coach and supporter. Kudos!!!
Thanks so much
Stephen Taylor anytime. Cheers!!
MR. Taylor,first I want to thank you for your post.Second I was overwhelmed reading the response from so many fellow drummers. IM 63 Years old,got to play semi pro for 25 years.For the last 12 years I have been disabled. Major back and neck surgery. Had to go to rehabilitation for 6 months to learn how to walk again.Never thought I'd ever play again.By the grace of GOD I didn't. My left leg was in terrible shape,was left with A LOT of nerve damage.When I was able to walk again I got behind the drums and cried like a baby.I lost so much ability that I once possessed, it was gone.Every day I told myself I'm not going to give it up.My love for this instrument and what it meant to me,I was determined to give it my best.Today,I can play better in so many ways. I only last about 30 minutes at a time but what a wonderful joy it is. The moral of the story is Put your faith IN GOD ,PRACTICE FAITHFULLY AND DONT GIVE UP. When you see people who are better drummers than you,don't be intimidated!!!. YOU ONLY GET GOOD TWO WAYS,BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND ALOT OF HARD WORK.Be inspired when you hear or see someone who's really good.I tend to ramble on,,I'm just very passionate about this fine instrument we all cherish. Thanks again Stephen and the people who watch these videos. Sincerely David
Thanks so much David. And sorry you've had all of those problems. It's nice to know we're all in the same boat and go through the same mental battles ;^)
This is honestly really reassuring to watch. I’ve been feeling like total shit with my playing and I always doubt myself. I just seem to never be happy with how my sound comes out. Doesn’t change the fact that I love to play drums, I just want to be happy with the sound that I have and be more confident with it.
it's not even about drumming, it's about life. thanks, Stephen!
You bet!
Man you are 1000% correct. I have been playing music for the last 30 years. I have been great, I have been horrible, but through time I am still me. I have made some really great music, I have made some really poor music, but through it all I made music. I have been frustrated that all I could get to come out was the opposite of what I wanted. But, I kept playing music. You have inspired me in the last few weeks to go for it and play, to not worry that I am not great today, but to keep playing and I will be the greatest me I can be.
AMEN Brother!!
Your best video yet. Thanks for the insight.
Sure thing Alyssa...and thanks
You've made a ton of drummers lives easier with those words including mine, thanks.
Mr Taylor. G'day my friend. Yup, the Aussie accent is pretty damn awesome. I'm from Perth in Western Australia. Even I like my own accent. Anyways young fella, you are doing a bang up job with your online drum lessons. There's several reasons why I tune into your channel more than other drum stuff on here........these are the reasons.
1) you take a philosophical approach to your drumming.
2) you show us that you are human.
3) you admit to your weaknesses
4) you have a very Aussie sense of humour
5) you identify with the average, beginner and advanced player
6) you are a big fella but sometimes I have an urge to give you a big cuddle
7) you wear flannelette shirts better than anyone
8) you have a very meaningful speaking voice
9) you aren't pretentious
Been playing for forty years now, this is a great message. Play if you love to play.
There is a fine line between imitation and comparison, you said it all..
And you're right, only compare yourself to yourself
This is for all musicians. I'm a guitar player and I have the same mentality. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for the words Stephen! 💯
Being an Aussie thanks for the reference ha ha. This vid isn’t just for drummers. It’s an essential life skill, and you totally nail it. So easily. It’s exactly how it is. Thank you Steve. Simple and straight forward.
I greatly appreciate this post. I had a bad practice last night. In fact, my whole band sounded bad. Wrong notes, wrong tempo, etc. I have to remind myself that this is part of the process. Good days and bad days. I've been playing drums for nearly 25 years, and like any relationship (yes my drums and I have a close relationship), there's good and bad. It reminds me of the lyric in Kamasi Washington's "Rhythm Changes:" "Daylight seems bright because of night..." Thanks for all your work and inspiration, Stephen.
Glad it hit you at the right time...and you're right. The only way we can know the good days is by having the bad days.
Failure is the only certainly on the path to success.
Man! My friend told me that he got stoped by a wall, i am going to send him this vid to motivate him! Thank you!!
I find myself inadvertently doing this all the time. Comparing myself to those who I respect immensely - and it is really detrimental to my progress as I end up getting disheartened.
I think it's really amazing when you realise that if you play semi-publicly, then there will be someone looking up to you and your playing. A couple of drummers local to me are always very complimentary to me and comment on the stuff I do, and every time I always have to remind them that they can do so much more than they think and this is all about our imagination and how we feel the songs etc.
Wonderful video Stephen!
Great job on this topic! I have been playing drums forever as I am 54 years old. The thing I have learned over the years is that I can only be me. Growing up I played along with a lot of records, tapes, cd’s, radio, basically anything I could. Those guys are professionals, I am not. The best thing a new drummer can learn is tempo and groove. Stay in the pocket. As I say, learn to drive the bus! Everybody will get on and ride with you. All those crazy chops won’t help you as much as you think. Just be you, be the bus driver. Be the best dang bus driver you can!
So true...once we accept that we can only be ourselves on the instrument, things really start happening.
Love this video! I just started drumming with a real set a couple weeks ago. I'm 33 and sometimes get discouraged when thinking about how others have had so many more years to practice than I have. Thank you so much for this video!
I’ve been drumming for 15 years and still have people tell me that people are better than me at every turn. As long as you believe in what you play and you love getting behind that kit day by day, then everything is gonna be alright. Keep rocking out, man 🤘🏼
You are wise beyond your years. I can't swing very well but now I'm fine with that. Thank you, Stephen.
Jason Schultz You bet Jason...and thank you
This is honestly something I needed to hear right now. Thank you very much for posting this. And that I think is needed in this world as well
So glad it hit you where you needed it to
You just knocked it out of the park! Lots of young people really need that message.
dragocat1 Thanks!
I am so guilty of this. Constantly comparing myself to others and thinking why can’t I sound like that. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Yes I agree 💯. When I started recording with some artists recently, and I had to come up with a drum track, this question of individual drum " voice" stared at me in the mirror. Thanks for the perspective Stephen, much appreciated as I start my new musical journey. 🍻🎶👍
Thanks for the content man. I appreciate you talking about physical and mental aspects of drumming. Keep it a coming!
Thanks so much Stephen. I've fallen into that trap so many times. It's refreshing to hear someone say STOP.... Peace,my friend
Stephen Fournier You bet Stephen
I appreciate the insights here Steve! This is a lesson many of us know but need to hear from time to time.
When I started out it was long before TH-cam and Stephen Taylor!
Not much access to good tuition and guidance,so I started buying the Modern Drummer mag and winged it. It almost killed my passion and self confidence.....
I just could not cope with the Dave Weckles and Omar Hakims of this world. Became older and wiser.....
Now I've come to realize that it's about finding your own groove, own voice and using that to say something by being creative with my God given talent. It is a great place to be. You are wasting your time comparing, but it is great to be able to communicate with 2 wooden sticks and a couple of round things that make a beautiful sound....
For me it became about being the best I could be by practicing, and then taking that to create a sound and a voice. Self expression is something we all need to develop.
A truly liberating experience.
Thank for your guidance given so freely, as always Stephen.
Thank you! Much needed as I have had some discouraging days when I find myself comparing - which then distracts from what I’ve actually accomplished and what I CAN do…. And WILL do with practice!
We should apply this to EVERYTHING in life... we are different, things are different, our perspectives are different, our purposes are different, are priorities are different... Great video!
Eduardo Colon Thanks Eduardo
This video is EXACTLY what I needed. So many times I tell myself I’m not good enough but this makes so much sense and I will not be so quick to criticize myself next time.
Glad it hit you where you needed it to Troy
I appreciate natural aptitude/talent in any activity but I greatly respect those who work for it. I respect you for showing up every day and working on this craft that we love. I hope you can respect yourself for the work you're doing, the challenges & setbacks you're overcoming, the breakthroughs and the gradual improvements you're surely making. YOU ROCK!!!
Also, personal development will happen as a consequence of working on being a better drummer & musician. This will serve you, your friends, family & community in ways that you can't imagine. There's scientific proof that learning to play any instrument greatly benefits our brains.
Frank Briggs has been playing drums for 50 yrs. You probably never heard of him. At age 67, he said he's still working on developing as a drummer & musician. R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Thank you Stephen,
I can feel the emotion you’re speaking. Thank you for this perspective! This is eye opening for myself and I know I’m going to use it! Mind over matter!!
Let the music speak for itself through your voice.
Much love from Texas
AEA
OAS AAS LLS
Pyro
I'm so glad that I discovered your channel Stephen. I love your optimism in the drumming community and your passion to inspire others to do great things. You are such an inspiration to me man, don't stop being your amazing self!!
Thanks Jamie!
Hey Stephen, you always know the right time for you messages as I was in a state of bother about me not been a good drummer..... You are an inspiration to every drummer in every way you always make us realize that we r humans and it take good practise to b as good as we want to be..... That five hour practice you did also make me more discipline and patient as a drummer... Thank you for the advice you gave and to top it all off... This message .... A motivational message, keep it up man....God bless!!!! Greetings from Jamaica....
Rohan Nelson Glad it hit you when you needed it Rohan!
No truer words said. I actually feel better for watching this, thank you!
Bill Mac You bet Bill
You're so positive and it encourages me. I've hardly touched the kit (for home playing purposes) in the last three years. I'm a drum teacher, I've been playing for 20 years and teaching for ten, but I've all but stopped trying to learn new things. What a crime! I've been learning new stuff this week, for a few hours, for the first time in a very long time. Keep up the good work, man!! :D
This is one of the best and most inspiring videos on TH-cam! Thank you for reminding us of the true meaning of being musician
Well said..
Thank you so much Mr. Stephen!
That’s a good word, Stephen! Thank you!
Amen!
Thanks teacher, that get in to my heart.
My spousal unit (who is a drummer) played this for me. I'm a professional singer and ukulele player and I am FOREVER thinking I'm not good enough. I will listen to this often.
Join the club lol. A book you may be interested in (from one professional to another) is Effortless Mastery by jazz pianist Kenny Werner. It will completely blow your playing and mindset open. Extremely insightful into this internal struggle we have as professional musicians.
It’s the most positive message i've heard at all the videos on youtube..you encouraged me and i will keep these in my mind, thank you very much !!!
Just brilliant. Wish more musicians could hear this. My favorite online drum teacher!!
James OKeefe Humbled...thanks so much James
Your right i understand now, it's best to be your self, & not someone else. because u can never be someone else. & alway's have Respect for other people's idea's.
Thanks for this, Stephen! Very encouraging, and applicable to many facets of life.
Beautifully said.
It’s just a phase you have to go through and as you mature as a musician. You lean to embrace what you have to say behind the kit and respect what others do for the instrument.
Straight to my heart, man. Thank you. You are very inspirational. Cheers
Powerful. Deep. Personal. Greatly appreciated. I totally loved the intro too! Competition & comparison are a natural part of life. It can however have negative consequences if we're not confident about who we are and clear about where we are in our own development and path.
If you want to be in a band, get a gig or be a session player, competition & comparison is going to happen.
So I think this comes down to confidence in yourself and developing your own voice. Confidence in my opinion & experience comes from the struggle of learning and having breakthroughs in your drumming.
Most of us have a lot of autonomy in our development as drummers or musicians. Especially, if we're not in a band or gigging. You could work on a song, sticking technique, a rudiment, a groove, a fill, your time, music theory, etc.
Be you. Study, practice, learn, develop and don't forget to enjoy the awesome adventure of playing drums and being a musician.
Hey Stephen! Thanks for the video! What a great topic to talk about! I started drums at the age of 14. I played until 26. I am about to turn 28 and not touched a stick in 2 years. The main reason being is from the start I compared myself to any drummer I saw play, I have lost all my confidence with music in general and also in life. I now have Bipolar disorder and stress is a trigger for me. When I was drumming I was so so stressed, I had performance anxiety before any gig, So I stopped gigging, I tried to practice 8-12hrs a day and sometimes I would stay all night or for 2 nights trying to learn technique,grooves and drumming discipline to practice harder. I had a breakdown in 2011 and that for me was my drumming career over with. So to see this video makes me happy in way because this comparing thing is a serious problem for many so to see it highlighted here is great! I do feel a bit inspired by this video too! Cheers Stephen!
Bless you Stephen Taylor, brilliant rant
I am so glad you brought this up Stephen. To many beginner drummers get that mind set and just believe that there not good enough. I sure did this when I was a beginner and still do that now. Comparing is one of the worst habits that anyone can get, not just a drummer.
William Knight Yea, winning that mental game is so crucial
Thank you Stephen! I deal with these negative thoughts daily but having this on repeat helps me so much!
I ran into this video and all i can say is Thanks man!!! This was much needed I’ve been stuck in this crossroads of taking up more gigs and posting stuff in social media just never felt i could live up to these drummers postings. Much love, made a new fan. To all drummers out there keep grinding and support each other.
You bet Marco...glad it hit you at the right time!
I agree in every word that you said!
I'm practice for a better version of my self (always humble)
greetings from Guatemala
Hi Stephen, I really needed this. Thank you for inspiring me and so many others. God bless you.
Nailed it Stephen! i feel if drummers focus on finding their own sound & creative style instead of copycatting ever drummer they see on the internet, it's much more inspiring and impressive to me.
This is one of the most inspiring videos I have watched in a long time. Thanks man!
Musicians everywhere struggle so much with this. I know I have in the past for a long while. Oddly enough, it comes from the urge of people wanting to fit in: a survival instinct. Music and Art doesn't require people to fit it, it's the exact opposite. It's a chance to express who you are as an individual and appreciate and be inspired by others who are doing the same.
You bet Joe...and you're absolutely right, musicians everywhere struggle with this
Thanks for the words of wisdom. God bless you.
You bet Eliel...God bless you as well!
This is so true.
Thanks Stephen...!
Amen
Preach!
My “drummer of choice” who I try to mirror is this one freakishly talented drummer from Tennessee who played Bourbon Street as a kid and now teaches during the day while gigging in top Nashville clubs at night, in between raising his young family with a smile on his face and a Stoic’s wisdom in his heart.
Of course, my “mirror” of him is like one of those fun-house mirrors, but (HEY!) NO COMPARISONS!
That's humbling Stephen...thanks so much
"Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today"
Jordan B. Peterson....rule #4 from: 12 RULES FOR LIFE An Antidote to Chaos.
Thanks for posting this. We need more videos like this to remind us that "to compare is never fair."
This is hell inspirational man. Wise words.
Well said. I've learned to not compare myself through the years. Now and again I can't help myself, but the message is sound. Cheers!
Thank for this man 🥺
Thank you! Great message.
Thanks for the wise words. Very helpful for drummers everywhere.
You bet
Best drum lesson ever.
When i was 26 i had been playing for 10 years i went into a music store and saw a 10 year old just killing the kit he was so good i wanted to quit but i when i got on a kit and was playing a song with a lot of double bass he came over and asked me if i could teach him how i do that which was awesome and made me feel good!
davedalessandro8189 Dalessandro funny how we all think the same way
Stephen Taylor amen to that brother lol!
Very powerful words!
Great video. Something I struggle with on a daily basis. Thanks for that message. Great motivation to practice and work harder. Thanks . Keep them coming !!
thanx Stephen for these words...it is easy to lost our individualities in tones of videos on yt and lost that great feeling to be proud as a drummer...
You bet Bruno
Drives me straight to the practice pad!
I've been an fan of your drum shed for years now. You're an inspiration Stephen. Thank you for this video.
Thanks so much Steve...that means a lot