Drumming and Relaxation

Relaxation and Endurance

Relaxation while drumming is much like the relaxation utilized by Olympic sprinters. A sprinter must relax and allow the body to move freely once he/she reaches top speed. If the sprinter tries to "push harder" once at top speed, the result will be that that the body tightens up due to lactic acid build up in the muscles which are needed to continue running.This is very much like drumming. Relaxation allows you to maintain your pace without "tightening up”.

If we can stay relaxed while performing we increase blood flow and oxygenation into the muscles. This enables us to play with more control for a longer period of time.

What do I mean when I say "relaxation"? To relax while drumming means:

1) Breath easily and fully through a slightly open mouth.

2) Resist the urge to "try harder" by playing faster or hitting harder. Allow the sticks to rebound and resist "playing through" the drum.

3) Pace yourself and not using all of your energy on a single song, passage or solo.

4) Listen to the other performers and feel the rhythm...this keeps your mind from interfering with the complex process of drumming.