Holy crap!
There’s this undeniable fear of drumming failure taking over your body and mind.
Can you feel it?
Maybe you’re going to jam with others for the first time.
Or there’s something totally different scaring the shit out of you.
You might feel paralyzed.
Like, you simply just can’t do it.
And yet, I need to scream it from the top of my lungs:
Do it anyway!
After all, the best way to overcome your fear of drumming failure is right through it.
Unsurprisingly, I’m writing from personal experiences.
The Last Time I Experienced Fear Of Drumming Failure
Table Of Contents
Just a few days ago, I joined a jam session.
Nothing huge, literally just a few walking minutes away from where I live.
May I be honest with you?
Even with more than 15 years of drumming experience under my belt, I still feel insecure in situations like this from time to time.
It’s not when I play, actually, but before the action.
Obviously, my mind likes to come up with crazy scenarios …
So, being afraid of sucking at playing the drums definitely is nothing new to me.
It feels like a part of what I’m doing, at least sometimes.
And that’s why I can tell you first-hand:
Fear of drumming failure is totally fine.
It sucks, yes.
But it’s nothing to be
- ashamed of or
- feel bad for.
Instead, this fear is something you could grow from.
And the best way to do so (according to my own experiences) is to do it anyway.
Yes:
The Thought Of Failure Can Be Terrifying
But what’s the alternative to it?
Not doing what you love to do (again).
And sure, I know:
There’s always the chance of screwing up.
But how bad is screwing up, really?
People could think you’re a “bad drummer“.
Yeah.
So what?
People could think you’re a “bad drummer” anyway.
Let me be clear on that:
Other people’s opinions are none of your business.
Each person has the right to think what he or she wants.
This might sound harsh.
But still, it’s a fact.
Isn’t it?
You simply can’t control what other people think of you as a drummer.
Nobody can.
Thankfully!
So, please, don’t make the mistake of taking the opinions of others – or yourself – too serious.
In fact, people think less of you thank you might expect.
Whenever I feel intimidated, it helps me to keep this in mind:
It’s not my duty to impress anyone.
My duty as a drummer is to play the music.
If somebody likes it:
I’m glad they do.
And if somebody doesn’t like what I’m playing:
That’s fine as well.
After all, I can’t change it.
Remember:
Nobody Is Able To Meet Everybody’s Expectations
Not even the best drummers out there.
Feel free to ask them.
I’m 100 % sure they tell you the same.
Fear of drumming failure might feel real.
But it’s not the real deal.
It’s just what you make out of it:
- A challenge you can grow on.
- Or an obstacle keeping you away from doing what you love.
The choice is yours.
Even if it scares the shit out of you.
Love,
Manu
