Is taking a break from drumming a good idea?
Will you miss out on something?
Or even worse:
Will you destroy the progress you’ve made so far?
These are highly important questions I’m going to answer today.
After all, it’s a common belief that you need to
- practice,
- practice more
- and practice even more
to become a skilled drummer.
But how true is this common belief really?
Can you take a break from drumming and still become a superb drummer?
Taking A Break From Drumming = Almost Impossible
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When I was younger, I felt the need to practice as often and as long as possible.
Taking a day off from drumming?
Possible, but that almost kind of hurt.
Looking back now, I think I was a little too much into practicing the drums.
Don’t get me wrong:
It’s fantastic to work eagerly for your heart’s dreams and desires.
You have to put in the work.
Drumming success comes from taking thoughtful action.
At the same time, it’s crucial to keep the right balance.
If you lose life’s balance, you might suffer physically and/or mentally.
Let’s not ignore it:
When you’re really passionate about one particular thing, it’s easy to forget everything else around you.
This focus can be really powerful, but also harmful.
What do I mean by that?
Don’t Pull The Grass, It Won’t Grow Faster
I know that for some people, it almost sounds crazy:
Taking a break from drumming.
Why should you stop doing something you love, at least for a while?
Good question, agreed.
Let’s look at it from this perspective:
A break from drumming gives you space to think about your creative journey.
You can reflect on things you might otherwise not even notice.
Or simply ignore, because you need your time and energy for practicing.
Also, your mind and muscles have time to relax thanks to the break.
Playing the drums is no sport, but it’s still demanding physically and mentally.
And sure:
A good technique helps to play relaxed.
However, a good technique comes from practicing the right things.
And practicing a musical instrument is demanding.
There’s More To Life Than Drumming
Aside from these mental and physical benefits, a break is also good for your social life.
Yes, I mean it.
I’m definitely not an extroverted drummer.
Still, I solid relationships are something worth working on.
And I don’t mean business relationships or social media.
I’m also talking relationships with your beloved ones.
Yes, it’s sometimes hard to find the time for making music.
But in the end, your drum kit won’t hold your hand when you’re sick.
Trust me, I know this first hand:
In April 2022 I got ill.
Both of my YouTube channels and newsletters are still paused due to health issues.
How could this happen?
I didn’t take enough breaks.
This worked for years, until it all came crashing down.
So, my advice is clear:
Be Brave And Don’t Practice The Drums Anyway
Taking a break is something many drummers dislike.
After all, (practice) time is precious.
It won’t come back.
And yes, time is the most precious asset each of us can own.
Still, I advise taking a break from drumming if you feel like it.
It’s healthy.
When you’re
- mentally or/and physically exhausted,
- stressed-out or
- feel less joy drumming,
why not push the pause button?
Sounds like a good idea to me.
Taking A Break Of Drumming? Yeah!
Breaks won’t destroy your progress.
You won’t likely miss out something too important.
But Manu, why does everybody state the importance of a regular drum practice routine, then?
Good question!
Taking a break from drumming doesn’t mean you don’t practice regularly.
It’s a break.
No more, no less.
If you want to get back to practicing, you can do so anytime.
You might even want to adjust your practice routine for more efficiency and fun.
Remember:
A break gives you space and time to reflect.
There are more important things in life than drumming.
- Health,
- family
- and friends
for example.
I’ve learned it the hard way.
And I’m still learning.
If you feel like taking a break from drumming, my advice is:
Listen closely to what you need.
Maybe taking a break from drumming will be the next step on your musical journey.
Many professionals used to tell me:
When you’re a pro musician, there are no holidays or days off.
I really believed them.
And now, I’m here to say:
That’s bullshit.
Taking breaks is essential for us human beings.
And drummers are human, right?
At least I am.
And you?
