David Thornton - Sacred Drumming

Going along with my perspective on drumming, I must write about my thoughts regarding modern drummers I interact with currently and throughout my past as a drummer. Drumming in our modern culture has become a sort of prideful creative expression in which people can gain recognition for their rhythmic talents. Many drummers I talk to simply drum because of the cultural significance in playing an instrument. Along with that idea, drummers who do have significant talent and style are popularized and highly respected in the world of percussion. People celebritize talented and stylistic drummers and try to emulate in them in their rhythmic pursuits. I think is much less beneficial than people realize. We must first establish that other drummers who are talented present a great example and learning opportunity in displaying a certain level of learnedness in the realm of drumming. The problem lies in distinguishing between the pursuit of popular drummer’s talent and their style. Style is something that only an individual drummer can develop and if one pursues the emulation of another’s stylistic drumming, they are misguiding themselves. It is certainly ok for drummers with great talent and style to be recognized for their abilities and contributions to the drumming world, but it is not possible for people to truly copy another’s drumming style. Perspective and understanding of other drummer’s abilities can only be positively influential in the development of one’s own personal style, and that must be clearly understood in order for the modern drummer to progress in his abilities.