NAMM Foundation Grantee Shares Six Ways to Celebrate International Drum Month
Percussion Marketing Council (PMC), a NAMM Foundation grantee, welcomes the return of International Drum Month. This May, the organization is offering drummers the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from a percussion icon at PlayDrums.com.
Simply put, PMC says, "Drumming is good for you!" and International Drum Month in May encourages all to explore the joy that drumming brings to our lives. Drumming burns more calories than many forms of exercise, enhances happiness, lowers stress, and increases your pain threshold. Drumming produces endorphins, creating a “drummer’s high” that increases happiness. Drumming and sharing rhythms were integral to ancient societies, and we still respond to them in the same way.
PlayDrums.com wants to help get more people to experience the fun of playing drums. Here are six ways to celebrate International Drum Month:
- Take a lesson with a master – PlayDrums.com is offering a chance for six winners from across the country to receive a free one-hour personalized lesson with one of these nationally recognized artists: Walfredo Reyes, Jr (Chicago), Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper), Paul Leim (Peter Cetera, Neil Diamond, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Randy Travis), and Ashlyn Shanafelt (Bomb Atomic). In addition, the selected winners will get $200 to spend on more lessons or drum gear! Drummers can enter to win at www.playdrums.com/giveaway-entry.
2. Try a new practice routine – A practice routine is crucial for improving, but don’t be afraid to switch it up. Grab a practice pad and put in some time during lunch. Use time on a bus or train to study new material. Instead of watching television, get more practice time in. Try a new routine, preferably one that is more difficult than usual. Challenge yourself!
3. Give your drum kit a spa day – We’re not the only ones who need a little self-care! Take time to dust off your kit, tune up your drums, and maybe even look into replacing worn-out heads. Be careful with the products you use to clean your drums and cymbals. Check out the instrument-safe cleaning products from GibraltarHardware.com.
4. Watch the film Count Me In for some inspiration – The Netflix documentary film features interviews with some of rock’s greatest drummers, including Roger Taylor, Stewart Copeland, Taylor Hawkins, Nick Mason, Cindy Blackman Santana, and Chad Smith, as they come together in an inspiring rhythmic journey about the power of human connection. The drummers in Count Me In are from various backgrounds, highlighting the history of jazz and rock drumming and its most notable players.
5. Get involved in your local music community – Make a list of community bands and drum circles where you can bring your drums. Jamming with a group is especially fun; you might meet new friends. Check with your local music store, meetup.com, or on social media; ask your drumming peers; or do a quick Google search.
6. Revisit your drumming goals – This month is ideal for assessing your drum progress and ensuring you’re on track. If you have limited time for practice, it's better to put in a half-hour every day than to skip practice sessions for three or four days and make it up by sitting for four hours. Make a list of what you want to accomplish this year, and create a plan to get there!
Go ahead and bang on the drums all day. There are plenty of ways to celebrate International Drum Month and share the joy of drumming with friends and family. Follow PlayDrumsdotcom on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.