PM Experiment

It’s Rudimentary

Learning to hit the skins

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Okay, I’ll admit it. Maybe I’m a bit obsessed with live music. Conservatively guesstimating, I’ve seen 50 some-odd bands perform thus far in 2012, the highlight of which was a solo set by Dallas Green, aka City and Colour, back in July at the Newport Folk Festival.

Also, I may or may not be a compulsive steering wheel drummer. Sigh. I can be spotted all over New England, cruising down the highway and thrashing away as if I were on stage at the Knitting Factory. My favorite song to rock out to is “The Widow” by The Mars Volta, second only to “Trash Can” by Delta Spirit.

It seemed only natural, then, for me to combine my love of live music and steering wheel drumming; I decided to sign myself up for a drum lesson. I mean, it wasn’t as if I was getting any younger.

I met my instructor, Greg Varatta, at The Music Complex in Pawtucket. Greg, who plays in The Rock, has been drumming for 34 years and teaching for 27. I took one look at his calloused fingers and knew I’d be in good hands. He led me down a hall and into a soundproof room that was equipped with two drum kits, set up side-by-side. We sat.

“Show me how you hold the sticks,” he said. My natural instinct was to grip them, thumbs up. Apparently, my instinct is sorely lacking. (I should’ve known that based on my dating history alone.) Greg taught me that the tops of my hands should always face the ceiling, thumbs pointing in. Huh. I learned to use my “fulcrum,” the point between my thumb and forefinger on which the drumstick pivots. “It’s important to learn proper grip,” he said, and so I clumsily attempted to get it right.

I learned the names of each drum in my kit from the hi-hat to the ride, and watched as Greg drew tiny X’s and O’s in my five-line manuscript notebook; reading drum music was worlds apart from the music I read while studying flute and clarinet. He promised that before long I’d be cruising through the rudiments and knocking out drum fills like a pro.

People have asked if I aspire to be in a band one day. The short answer is no. I just want to be able to jam with my musical friends who often come to the house. I’d also love to teach my future children to play one day and maybe even “impress” them a little. Oh yeah, kids – your mama has still got it! I can picture their eyes rolling already. I think I may also take up the accordion for good measure.

music complex ri, drum lessons, pawtucket, providence monthly

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