Drum Circle

Ever pondered on playing an instrument like the djembe or a guitar, but thought it was not worth your time? Think again! Music is beneficial to everybody. There are thousands of reasons to convince yourself that playing an instrument is worth every minute.

Several studies show that playing music helps develop the cognitive skills of children and adolescents. It also instills self-discipline, builds confidence, increases productivity and socially connects kids and teens with their peers. Music also relaxes the soul and uplifts the spirit; thus, reducing the stress level on the body.

Here are 10 benefits of playing a musical instrument:

1. Better intellectual capacity

Researchers say that children, who play an instrument or those who are exposed to music, perform better in school. Simple tunes and classical music help students concentrate, focus their minds on the activity and retain more information. Studies also show that exposing the children to music positively affects their IQ, reading age, and the development of certain parts of the brain. An adult mind stays active, alert and has better memory when they play an instrument.

2. Discipline and patience

Learning to play an instrument is like learning to speak another language. You need to practice every day and have the discipline to master playing your instrument. Music also lengthens the attention span of its player.

3. Relieves stress

Playing an instrument relaxes the body and calms the mind. Creating music can soothe the mind, calm tempers and even lower blood pressure. Music also helps in creative problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication.

4. Sense of achievement

Music helps build confidence and give a sense of achievement. It can be frustrating for a beginner to play their first piece. But once you have mastered it, the satisfaction you will feel is priceless. Hard work pays off in music when you dedicate yourself studying music.

5. Communicate your emotions

If you are looking for an outlet for your emotions, play a djembe rather than punch a punching bag. If you feel sad and lonely, play something slow. If you are happy and elated, play something loud and joyful.

Music also helps adolescents control their emotions and cope with difficult and complicated situations, such as peer pressure, pressures of study and family, substance abuse, the pain of loss or abuse, and the dynamics of friendships and social life.

7. Emanate your personal style

Have you ever tried playing rock “n” roll on a flute? Music gives the freedom to be your own self, be different, somebody you thought you could never be.

8. Teamwork

Musicians play with other musicians who make each other feel belongingness. They combine their talents to show off their musical abilities and make music they cannot play on their own. They share ideas and values to work together on sound, tempo and style.

9. Physical Workout

Music is also good for the body. It can strengthen your facial muscles, arms, fingers and hands, even your legs. Breathing on wind instruments can also improve your endurance.

10. Bragging Rights

Music is in. People cannot look down at you when you can play an instrument.

11. Fun!

Though it takes a lot of hard work, music is fun. It is the key to life. It can open up a lot of good possibilities that will definitely enrich your life. You will be able to share your skill with your family and friends. You can also play professionally

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When you play your drum, be it djembe, congas or a kit, how tempting is it to slouch over? Resist the urge! Proper posture is the first step to playing with the professionals.

After the news of Phil Collins' retirement from drumming as a consequence of back surgery to repair dislocated vertebrae injured due to poor posture while playing on the last Genesis tour, drummers are looking for ways to prevent similar damage to their spines. After all, if Collins had kept posture in mind, he might be playing for another fifty years!

Though beginners should learn to practice good posture from the beginning, it's as important to learn for a veteran.

Darcy Macrae, drummer for the National Tour of the Broadway Musical "Wicked," stated that "As far as posture at the drums is concerned, it's important to sit in a comfortable position with your thighs parallel to the floor, back straight up, and arms as relaxed as possible." Keeping your body straight will prevent any stress from accumulating on your back. Try sitting upright the next time you play a show, and notice how different you feel.

In terms of better playing, practicing better posture can make it easier to play the lower drums when your legs are kept at 45 degree angles, which allow you to move your heels up and down on the pedals. One of the most important aspects of being able to move your legs as needed is choosing the right drum throne. Buy whatever throne is the best quality in your price range. Macrae suggests the Roc N Soc saddle throne, claiming that it provides "great support all around."

In addition to buying the right drum throne, you need to make sure you have your seat at the right height. The height varies for each drummer depending on their own height and the build of the throne. You need enough space to be able to move your knees up and down; so be sure that your thighs slope downward towards the floor, making it easier to kick the bass drum.

As with practicing any instrument, it's imperative to remain relaxed. Keeping your breathing even helps keep your body relaxed, preventing tension from impeding your practicing. Be sure that no matter how comfortable you get, you don't sacrifice your hand grip technique, as too much relaxation in this respect can create a serious problem in your playing. Yoga is a great exercise that can combine physical exertion with relaxation, leading to the importance of staying in shape.

Drummers who keep their physical health in mind tend to me better drummers, because they have better control, can stretch farther, and play longer. Remember how physically trying drumming can be - staying in shape is integral to your success.

Whether you're doing a quick practice or you're planning on playing for hours, performing with better drum posture is a quote to playing better and longer than ever before. The professionals are working on their posture - shouldn't you be thinking about your posture too?

Share your tips for drum performance techniques below!

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