Jim Richman wrote:The problem is that many people learn technique and do not have anything in their head to say, so they play 3 zillion notes to make up for it. I have heard many drummers with minimal technique who sound great, and many with chops galore who sound like shit.
Playing music is the best way to get better at playing drums. Have a problem with something, play it slow, then speed up.
Then I would implore you to understand, if a player quote "sounds like shit" - then they do NOT have chops.
I agree that far to many players focus on ONLY the technique aspects of playing and ignore the musical aspects. I always encourage my students to spend as much, or more time playing musically as they do practicing exercises, technique, etc
I think "free play" is an important part of cultivating ideas and learning to let them flow, particularly against vamps, play alongs, etc so you can develop a vocabulary that is allows your voice to be creative on the kit.