How Important Is Reading Music?

Learning how to read music is an important skill for any musician, including drummers. Reading music notation and charts allows drummers to better communicate with other musicians and understand the musical context in which they are playing. In this article, we will explore the importance of drummers learning to read at least drum notation and charts, as well as the benefits of learning how to read music in general.

The Importance of Learning to Read Drum Notation and Charts

Drum notation and charts are important tools for drummers to communicate with other musicians and understand the musical context in which they are playing. For example, if a drummer is playing in a band or orchestra, they need to be able to read music notation and charts to understand the structure of the song, know when to come in and stop playing, and how to play the rhythm correctly.

In addition, learning to read drum notation and charts can open up new opportunities for drummers. Many musicians, especially in the classical and jazz genres, require their drummers to be able to read music notation and charts. If a drummer is not able to read music, they may miss out on these opportunities.

Reading music notation and charts can also improve a drummer's overall musicianship. By learning to read music, drummers can better understand the rhythmic and melodic structure of music, which can help them play more accurately and expressively.

Should You Learn to Read Pitched Music?

In addition to drum notation and charts, it is a great thing for drummers to learn how to read pitched music, especially if they are interested in playing keyboard percussion such as marimba, vibraphone, or malletkat. In a theatre show or orchestra, a percussionist will be required to play a wide variety of instruments, some of which will be pitched. By learning to read pitched music, percussionists can better understand the notes and rhythms they need to play on these instruments.

Learning to read pitched music can also improve a percussionist's overall musicianship. By understanding how melody and harmony work, percussionists can better understand how their part fits into the overall musical texture. This can help them play more musically and make better musical decisions.

Benefits of Learning to Read Drum Music

There are many benefits to learning how to read drum music, including:

1. Better Communication: By learning how to read drum notation and charts, drummers can better communicate with other musicians. They can more easily understand the structure of the song and how their part fits into the overall musical texture.

2. Improved Musicianship: Learning to read drum music can improve a drummer's overall musicianship. By understanding the rhythmic and melodic structure of music, drummers can play more accurately and expressively.

3. Increased Opportunities: Many musicians require their drummers to be able to read music notation and charts. By learning how to read music, drummers can open up new opportunities for themselves.

4. Greater Musical Knowledge: By learning to read music, drummers can gain a greater understanding of how music works. This can help them make better musical decisions and play more musically.

Is Reading Drum Music Still a Relevant Skill Today?

Despite the advancements in technology and the availability of digital tools, reading drum music is still a relevant and important skill for drummers today. While some drummers may rely on ear training and improvisation, learning to read music can help them become more versatile musicians and open up new opportunities.

In addition, many musicians still require their drummers to be able to read music notation and charts. For example, if a drummer is playing in a jazz big band or an orchestra, they will likely be required to read music notation and charts.

But what about famous drummers who can't read?

Yes, we've all heard the stories about how Buddy Rich didn't, and Dennis Chambers doesn't, read music. And yet, they were and are both still phenomenal drummers, and have had very successful careers. If you aren't going to learn to read, you will need to make sure that your listening and memory retention skills are absolutely top notch, as you will be relying on them more so than someone who can read.

Conclusion

Learning how to read drum notation and charts is an important skill for drummers. It allows them to better communicate with other musicians and understand the musical context in which they are playing. In addition, learning how to read pitched music is important for percussionists who play keyboard percussion such as marimba, vibraphone, or malletkat.

The benefits of learning how to read drum music include better communication with other musicians, improved musicianship, increased opportunities, and greater musical knowledge. Despite the advancements in technology, reading drum music is still a relevant and important skill for drummers today.

It is important to note that while reading drum music is a valuable skill, it is not the only skill that drummers should focus on. Other important skills include ear training, improvisation, and playing with feel and groove. These skills are essential for any drummer who wants to be a versatile and expressive musician.

In addition, it is important for drummers to practice and apply their reading skills in a musical context. This means practicing with other musicians and playing in a variety of musical settings. By doing so, drummers can improve their reading skills and become more versatile and expressive musicians.

In conclusion, learning to read drum notation and charts, as well as pitched music, is an important skill for any drummer or percussionist. It can improve their communication with other musicians, enhance their overall musicianship, and open up new opportunities. While it is not the only skill that drummers should focus on, it is an essential skill for any musician who wants to be a versatile and expressive player.