Remembering why you drum

When working through grades and lessons, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by music theory, challenging rhythms, and complex time signatures. Just as you finally master one grade, the next level comes along, bringing even greater challenges that seem impossible at first glance.

You might find yourself wondering how you’ll ever cram all that new information into your brain, let alone train your limbs to play intricate rhythms instinctively without pausing to think for ten minutes first.

The truth is, every drummer learns differently. Some thrive on structured, methodical practice routines. Others prefer repeating a single rudiment endlessly until it’s burned into muscle memory. Then there are those who find short bursts of varied exercises more effective. No matter your style, we’ve all hit that dreaded wall—the moment when it feels like you’ll never play the piece in front of you well enough to pass.

I’ve been there more times than I can count, and I’ve realized something important: that feeling never truly goes away. But what has helped me push through those barriers is surprisingly simple—taking a break to have fun.

It’s easy to forget why you started playing drums in the first place. You didn’t pick up the sticks because you had to—you did it because you wanted to. You enjoy the instrument, and somewhere along the way, that joy might get buried under the weight of lessons, schedules, and grade exams.

Sometimes, you just need to remind yourself why you love drumming. For me, that means stepping away from formal practice and revisiting the songs that made me fall in love with the drums in the first place. I’ll throw on a couple of my favorite tracks from when I first started playing and pretend I’m 17 again, just jamming out for the fun of it.

It might sound simple, but carving out time to play purely for enjoyment—not because of a deadline or goal—can reignite your passion and even make you a better drummer. It’s in those unstructured moments that you reconnect with the thrill of drumming, the freedom, and the creativity that drew you to it in the first place.

So, next time you feel stuck, step away from the lesson plan. Grab your sticks, pick a track you love, and let yourself have fun. After all, you’re playing the drums because you love it—don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Laura Barnes