The Nature of Creativity
Creativity - Part 3
The essence of music tells us that we are the true instruments. It does not matter what
equipment we have. It can be rooms full of expensive percussion, or a simple hand drum.
The music comes from inside ourselves and will find a way to express itself on whatever
instruments we have at our disposal. Many of us get stuck on the idea that “If only I had
that new drum/ cymbal/ drum kit, then I could really playl” If you follow this line of
thinking, then you could always be saying that, as there are continually new products to
entice us. This becomes an endless loop of wanting/getting/wanting again.
It’s important to
realise that wherever we are now, we have enough equipment to do something, to create
something from our hearts. Yes, our vision may include something we don’t have, but it is
important to go on anyway. We may find that we don’t need what we thought we needed, or that the
process of creating and working will lead us to what we need. Often what we see as
limitations, bring out the best in us as we strive to overcome them and be as creative as
possible.
A good example is Swiss drummer Fritz Hauser. He recorded a complete 20 minute
work on his CD, Die Trommel (The Drum) [hat Art], with just a snare drum. Through the
use of different rooms, sticks, and techniques he wanted to discover and exploit all the
different sounds he could get from this one drum.
Sometimes in our quest to have everything, we really play nothing and say little. Concentrate on what you have, what sits before you, not what you wish you had…
~ MB
The essence of music tells us that we are the true instruments. It does not matter what
equipment we have. It can be rooms full of expensive percussion, or a simple hand drum.
The music comes from inside ourselves and will find a way to express itself on whatever
instruments we have at our disposal. Many of us get stuck on the idea that “If only I had
that new drum/ cymbal/ drum kit, then I could really playl” If you follow this line of
thinking, then you could always be saying that, as there are continually new products to
entice us. This becomes an endless loop of wanting/getting/wanting again.
It’s important to
realise that wherever we are now, we have enough equipment to do something, to create
something from our hearts. Yes, our vision may include something we don’t have, but it is
important to go on anyway. We may find that we don’t need what we thought we needed, or that the
process of creating and working will lead us to what we need. Often what we see as
limitations, bring out the best in us as we strive to overcome them and be as creative as
possible.
Drum & Man
A good example is Swiss drummer Fritz Hauser. He recorded a complete 20 minute
work on his CD, Die Trommel (The Drum) [hat Art], with just a snare drum. Through the
use of different rooms, sticks, and techniques he wanted to discover and exploit all the
different sounds he could get from this one drum.
Later, he created a one man show, Trommel mit Mann/ drum with man, played completely on one drum.
Sometimes in our quest to have everything, we really play nothing and say little. Concentrate on what you have, what sits before you, not what you wish you had…
~ MB
Very good article. I'm always saying I need better equipment because I have cheaper equipment then I'm worth on the drums. But, I never getto buy better equipment because I'm to poor so I make do with what I have. The thing is people are blown away when I play. I'm so use to cheap equipment that I've learned to play my heart out and it comes out beautiful. You don't have to have the best of the best to be the best. Very insightful post.
ReplyDeleteI know that for myself, for many years when I was younger, I kept thinking, “If I only had X, then I could make better music.” Now mind you, I have nothing against having the best tools/instruments at your disposal, as they can be both inspiring and sound great. But they are NOT the music. This music is the person/player.
ReplyDeleteNow the manufacturers and magazines inundate us with ads for the latest, shiniest gear, which is fine. While I’d love a new, shiny top end SONOR kit, I’m not holding my breath, or my career until I get one (which at this point is probably never). I still play on my old Rogers drums which I bought in the ’70s, as well as some used Pearl Exports I bought 10 years ago. They sound fine and work for me. Many of my friends, who are world class and traveled drummers, play ’60s Japanese kits, or mixed kits of old drums, and they sound fantastic.
I have nothing against having the best equipment. As a Paiste artist, I have cases full of top of the line Paistes, but I tend to prefer their student models and various old Japanese cymbals because I really like that unrefined sound. When I shop for stuff, I look for things that are different, or even rejects, because I like those weird sounds. I also like the challenge of making music with anything I have at my disposal.
So it sounds like you are on the right path. “people are blown away when I play.” You have discovered that the music is not dependent upon the equipment. Keep going! Thanks for the comment and best wishes!