By Tim Kane
http://www.kaneschoolofdrums.com

“Drummer discrimination”, as I like to call it, is on my mind this week, and not because I am the subject of it with the fellow “musicians” I now play with.

They all respect my ability and musicianship and likewise. I just see it around and hear about it from time to time and thought the topic would make an interesting discussion in the larger drumming community here.

Are drummers true musicians? Of course we are. But not every guitarist, bassist, horn player, or keyboardist feels the same. Why? Because some musicians falsely believe drums do not provide linear note values offering true melodic phrases and chords integral to the formation of songs.

Oh really? Look at what Mick Fleetwood did for song composition on the drums. They named the band after him. I have hacked around on guitar, trombone, and piano enough to know all instruments offer distinct voices in any given tune. Ever see a guitarist sit behind a set of drums and try to play a 4/4 rock beat in time with fills? Most can’t swing it. The same can be said for most drummers who try to strum guitar chords in a regular, clean pattern or play single note solos on the keys. Most can’t. My point is drummers are as much musicians as any instrument being played by someone.

Without drummers, there’s no structure to a song; no groove; no tempo; no accents; and no direction. Schooled drummers can sight read and understand note values. Those who can’t read, use their ears. I know a good many guitarists who have no idea what all the scales are, yet they play better than many who can run a Dorian minor in their sleep. Yes, drummers are musicians.

So what types of drummer discrimination do I see and hear about out there. I have bulleted some examples below, but I am sure there are plenty more to rant about:

• Sets up and breaks down his or her drum gear with no offer of help from other musicians; yet drummers are first to help hauling heavy amps and monitors.

• not treated with equal say in song and set selection.

• not listened to on stage when the band debates changing up the set and what tune to insert.

• Not paid the same.

• Not allowed to count off the tempo for songs

• Not given any respect when song composition is deliberated. “Hey, I have a cool idea for a bridge.” Then, you get two heads looking at you.

• Not spoken to during set breaks.

• Told you “banged” well tonight after the gig.

• Not applauded after a great solo.

I have so many more examples. If anyone in the drumming community is reading this, please offer your own pet peeves.

Drummers are musicians.

Right?

– Tim Kane is a professional writer, editor and drummer for more than 30 years. http://www.kaneschoolofdrums.com