Dhwanii - Issue 2

You can Compose - II

- Anurag Tripathi

Anurag Tripathi, is a marketing and leasing manager, a percussionist and composer, in Dubai. His innovative program 'Seascapes' was featured in the first issue of Dhwanii.

You don’t have to be a percussionist to understand rhythm. It is all around you. Having said that, can we deduce that all of us are born percussionist? Yes we are. Some of us have a more acute sense of Rhythm, and some of us harness that gift and convert that rhythmic energy into sweet sounds of music. Percussionists are a rare breed - they are the most under rated in the world of music. One in a million lead a band, like Billy Cobham. Recognition and adulation comes hard to a percussionist, but at the same tim they are expected to hold the delicate threads of a rhythm in a song, in a composition to the tightest possible syncro that is humanly possible. No other instrumentalist in a band is as critical as the percussionist to the keep the tempo, timing, rhythm in a straight line. Any fault on his / her part can destroy a music piece, throw everyone off and bring the music to a grinding halt. From the start to the end of a musical piece rhythm plays a critical role in holding everything together. The tighter it is held, the more crisp the music sounds. It is the base on which everything else is built on. The lead, the vocals, the harmony which complete a composition.

To me percussion’s a way of life. This is probably the only discipline in music which does not require an expensive piece of instrument to make music. You can create rhythm on a table top with your fingers, a tin can, with a pen, pair of chop sticks, anything that resonates. I don’t need an elaborate drum kit to come up with a pattern. Two hands and a table top will do nicely. Of course the more the elements the more intricate your pattern can become.

I believe that any one can start learning percussion’s irrespective of age. I have worked with young children (as young as 3-4 years) and have been amazed at their sense of rhythm. At that age the understanding level of the brain may not be developed enough, but kids can really maintain rhythm. That is not to say that adults cannot start learning. Going back to ‘Life is a Rhythm’, it is easy to figure out simple patterns by tapping around on your desk. Try this simple exercise:

Count the following mentally:

1 2 3 4

Now tap your right hand index finger to the above count:

1 2 3 4

Right Hand Index x x x x

Do this for a while till you get comfortable with the rhythm. Now tap your left leg on the first and third beat

1 2 3 4

Try it till you get both your hand and feet falling on the same beat as intended. Now replace the third beat with your left-hand index finger.

1 2 3 4

Repeat till you are comfortably doing the above pattern.

Congratulations you have just learned a simple 4/4 pattern. Now if you could handle that, you should consider learning further. Find a music school near you and visit them and see if they have a percussion lesson available on their roster.

There are many benefits of drumming. It is a very physical instrument. Whether it be a classic five piece kit or a tabla that you play, it puts considerable physical demands on your body. You need to keep yourself reasonably fit to handle percussion. Since more than one part of your body will be involved in creating patterns and rhythm, being fit is important. And that automatically adds to the benefit of drumming list. Here are ten benefits of drumming:

1. A Tool for Creative Expression
2. A Balance for Internal Energy
3. A Skill Developer which is Retained
4. An Outlet for Aggression
5. Self-Discipline and self-esteem Life-Long Enrichment
6. A Great Mood Lifter
7. Physical Fitness
8. Responsibility
9. A Fun Alternative to Other Less Productive Activities

I got attracted to drumming for a number of the above reasons. I guess my favorite is No. 5. The amount of concentration required to co-ordinate four limbs to produce a coherent rhythm is tremendous. That requires strict discipline and perseverance. Success in doing that and creating intricate rhythmic patterns results in greater self-esteem and a great sense of achievement and pride.

Mental toughness is as important as being physically fit. To go through a set of songs, live on stage, lasting 45 minutes does require a great physical effort, but also an equally stable and tough state of mind. Determination to complete what you started without errors is what I mean by a tough state of mind. The conditioning of the mind to be able to learn, perform and be consistent is a whole new topic. Great Musicians have this mental conditioning and it comes with years of practice on your instrument, a great sense of dedication and overall commitment to music.

So the next time you see a drummer, tabla player, percussionist - remember - he / she has reached the stage after numerous hours of practice and is concentrating real hard to keep the timing in the musical piece you are hearing. In saying that, you must not forget the efforts and contribution of all the other musicians involved as well. Music needs patience and training no matter what instrument you play, and at no point am I taking away from the efforts of other musicians. Making music is a team effort and only when everyone involved gives their 100%, does a good piece of music surface.

I hope that I am able to inspire readers of Dhwanii to take up percussions and persue it further. You have it in you. You have the rhythm in you. Find that rhythm and go for it.

Drumming is fun. Enjoy it.
Remember “Percussionists have all the fun” :-)