Yes — Drummers are musicians. This is not always reflected in other people’s attitudes towards us.
I was preparing for subbing for a gig and the leader put lyric/chord charts into a cloud folder for me (along with mp3’s, as well). The charts had notes that related to the arrangements. These were not written out on staff paper, so I still had plenty of homework to do. Part of the email said, “I know the chords are useless to you…” There is an assumption being made here that, because I’m a drummer, I don’t understand these things. It’s been my experience that making assumptions can lead to problems, and it’s something I try very hard not to do. I responded, “chords are not useless to musicians who happen to be drummers.”
Alan Dawson made a point of stressing that he was a musician first and a drummer second. We are musicians who happen to play the drums. Thinking like a musician means learning music. Don’t be put off by this idea — embrace it. I would encourage every drummer to learn the piano.
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