Drummer Types

When I'm playing with a group of hand-drummers, I notice that people fall into different groups depending on their body language and facial expression. Here are the types I've noticed--do you recognize them?

1--Drum-gazer. This person is probably a beginner, but old-timers can fall into this pattern on occasion. They look intently at the drum head, and at their hands. What can be so interesting?
I find it's usually the feel of the hands on the drum that tells you if you're doing it right, more so than their geographical placement on the drum head. After a quick check of the latter, the former should be all that's required, and that will free up the eyes to view more interesting things.

2--Floor-Driller. This person looks as if (s)he's patiently drilling a hole in the floor about 5 to 10 feet out in front of the drum. Try as you might, it's almost impossible to break into this frozen focus with a gaze of your own, either directed at the person or the drill-site! It's a real shame when this happens during a solo, as the person will be oblivious to the growing unease of the surrounding crowd if the introspective drum-meditation, as often happens, becomes disproportionately long (or rambunctiously loud).

3--Eyelid Scanner. Yes, this person will play for extended periods with eyes closed, with or without an angelic smile playing about the lips. This person is really "into it," there is no doubt, and keeping out visual distractions can help maintain one's auditory focus. Many do this from time to time. My first teacher cautioned us against it. "We're a group here; we need to stay in contact. How can you communicate if you're closed off in your own world?" Good point. For drumming alone, do as you wish; but when in a group, let's see them peepers now and again!

4--Lock-In-Looker. Ever have someone gaze at your hands for what seems like many minutes, as if to be following a model for correct playing? Maybe that's a nice "vote of confidence," but it's really disconcerting. What if you switch your handing just once, on purpose or absent-mindedly? Or switch to another pattern? Chances are you throw the person off and they stop playing. Not a good feeling to be so closely watched, unless maybe you're giving a lesson. Nope, after a brief look, these folks should rely on maybe closing their eyes for a short while, until they FEEL they've got it right, look again to check, perhaps, then FEEL again. OK? Then open up and play away! You're on your own, now, baby! After all, who of us likes people to get into the habit of using us over and over as their training wheels?

5--Smiles All Around. This player has managed to get past any or all of the above stages of dependency or insecurity, and can play with relative (or complete) comfort while interacting with the group at will, looking around and exchanging glances, smiles, and various secret or not-so-secret messages. That's a great place to be, and every drummer will arrive there at his or her own pace. It may take months; it may take years. Remember to chip away at overcoming the habits of the first four types, however, and make occasional forays into the ranks of this last group. You'll like how it feels, and want to spend more and more time there.
And if that's where you intend to be, you'll no doubt get there!

These five types can appear in all kinds of groups from informal drum gatherings to more-or-less static groups. Any but type-four may show up while the person is soloing. Type-five is usually the most relaxed (check out the posture, the breathing) and, to all outward appearance, seems to be having the most fun.