I’ve tried most everything in the book regarding my drum setup, tuning and actual equipment that I use. What I mean is, I’ve used about every head that Remo makes; Emperor, Ambassadors, Diplomats, Fiberskyn, etc. I’ve also used a china as part of my hi-hat. I’ve used an FXO with my hi-hat, (I’m with Soultone Cymbals if you haven’t heard of an FXO?). I sometimes place my 8″ tom tom between my 14″ and 16″ floor toms. And, I almost always use a 10″x6″ Popcorn Snare as my Main Snare…not as a Side Snare! I can’t tell you how many times people have told me that my setup is weird or I’m using the wrong snare or heads. Do guitarist go through this? Part of what I love about being a musical artist is the “art” part. Art is what you make it. It’s different for everyone in how they approach it or how they react to it. Music, just like art is about experimentation. It’s about finding yourself and fine-tuning your purpose. Just imagine, if every performer, in every band, did things exactly alike? We would all sound like copies of one another! How boring would that be? So, constructive criticism like “I wish the kick mic was a bit more pronounced?” is fine. But, don’t think because I use a different setup, drumsticks or technique, that it is wrong. It’s not wrong, it’s just my sound.
I’m not a “Prodigy”. I’m not “Gifted” as in “savant.” I do have some skills for someone of my age but, I just love being a drummer, percussionist, and all-around musician! I say “love” because I am passionate about it! I may only be 16 years old but I know what I want to do in life, and music is it! In fact, I knew this from the time I was 11 years old after returning from a recording session in Nashville. Now, why am I bragging?…I’m not. I’m simply telling you, this was what led me to my decision. A little background on me: I started playing on coffee cans when I was 3 years old. My dad used to bring them home from his restaurant and he gave me his first pair of drumsticks. I got my first real kit for Christmas, at 6 years old. I started playing for our church at 7 years old and now I’m 16. As you can see, I have been at this for 9 years now! In my mind, I’m NOT the best drummer out there. I just seriously enjoy this instrument and I apply myself to it. I am, however, a professional. At times, I practice 4-5 hours a day. Not every day, but quite often. I have a God-Given-Gift to be able to understand music. I am very auditory in most things I do in life. I can often hear a song once then simply play it. Now, I could not do this at 3 years old but I could keep a basic rhythm. Today, I’m a bit more proficient. I think this is just from paying attention to the music and understanding it. The more you do something, the better you become at it. However, you will never see me post about how great I am. I’m just an ordinary kid that happens to like music and drumming in particular. I may post my videos or accomplishments but that is to share them with you. Let’s face it, who isn’t flattered when they are put in print or on a video? It’s pretty cool but once I put it out there, you won’t find me bragging about it. How can I? There are thousands of other drummers who are better than me! I’m always open to constructive criticism and seeing another person’s “video response” to what I may have put up. We can all learn from each other. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of a number of songs by a number of musicians. The latest band I became a member of sought me out while moving here from Indiana. They found me online and said that my playing stood out to them. What I have really been fortunate about is that nobody has said to me, “You’re good…for a 16-year-old girl!” I have always wanted to stand on my own merits. I would love to hear your thoughts on my playing and this post? Because it does not matter if I think I’m good, only if the people that listen to me and watch me think so. Look at some of the people that audition for “American Idol?” I guess some of them really think they are good until they get in front of the judges and learn the truth. And, even if they are not good enough to be the next “Idol”, does that take away their dream? I hope not! It would never take away mine. It would just make me want to work harder at my craft. So, in conclusion, note that I said: “work harder?” It’s because it’s what you have to do to get noticed. No ego, just results! Contact me to be your drummer.
