Newbie drum students frequently ask, “do I really have to learn to read music?”
Many beginners are needlessly intimidated by the idea of reading music, but the truth is that reading rhythmic notation is not particularly difficult.
In fact, reading musical notation for drumming is actually easier than it is for melodic instruments. In drumming, the lines and spaces on the musical staff represent actual physical objects; the parts of the drum set. With other instruments, the same lines and spaces represent melodic tones like “A” “E” “D” etc.
BANG beginning students, once in the flow of learning to read music, are often excited by the many doors of learning that are opened by acquiring this knowledge. We have a substantial library of drum books at our studios covering pretty much every topic: technique, multi limbed independence, playing in different musical styles, reading (of course), soloing, transcriptions of the drumming of great drummers, and more. Without the ability to read music, this wealth of learning is unavailable to you. Why would you limit yourself?
Here is another way to look at the question of whether or not learning to read music is important: Imagine that you wanted to learn a new language that had a completely different alphabet from what you were used to; Japanese, for example.
Would it be reasonable for you to only learn how to speak Japanese without learning to read and write it? Would you debate the wisdom of learning to read and write Japanese with your instructor? No, of course not.
When you learn a new language it makes sense to learn to read and write it. What if you could speak English but you could not read or write it? You’d be illiterate. That is a huge handicap.
The same holds true with reading and writing rhythmic notation. Music is a language, so if you want to learn it, you will be much better off becoming musically literate. The learning process is much more efficient that way, and you open up a world of knowledge along the way.
To get started, go buy a copy of “Syncopation” by Ted Reed (image above), and get a good drum teacher.
At BANG, we insist that our students learn to read. But don’t worry. It’s not as hard as you think.
He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart.
He's played with Oz Noy, Will Lee, Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists.
For more info: onlinesessiondrummer.com
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Though learning to read is recommended, you CERTAINLY don’t have to read music to play the drums and become a great musician. Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, John Bonham, Tommy Lee, Levon Helm, Phil Rudd, Buddy Rich, Alan White, Keith Moon, Clive Bunker, and the list goes on and on. Musical talent and music reading do not go hand in hand. I do believe reading to be a benefit but to tell someone they have to read to be a great drummer is bad information.
Hey Tim –
Thanks for writing.
I think you’ve gotten swept away by the headline of the article, which was meant to be inciteful and to provoke debate. It looks like we agree. Don’t you teach your students to read? OF COURSE there are great drummers who don’t, but the highest level of players usually do. I would even guess that a bunch of those on your list actually wish that they knew how to read. Sure, it’s possible to play without reading, But if you’re serious, why wouldn’t you?
Learning to play drums!
Well I hear pros and cons on wether we need to know how to read music.
Could I have an update on those have learned to play the drums.
HI Mariq –
Thanks for writing.
There isn’t much that has changed on the topic…. the bottom line is that learning to read rhythmic notation will deepen your understanding of drumming and open many doors for you to learn. Can you play without it? Sure. But would you be better off learning it? Absolutely. I stand by my assertion that it is important and helpful for you to learn it. It’s not as hard as you think.
-Mark F
I have playing drums since the age of 15 and never learnt how to read music. I am self taught and really disciplined. I hear well and memic what I can see from others, but I want more!
Hi Otties-
Well, learning to read will definitely help you. You might consider having a look at our videos on the topic to get started…..
https://www.bangthedrumschool.com/how-to-read-music-for-drummers-part-1/
https://www.bangthedrumschool.com/how-to-read-music-for-drummers-part-two-12-eighth-note-rock-beats/
Hope this helps… consider getting a teacher to help you work through some reading books….
Mark F