Jan 15, 2015

Ergonomic Drums in 5 Steps

by Chris Vincent

Ergonomics is the science of maximizing ability by minimizing physical strain & fatigue.  Ergonomic aspects play a critical role in your physical comfort at the instrument, playing efficiently, and sounding your best.  Whether you’re setting up a kit for the first time or the hundredth time, it’s good to review these considerations that should allow you to stay in good health and have more fun playing drums!

• Step 1 – The Throne: The height of your throne affects your balance and control of the foot pedals, therefore impacting your accuracy and endurance.  Generally, the best height sets your hips just a bit higher than your knees, with feet resting flat on the floor. 
• Step 2 – The Pedals: Sitting in your recently height-adjusted throne, with your feet at a comfortable and natural distance apart, position the bass drum & hi-hat pedals under your feet.  Bring the bass drum to the pedal, not the other way around, and clamp it.
• Step 3 – The Snare: For ideal distance and height, position the center of the snare one stick length (parallel to the floor) from your belly button.  Tilt it toward you (or away to the right, for traditional players) so the beads of the sticks come together near the center, with shafts of the sticks just above the near rim.
• Step 4 – The Toms: The head of the low tom is usually best at the same height as the snare.  From there, arrange additional toms to allow easy motion across the smoothest arc possible, with consistent extension of your arms.  Tilt same as the snare.
• Step 5 – The Cymbals: Height should be convenient to hit either body or bell at the desired angles without having to reach excessively.  Hi-hat should be elevated enough to prevent interference with the snare stick.

Nothing is absolute, so always be mindful of your personal physical comfort and preferences to make refinements to the arrangement of your drum set to maximize your musical expressiveness through ergonomics.  Have fun!

Chris Vincent teaches drums and percussion at Madison Music Foundry where he is also the Education Coordinator.

Christopher Vincent

DRUM SET, ORCHESTRAL PERCUSSION, HAND DRUMS, MARCHING PERCUSSION
Chris is a UW-Madison School of Music graduate with 20 years experience as a drummer, percussionist, and educator.  In 2013 he took on the role of Education Coordinator at the Foundry, which involves organization of the Rock Workshop program (coming from experience as a band coach), and coordinating the Student Jams and recitals.  In one-on-one lessons he works with students of all ages and skill levels.  The drum set styles he teaches include rock, jazz, progressive, blues, funk, and latin.  Chris's work with orchestral and marching percussion has given him experience as a percussion director at the high school level and he continues to enjoy helping private students develop their skills for school bands.  He has also been a drum circle facilitator, including the development of programs for students with special needs.  Chris works to cultivate his students' passion for music and works with them to create individually tailored lesson plans that give them the power to achieve their personal goals while expanding their understanding of the limitless possibilities of drums' musical expression.

www.vincentdrums.com

Tags: lesson tips (15) percussion (2)