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Ideas for Stage Presence for Drummers

The difference between a great live show and a mediocre one often comes down to the stage presence of the musicians onstage. While the lead singer or guitarist often has an abundance of stage presence, many drummers do not. The drummer is often tucked away at the back of the stage, practically unnoticed by concertgoers. Drummers who build stage presence and who appear to love what they do will get noticed and will add to the positive memories of those watching the show.
  1. As Simple as a Smile

    • The simplest way to enhance stage presence as a drummer is to smile once in a while. Act as though you are enjoying what you do. Keeping your head down all the time as you play makes it look as though you do not want to be there. Unless looking bored is the theme of your band, do not do it. Smile, but act natural about it. Smiling all the time like Max Weinberg used to during late night television comes across as artificial.

    Get into the Music

    • Play as though you are playing your favorite song, even when you may not be. Musicians who seem to be enjoying the music are far more entertaining to watch than those who do not. In the long run, drummers who appear to enjoy what they do will get more work as well. Chris Coleman is one professional drummer who always seems to enjoy the music while playing. It is obvious in his work.

    Getting Noticed

    • What sets you apart from other drummers? Can you play trick timings while still keeping the beat of songs? John Blackwell, part-time drummer for Prince, sometimes mixes the beat of one well-known song into the beat of another. For those in attendance, it enhances the concert-going experience immensely since they are "in" on it. Blackwell has even been known to brush his teeth while playing drums onstage!

    Visuals

    • Some drummers use light-up sticks or light-up drum sets to draw attention to themselves. Sheila E. had custom light-up sticks in the 1980s during some of her performances, which made the concertgoers notice how fast she could play. Once the attention is there, it is important to have skills and stage presence to merit the attention. Twirl your sticks while playing, or learn how. Develop some moves that others do not have. If you have extreme skills that others do not, ask the band if you can solo, and show your stuff. Remember to smile!

Live Music

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