Rudimental drumming is not just about developing your drumming skills, but also about working in collaboration with a drumline or music ensemble, or just with some fellow drummers. As a result, rudimental drumming can teach valuable lessons in communication and leadership, as well as in music. In this blog, I will walk you through some ways in which rudimental drumming can help you communicate more effectively as a leader.
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Imagine a drumline marching their finals show at the DCI competition. The drumline has been practicing for weeks, perfecting their technique and ensuring that every member is playing their part with precision and consistency. As the corps starts to play, the drumline sets the tempo and provides the rhythmic foundation for the music. As they march across the field, the drumline must maintain a consistent tempo and stay in sync with the rest of the ensemble. Each member of the drumline must play their part with precision and accuracy, hitting each note at the right time and with the right level of force. Any mistakes or inconsistencies could throw off the entire performance, so the drumline must be diligent and focused at all times.
But it's not just about playing the notes correctly - the drumline must also be aware of their spacing and positioning on the field, and adjust as necessary to ensure that they are in the right place at the right time. They must communicate with each other and with the rest of the musical ensemble to make sure that everyone is on the same page and that the performance is executed flawlessly and excellently. As well as during performances as during rehearsals.
Through this process of practicing and performing with precision and consistency, the members of the drumline are developing valuable skills that can be applied in a leadership and communication context.
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Thinking ahead with precision and focus
Developing a sense of precision, accuracy, and focus for details is helpful for leadership communication skills because it allows you to communicate more effectively and efficiently. When you are precise and accurate in your communication (whether it’s musical communication or verbal communication doesn’t really matter in the end), you convey information in a clear and concise manner, which reduces the chance of misunderstandings or confusion. This can save time, prevent mistakes or errors from occurring and is more charismatic.
Whether it’s musical communication or verbal communication doesn’t really matter in the end.
In addition, the skill of thinking ahead allows you to identify and address issues before they become bigger problems. As a musician in particular, you learn to think ahead. It’s just not possible to march your show not thinking about the next musical phrase, your next set or dot. When you are able to maintain focus and attention to detail, on the field you will nail your next set and notes, and in leadership communication you are better equipped to make informed decisions and prevent problems or misundertandings among your teammembers.
Furthermore, being precise, accurate, and focused, can inspire confidence and trust in those around you, on the field with your drumline or in your working life. When you are consistent and reliable in your communication and actions, which should be one of your top priorities while practicing with your drumline, others are more likely to trust and respect you as a leader. This can also help to foster a positive and productive work environment, where everyone is working together towards common goals, just as you do with your drumline on the field.
Being precise, accurate, and focused, can inspire confidence and trust in those around you, on the field with your drumline or in your professional life.
Growth Mindset
Growing up in a drum corps, marching band, or fife and drum group can help develop a growth mindset, a belief that one's abilities can be improved through hard work, practice, and persistence. These groups challenge individuals to improve their skills continually, whether it be learning a new drill or perfecting a musical passage. The process can be difficult, but it helps to develop resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges. Additionally, regular feedback from instructors and peers can help identify areas for improvement and foster a growth mindset.
Having a growth mindset can benefit leadership communication in several ways. Firstly, it encourages you to be open-minded and receptive to feedback, making you more approachable to team members. Secondly, it promotes adaptability and flexibility in communication styles to suit the needs of individual team members. Thirdly, it fosters resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and setbacks. This makes you better equipped to navigate the challenges of leadership and steer your team towards success.
Having a growth mindset can benefit leadership communication in several ways.
Overall, growing up in a drum corps, marching band, or fife and drum group can instill a growth mindset that can benefit you in your personal and professional lives, particularly as effective leaders in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world.
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Rudimental drumming is not merely a means of developing your musical skills. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations, a passionate pursuit that connects individuals with their communities and an avenue for innovation and creativity. Through the process of practicing and performing, drummers learn valuable lessons for their personal development in precision, focus, and attention to detail, all of which are crucial for effective leadership communication.
Finally, it’s also a space for innovation, where individuals can experiment with new approaches that push the boundaries of what we think is possible right now. The combination of tradition, passion, and innovation creates a unique and powerful experience that hopefully inspires you to achieve your full potential, both as drummer - and as leader.