Drumming in Harmony: Developing mental expansion in your playing

Welcome to the latest installment of my Drumming in Harmony blog series. Today, I would like to share some ideas for developing mental expansion in your playing.

Mental concentration and inwards focus

When musicians perform, they often turn inward as they concentrate on their playing. However, this intense, inward focus can sometimes inhibit the flow of musical energy from the performer, through the instrument, and out to the audience. I have found that when my mind focuses inward, I often find myself drawing physically inwards as well. Without realizing it, my arms, shoulders, neck, and legs tighten and pull in towards my body.

Developing mental expansion

The basic concept is to center yourself mentally and physically on your seat, then imagine your energy expanding in the following directions; upward, downward, forward, and out to your sides. Here are a few exercises that will help you increase your mental expansion. Try each idea without playing your instrument. As you get comfortable with the exercises, work on maintaining each idea as you play.

• Picture your arms lengthening out towards your drums and cymbals. Imagine your arms and legs unlocking and releasing away from your body. Feel your energy travel out through your shoulders and down your arms into your hands and fingers.

• Imagine your body energy rising upwards from your seat. Picture energy expanding up your back, through your neck, and out the top of your head.

• Feel your lower body weight sink down into your seat. Allow your feet to connect with the pedals and down into the floor. Once your feet  feel rooted, imagine drawing energy up into your playing.

• Feel your musical intention and emotion expanding away from you. Play a beat or pattern and try to project  a specific emotion, such as joy or frustration, while playing the part. Try not to get closed off inside of yourself when playing. Instead, practice projecting your playing outwards.