Re: Why practice on a pad if you don't have to?

Well, my initial inquiry regarding *choosing* to use a pad *when you don't
have to* certainly triggered some spirited discussion - Bravo!! But keep in
mind my original question had nothing to do with drum noise problems,
hearing protection concerns, or teaching issues. My initial question had to
do with the mechanics of the excessive rebound of a pad vs the actual
rebound of a drum, and if I was truly *missing something* by no longer using
a pad.



Having read the responses I'll close out by saying:

1) using a pad to protect my hearing is a nonissue for me - I always use
protection when I practice (I use a pair of military grade full-ear
protectors used on aircraft flightlines - very effective, and quite
comfortable - attenuates by about 30-40db, and are very easy to slip off to
talk to a student or grab the phone.)



2) I have no problem detecting volume irregularities while shedding on a
snare drum vs a pad (particularly with the snares off).



3) regarding the whole issue of being able to *focus* better by using a
pad - I'm a pretty disciplined cat when it comes to practicing. I don't
have a problem getting distracted and just start flying around the kit, or
putting on play-alongs. If I'm working rudiments or specific hand exercises
I just isolate the snare drum and do not strike any other surfaces. Simple.



4) regarding "muscle tone for playing drums being maintained on a pad" -
hmmm, I find I get a much more muscular workout on a drum than on a pad, due
to the truer (and lesser) rebound.



5) regarding it being easier to teach someone using a pad because of drum
volume - when I studied with maestro Porcaro we never had a problem - Joe
would be standing or sitting right next to or in front of the kit and we
communicated beautifully. I teach the same way. And we can always hear the
metronome because it's channeled through a small PA, even though we're both
wearing ear protectors.



Soooooo, thx for all of the insightful commentary - very interesting indeed!
As someone commented, "do what works for you".



~ peace, Kevin J.


.

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