Ever notice how many other musicians tap our the pulse with one of their feet when playing, especially seated? Does that "constrain" them? I sure hope so - there are some things musicians definitely want to be constrained from doing, like messing up time.
This is such a profound statement for me because I have always been such a CREATIVE minded drummer and naturally put an emphasis on this aspect of music. It has caused such headaches for me because I do not naturally feel a regulated internal pulse when I play and if I do not pay attention, the time can be throw to the wind!
When I keep time with my left foot I'm worried about loosing a good portion of my creativity because I put all my concentration into feeling and listening to it. However, I notice my playing is so much more succinct and actually starts to click. It's something which is hard to come to terms with, but somebody has to be the clock in an ensemble!!
Thanks!
Keeping time with the left foot creates discipline and order. That does not stifle creativity, any more than playing without the left foot will lead to chaos. Really, the essence to being a good artist is balancing order with creativity, because one without the other is of little interest to anyone.
Time takes discipline.
Yea discipline is the key that opens the door to real creativity.
Thanks!
Keeping time with the left foot creates discipline and order. That does not stifle creativity, any more than playing without the left foot will lead to chaos. Really, the essence to being a good artist is balancing order with creativity, because one without the other is of little interest to anyone.
I agree and often keep time on my left foot
but if you strictly designate your left foot as a time keeper and nothing else I believe you are stifling one of your four voices of expression
Maybe we need to consider what is "keeping time." Certainly, a quarter-note pulse is an easy, reliable, conspicuous way to keep time. But is it the only way? What's an example of keeping time in a way that is not obvious? What is an essence of time keeping? I think recognizing the pulse is crucial to time keeping. You can play on it or between it or around it in various ways and with different limbs, but the net result is that the pulse is clearly defined.