Drums & Percussion/Why use a drum machine?

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Expert: James Moyer - 8/27/2008


Question
I've seen some people here recommend using a drum machine when you practice. I'm not that familiar with them so I was wondering what benefit they have for a drummer. I thought they were mostly for other instrumentalists to use when they didn't have a drummer.

Answer
Tracy,

Did not see this question until today. Drum machines used to be the enemy of ever working drummer because they would put us out of a job. That is still the case but much less so than it was 15 years ago when they first started showing up. Drum machines are GREAT practice tools since you can program is virtually any pattern you are trying to learn and change the tempo, types of drums and even the tuning. I use one with all my students as well as my own practice.  Best one on the market is the Alesis SR -16. Great sounds, amazing value for the price, easy to use.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SR16/


good luck.

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James Moyer

Expertise

Anything in percussion or drums. Macintosh computers or music software

Experience

30 years of professional playing and 25 years of teaching at all levels in percussion and drums. I taught middle school, high school and college students since 1978. I used to work for Apple. I know the computer line and operating system at expert level and teach music technology at my college.

Organizations
American Federation of Musicians Percussive Arts Society Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Pi Kappa Lambda Phi Kapp Phi

Publications
Percussive Noites School Band amd Orchestra Author of Four Mallet Method for Marimba - Studio 4 Productions 3 guitar transcriptions for marimba available at Steve Weiss Music

Education/Credentials
Bach. Music Ed. - Susquehanna University Master of Music - University of Oklahoma Doctor of Musical Arts - University of Oklahoma Associate Professor of Music - Millikin University 1986-98 and Lafayette College 2004-present.

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