THE BEGINNINGS OF JAZZ DRUMMING!

Early American military fife and drum playing also had a huge influence on how the drum set was played.  The traditional grip (pictured below) from snare drum players in the military was carried over to the drum set.  This grip is still used to this day by drummers.  The two main grips used today are traditional grip and matched grip (also pictured below).  Neither one of these has been proven to be superior; the choice to use one or the other is up to the drummer, in terms of what feels the most comfortable.

Traditional Grip

Matched Grip

In addition to the traditional grip that was carried over from the military, many of the rudiments (a group of short patterns using particular sticking) were carried over to the drum set by these early drummers.

One important influence on the formation of the jazz genre is a French dance called the quadrille, which is a classical-style genre, but carried over to jazz.  Slaves in the U.S. learned to play this music for their masters' balls. These slave musicians were also allowed to play music originating from Africa and the Caribbean.  These very different styles started to blend together, and voila, we have the beginnings of jazz.

I will delve deeper into the historical roots of jazz in the next blog.  Until then, play some music, and visit our website! earthtonemusic.org

Tim Kurteff-Schatz