Interview with Lucy Landymore, diversity in Playing Drums

In the world of percussion, versatility and the depth of understanding across various musical genres play a crucial role in defining a percussionist’s prowess. Lucy Landymore, a percussionist par excellence, shares her journey through the realms of rhythm, offering insights into her approach to mastering the art of playing drums and the technicalities of drum notes. Her narrative provides not just a glimpse into her diverse musical expertise but also serves as a beacon for aspiring drummers seeking to expand their horizons.

Lucy Landymore first steps on playing drums

Lucy, can you share what sparked your interest in percussion, especially in such a diverse range of styles?

Lucy Landymore: My fascination with percussion began at a young age, evolving from playing drums to exploring tuned percussion and, eventually, Latin percussion, notably Cuban rhythms. My journey is a testament to the rich tapestry of musical cultures, each offering unique drum notes and styles that I feel inspired by.

Your passion for Brazilian music, especially, is quite intriguing. How did you delve into this genre?

Lucy: The communal essence of Brazilian music, particularly Samba, drew me in. The technique, or rather the lack thereof, in the traditional sense, fascinated me. It’s about the sound, the collective energy, and the sheer power of playing drums together. Instruments like the serdo and pandeiro captivated me with their distinctive sounds, encouraging me to incorporate these elements into my compositions.

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Diversity

What challenges have you encountered in your journey across different musical cultures?

Lucy: One of the main challenges has been the educational aspect. Learning music, especially in a systematized education format, often lacks the element of ‘frustration’ that comes with self-discovery and improvisation. Overcoming this involved unlearning certain rigidities and embracing a more fluid, expressive form of playing drums.

How do you approach mixing different rhythms and drum notes in your compositions?

Lucy: Mixing Cuban and Brazilian rhythms, for instance, requires a careful consideration of each culture’s syncopation and drum notes. It’s about respecting each tradition while finding innovative ways to blend them harmoniously in my compositions.

Lucy’s Advice to Aspiring Percussionists

For those embarking on the journey of playing drums, Lucy emphasizes the importance of patience, dedication, and a deep dive into the music you love.

Technical Tips for Aspiring Drummers

Technical Tips for Aspiring Drummers

Lucy shares invaluable technical tips for mastering music composition, drum notes and enhancing drumming skills:

• Embracing Diversity: Learning to play drums across different genres enriches your musical vocabulary and opens up new avenues for creative expression. Delve into the drum notes of various styles to understand their unique rhythms and textures.
• Learning by Observing: The process of observing and emulating other drummers is fundamental. There’s a wealth of knowledge to be gained from simply watching the techniques of seasoned percussionists and trying to replicate their style.
• Small Chunks Learning: Breaking down complex rhythms into manageable segments can significantly improve your ability to grasp and memorize drum notes. This approach aids in transferring knowledge from short-term to long-term memory, enhancing overall mastery.
• Transcription as a Tool: Transcribing the work of accomplished drummers allows you to get inside their heads, understanding their approach to drum notes and rhythms. This exercise can be profoundly insightful, helping you to decode the nuances of playing drums effectively.

Closing comments:

Lucy Landymore’s narrative is a compelling reminder of the boundless possibilities that await when one ventures into the diverse world of percussion. Her technical tips, coupled with her approach to learning and creativity, provide a rich source of inspiration for drummers looking to explore the vast landscapes of musical genres and styles.

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Get ready to take your drumming to the next level. Get expert tips on coordination, drumming techniques, improvisation and more in the post titled “Charting Your Drumming Journey”. / Written by: Raul Rodrigues: CEO of Drumap, Drummer, Music School Director and Mariano Steimberg: Drum Professor at Berklee College of Music, Valencia Campus.

References:

Lucy Landymore’s web page and Instagram account

Main picture by Dita Voollmond