The first instrument I learned how to play was the saxophone, and I played that from elementary school until I graduated from high school. So when I began playing drums around age 14 or so, I could already read extremely well. However, in my early years as a drummer I only played by ear. I think that since drumset is not classically considered a so-called "melodic instrument"...meaning that you don't play actual notes...I could get away with playing by ear because I really just needed to learn rhythms and coordination and become comfortable with moving around the kit. That being said, nowadays, on of my biggest expenses playing the drums is books. For me personally, I learn faster when I can see a patterns and licks written out. Also being able to write out my own patterns helps me to keep from forgetting them and makes my practice time more effective. Also, something to keep in mind is that learning to read is not as hard as many cats think. The truth of the matter is that you can probably already play a lot of what you may see in a book. It's just a matter of learning to recognize what a particular lick looks like on paper. All that being said, I believe that reading is a skill any serious musician should seek to master because the benefits of being able to do so will greatly improve your playing, particularly being able to write things out for yourself. However, I also believe that when it's time to sit down at the kit and express yourself, just pray, be lead by the spirit, and carry out your ministry. Let your light shine and be a blessing to the body of Christ. All glory and honor belongs to Him.
B
