The drums are already one of the most difficult instruments to get into, so why do so many drummers quit after putting years of work and thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours into their instrument? what could make so many musicians walk away from it, making the struggle for bands to find a drummer even worse?
One of the biggest reasons is the physical and logistical challenge of playing drums. Unlike a guitarist who can practice quietly in a bedroom, drummers deal with large, loud equipment that’s hard to move and harder to store. Setting up and tearing down a drum kit takes time, effort, and patience, not to mention the wear and tear on the body after years of playing. It’s a demanding instrument, both physically and mentally. The amount of effort it takes to be able to even sit down behind a drum kit can slowly become too much for some to continue playing.
Then there’s the noise factor. Practicing drums at home is rarely practical. Without a soundproof room or an electronic kit, it’s nearly impossible to play regularly without complaints from family members or neighbors. Many drummers slowly drift away simply because they can’t find a time or space to practice without complaints from the whole neighborhood.
Next is the emotional factor, drummers can have serious dips in their skill level, whether its from being physically worn out affecting ones ability to play or mental fog that simply gets in the way of the coordination required to play, these factors can lead to enough bad days that make even the most skilled drummers start questioning if its worth it to keep playing.
Even drummers who push through the bad days, figure out a place and time to play and have played for years are eventually forced to quit. age takes its toll and unfortunately, drumming is too physically intense to be a life long passion. many legends such as Phil Collins and Neil Peart stopped playing years before they died, not because they stopped loving it, but because they physically couldn’t keep going.
Ultimately, many quit not because they stop loving music, but because the challenges and stress begin to outweigh the joy. Still, those who continue despite the volume, the sweat, and the pain are in it for something deeper. For them, drumming isn’t just playing music. It’s who they are.
