Drums Essay

Many people do not often realize what the most revolutionizing and most important instrument is. In fact, this instrument can be found in every style of music in some way, shape or form. The one instrument that fits this criteria is the drum. According to the Harvard Dictionary of Music, a drum is a generic name for instruments that consists of skin stretched over a frame or vessel and struck with either hands or sticks. Drums are membranous. In other words, a drum has something inside of it, or a "membrane," that gives it its sound (Apel 247). There are many different types of drums, and each drum has its own place in different styles of music. For example, a tympani drum, also referred to as a kettle drum, is mainly found in classical styles of music,

The first major piece is the snare drum. The snare drum is used to accent the main beat in a rhythm. The second major component of the drum kit is the bass drum. The bass drum creates the low "thud" sound that an individual hears in the music. It is typically used to keep the tempo (the speed of the song) steady and consistent. The third and fourth pieces are the hi-hat and the ride cymbals. These cymbals are used to accent every and any beat within a rhythm. Finally, the fourth, fifth, and sixth important components of the drum kit are the toms. The toms are used to add flare and taste to music. Basically, the toms are put to use for something that sounds different. These small breaks within a rhythm are called fills (Strong 12-13). The modern drum kit is set up based entirely upon the percussionists personal preference. For example, many drummers will play with two toms, and many drummers will play with thirty-two toms. Usually, the personal preference will be judged upon how the drummer plays music and the style of music that he or she plays. Since the discovery of drums in 6000 BC, drums and percussion have drastically evolved in their construction and in their