Going on holiday is often a time to relax, recharge, and take a break from your daily routine. However, for drummers, the thought of leaving their beloved drumsticks behind can be daunting. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned pro, maintaining your practice schedule can be a priority even when you’re away. But is it worth packing your drumsticks for your holiday?
My name in Glenn Hallam and I am currently holidaying in Cornwall after a busy end of term at school. Add a busy gig schedule around those commitments and you may have heard me saying “I just want to do nothing.” Cornwall has been really kind to us, and I have loved the break, but I can’t help thinking my drumming has suffered.
Pros
Consistency in Practice
Consistency is key to improving any skill, and drumming is no exception. Taking your drumsticks with you allows you to maintain your practice routine, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. This can help keep your skills sharp and ensure you don’t lose progress.
Stress Relief
Playing the drums can be a great way to relieve stress. Holidays can sometimes be hectic, with tight schedules and the stress of travel. Having your drumsticks on hand means you can take a moment to unwind and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of drumming.
Creative Inspiration
Traveling can be incredibly inspiring. New environments, cultures, and experiences can spark creativity. Having your drumsticks with you allows you to translate that inspiration into your music immediately, potentially leading to new rhythms and ideas.
Improvised Practice
Even if you don’t have access to a drum kit, drumsticks can be used for rudimentary practice on various surfaces. Practicing your rudiments on a practice pad, a pillow, or even your lap can help keep your technique in check.
Cons
Space and Weight
Packing drumsticks adds to your luggage, both in terms of space and weight. If you’re traveling light or trying to avoid checked baggage fees, this can be a significant drawback. Drumsticks might seem small, but every bit counts when you’re trying to minimize your load.
Risk of Damage or Loss
Traveling can be rough on luggage. There’s always a risk that your drumsticks could get damaged or lost in transit. For those who use custom or expensive sticks, this risk might outweigh the benefit of bringing them along.
Disruption of Relaxation
Holidays are meant to be a break from your usual routine. Bringing your drumsticks might tempt you to focus on practice rather than relaxation. This can lead to a less restful holiday experience, especially if you’re someone who finds it hard to switch off.
Limited Practice Opportunities
Depending on your destination, you might not have many opportunities to practice. If you’re staying in a hotel or with family, noise restrictions could limit your ability to play. In such cases, the effort of bringing drumsticks might not be justified.
So, what’s the verdict?
Deciding whether to take your drumsticks on holiday depends on your priorities and the nature of your trip. If maintaining your practice routine and using drumming as a form of stress relief are important to you, then packing your sticks might be worthwhile. However, if space is at a premium or you want to fully disconnect from your daily life, it might be better to leave them at home.
Ultimately, the decision is personal. Weigh the pros and cons in the context of your specific holiday plans and decide what will contribute most to your overall enjoyment and relaxation. Whether you bring your drumsticks or not, the most important thing is to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. I do have my drumsticks with me on this trip and I do think it has helped me enjoy the holiday more. I haven’t picked them up every day, but it has kept me positive for my shows when I get home.
Happy Summer and Happy Drumming.
