Drumming

Drumming is the act of playing percussion instruments, especially drums, through striking with sticks, mallets, or hands. It forms a central element in many musical traditions and can serve rhythmic, melodic, or ceremonial purposes. Drum sound arises from vibrating heads and resonant bodies, with pitch affected by tension, materials, and construction.

Drums have been used since ancient times across many cultures for communication, ritual, and military signaling. In Europe, hand drums and later the drum kit emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, while in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania drums developed diverse repertoires. The modern drum set, combining bass drum, snare, tom-toms, and cymbals, evolved in jazz and popular music during the early 20th century.

Hand drums include the djembe, congas, bongos, darbuka, cajón, and frame drums. The drum kit or drum set combines a bass drum, snare drum, mounted toms, floor toms, hi-hat, and cymbals. There are also marching drums (snare, tenor, bass) used in parades and military ensembles, as well as timpani and other tuned percussion.

Drums are played with various grips (matched grip, traditional grip), sticks or mallets, and a range of techniques to produce dynamics, tone, and articulation. Players learn rudiments, timing, and groove, and often read percussion notation or play by ear. Improvisation and ensemble listening are common in many styles.

Drumming supports ensembles via rhythm, tempo, and drive. It is taught in schools and studios, used in rhythm therapy, and appears in many genres from classical to contemporary popular music.