Is a drum a musical instrument?

PJStew · 10-25-2009, 06:23 PM

Hey every one, this may seem like an odd question, but I was having a heated debate with a work colleague last week who believed.

1. a drum is not a musical instrument.
2. a drummer is not a musician.

I personally don't agree!

His argument was.

1. A drum is not a musical instrument, it's a percussion instrument.
2. You can't tune a drum or a drum doesn't go out of tune.
3. You can't play a melody with a drum.

My view on his argument.

1. percussion instrument is a subset of musical instruments, in the same way wind instrument, brass instrument and all the other ones are.
2. I don't think I even need to answer this one, it's just not true.
3. I'm not sure if you could really play a melody on a drum, but I did find some talk on the internet of a few drummers who had played melody with very big drum kits i.e. lots of drums and symbols of different tuning.
But whether you can or you can't it's beside the point, that wouldn't determine whether it's a musical instrument or not.

So anyway please let me know what you all think and vote on the poll

Cheers
Pete

gunnels · 10-25-2009, 06:59 PM

Your colleague makes me go

Freebase Dali · 10-25-2009, 07:08 PM

Seems like he's arguing semantics, to me.

If an instrument is used in the creation of music, it's a musical instrument, and it follows that the person who plays it by hobby or trade is a musician. I don't think the term 'musical', in the context of instruments, is intended to be defined as something strictly melodic... although it can be, in other contexts.

I think your work colleague needs to take a moment to figure out that there are different meanings to words when they're used in different contexts. He's limiting himself to strict literal interpretation, which I'm sure most of us agree is a mistake.

mr dave · 10-25-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJStew

1. A drum is not a musical instrument, it's a percussion instrument.
2. You can't tune a drum or a drum doesn't go out of tune.
3. You can't play a melody with a drum.

1 - that's like saying a dirt bike is not a motorized vehicle because it's not a car.

2 - that's not true. period. i had one drummer tune the toms so their tones were harmonious with each string on my guitar. drum skins stretch and get worn and need to be readjusted at times. this statement alone should have been enough to completely discredit your co-worker in your debate.

3 - if 2 is not true and the drums CAN be tuned to specific tones then they can in turn play a melody.

Nicktarist · 10-25-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

1. A drum is not a musical instrument, it's a percussion instrument.
2. You can't tune a drum or a drum doesn't go out of tune.
3. You can't play a melody with a drum.

*sigh*, tell him to read the first line. Wikipedia is, in fact, more accurate than your average encyclopedia.

It's like scientific fact yo. I mean, that's kinda like arguing the earth is actually flat... but it don't stop these guys

peace,
-nick

Kamikazi Kat · 10-25-2009, 11:18 PM

I never understood that whole "it's not music unless it has a melody" argument. Although melody is a very important part of most music, it's not all there is to it. It also depends on the what kind of music as well. I think in certain ways, the drums can be just as melodic as other instruments in their own way. Drums add rhythm to a song, they can be the driving force or pulse, and add a sort of texture to the music, which I think is one of the more important aspects that people don't recognize.

Saggitarian Pulse · 10-26-2009, 08:36 PM

Drums are the original musical instrument, period.

**Janszoon** · 11-01-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saggitarian Pulse

Drums are the original musical instrument, period.

I'd say the voice is actually the original instrument.

ElephantSack · 11-01-2009, 02:01 PM

Yeah, that dude's a tool. People who sequester themselves to a limited view of music are the bane of my existence.

ElephantSack · 11-01-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I'd say the voice is actually the original instrument.

true that

View Poll Results: Is a drum a musical instrument?
Yes	59	93.65%
No	4	6.35%
Voters: 63. You may not vote on this poll

10-25-2009, 06:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
PJStew Groupie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1	Is a drum a musical instrument? Hey every one, this may seem like an odd question, but I was having a heated debate with a work colleague last week who believed. 1. a drum is not a musical instrument. 2. a drummer is not a musician. I personally don't agree! His argument was. 1. A drum is not a musical instrument, it's a percussion instrument. 2. You can't tune a drum or a drum doesn't go out of tune. 3. You can't play a melody with a drum. My view on his argument. 1. percussion instrument is a subset of musical instruments, in the same way wind instrument, brass instrument and all the other ones are. 2. I don't think I even need to answer this one, it's just not true. 3. I'm not sure if you could really play a melody on a drum, but I did find some talk on the internet of a few drummers who had played melody with very big drum kits i.e. lots of drums and symbols of different tuning. But whether you can or you can't it's beside the point, that wouldn't determine whether it's a musical instrument or not. So anyway please let me know what you all think and vote on the poll Cheers Pete

10-25-2009, 07:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	Seems like he's arguing semantics, to me. If an instrument is used in the creation of music, it's a musical instrument, and it follows that the person who plays it by hobby or trade is a musician. I don't think the term 'musical', in the context of instruments, is intended to be defined as something strictly melodic... although it can be, in other contexts. I think your work colleague needs to take a moment to figure out that there are different meanings to words when they're used in different contexts. He's limiting himself to strict literal interpretation, which I'm sure most of us agree is a mistake. __________________

11-01-2009, 02:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
ElephantSack Man vs. Wild Turkey Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: ATX Posts: 948	Yeah, that dude's a tool. People who sequester themselves to a limited view of music are the bane of my existence. __________________ OF THE SUN

10-25-2009, 11:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Kamikazi Kat Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 329	I never understood that whole "it's not music unless it has a melody" argument. Although melody is a very important part of most music, it's not all there is to it. It also depends on the what kind of music as well. I think in certain ways, the drums can be just as melodic as other instruments in their own way. Drums add rhythm to a song, they can be the driving force or pulse, and add a sort of texture to the music, which I think is one of the more important aspects that people don't recognize.

10-26-2009, 08:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
Saggitarian Pulse Groupie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada Posts: 9	Drums are the original musical instrument, period.