Introducing Steve Feldman - Our Newest Snare Drum Reviews Team Member

Who Is Steve Feldman Anyway?

Note from Jeff:

I have been searching for some time for somebody to share the mission at Snare Drum Reviews. I’ve been looking for somebody who was a long time drummer, was at least a semi-professional and somebody who has been around long enough to have life get in the way.

Most importantly, I was looking for somebody who never gave up their passion for drumming.

I feel very fortunate to have finally found one who fits the bill in all categories and more. His name is Steve Feldman and he’s been a community member here for quite some time.

Steve will be able to share his challenges, successes and failures and will be able to help you with similar challenges.

Please join me in welcoming Steve to the Snare Drum Reviews Community!

Ok, Steve. That’s your cue-LOL!

A Little About Me and My Goals Here on Snare Drum Reviews

Hello Snare Drum Reviews Community! I know for some time that Jeff, our Snare Drum Reviews leader, has been working with a member of the SDR community about a regular post gig. Someone who could connect with the community and help them on their journey.

I’d like to thank Jeff for the opportunity to be part of SDR and introduce myself, Steve Feldman:

I am an extreme drumming enthusiast, ongoing student and practitioner. One who returned to the drumming universe in mid life after a prolonged absence. Since then , I continue to use drumming as a vehicle for self development, purpose and identity.

I am a husband and father of three grown kids; an IT project manager by day.

My focus is to to connect with the SDR community and offer myself and experiences to to all of us wishing to begin or resume as enthusiastic practitioners in this wonderfully diverse universe of drumming.

I want to hear from you and have you share the challenges and successes you’re encountering.

I’ll offer suggestions as guideposts to keep you engaged and growing and hope you can do the same.

I Know Life Gets In The Way!

Whether you’re starting out or resuming your journey, it can be a daunting and challenging experience to begin or maintain. Family, jobs, life…can all pose as legitimate obstacles and challenges. I can only say this; I reentered the drumming universe over 20 years ago after a 13 year hiatus. During that time, I had no intention of ever returning; it was part of no plan; in fact, I had even sold ALL my gear!

In a demanding job, married with three young children and, like all of us, suffered personal and professional setbacks.

These things have a way of finding us, don’t they?

But You CAN Start Again

When the drumming juices began to flow again, my first reaction was to deny they were real. Finally, after a few months of denial, I realized returning to drumming was the only way to see if they were real.

Don’t ever deny yourself the opportunity to return to something you love. You could miss doing something immeasurably satisfying.

The Only Person You Should Compare Yourself To Is Yourself

It’s not about being as good as your favorite player or players. It’s not about how much better they may be than you. I am not a technical player by any means.

What it IS about is embracing the fundamentals and continuing to improve. Ongoing pursuit of the rudiments will make you a competent player and continue to allow you to grow and develop.

Things like developing a suite of solid grooves, uniting a band and being a profound listener will serve you well in whatever musical style you play in.

When I started drumming again, I had no intention of even playing out with other musicians. Mostly, I just wanted to play and develop within the confines of my home office/man cave. My intention was to reinvent myself as a musician and use that as a vehicle for personal self reinvention. Reentering the live experience found me by accident after a few years of just wood-shedding whenever I had the chance.

The point is this: you can get a lot of personal satisfaction out of just playing for yourself! You don’t need (but I’m sure wouldn’t turn down-LOL!) thousands of screaming fans to get something out of returning to music and drumming.