Melodic drumming in contemporary popular music : an investigation into melodic drum-kit performance practices and repertoire

This project is an investigation of melodic drum-kit practices in popular and contemporary music. The development of melodic drum-kit playing techniques has helped create a more inclusive role for drum-kit players within ensembles and has increased the potential for drum-kit players to present solo elements in performance. The project artefacts of my research are six compositions presented on CD. They demonstrate performance and compositional techniques that encourage a melodic approach to drum-kit performance.<br><br>My research involved several methodological approaches these included: a) professional practice-based research, b) music composition and transcription, c) interviews with significant musicians familiar with drum-kit melodic practices and d) elements of autoethnography.<br><br>I refer to particular drum-kit performance techniques and practices such as mirroring, thinking melodically, spatial relationships between drum-kit instruments and ensemble players, as well as, internalising melodic and harmonic ideas and being in the moment. I have shown in my compositional project that melodic elements in drum-kit performance and composition encourage a broader and more inclusive role for drummers in improvised performance. This is evident in the ensemble versions of compositions submitted as part of this study.<br>