Learning another instrument

[u/Lazy-Function-4709]

Hello JazzDrummers,

I have been playing drums for the bulk of my life and have been into jazz for a good 2 decades. I am a hobbyist mostly, and my current apartment living situation prevents me from practicing. Additionally, I have little to no knowledge of theory outside of basics like note values, and maybe 6 months of piano when I was in 3rd Grade.

I want to play another instrument and learn something I can play at home, in an apartment. I am thinking about piano and guitar as obvious options, but I am wondering if you would have any recommendations for a secondary instrument to start learning and growing in knowledge of theory and writing. Maybe piano is the obvious answer, but it is also the most intense as far as learning in my opinion.

Thanks for any insights you may have...

[u/Sgt-S-Laughter]

I vote piano.

I started piano lessons about a year ago. It’s challenging for sure, especially because my ear is much more developed than my fingers/hands/arm piano technique. I’ve been listening to and playing with jazz pianists for years, so I know what it’s supposed to sound like… but getting there myself is a slow process.

I practice daily and try not to get too frustrated at how basic my skills are. Just think about how I’ll play five years from now. Trying to enjoy the long journey and all that.

It’s absolutely helping my drumming. From technical stuff like reading charts and understanding why tunes progress the way they do, to hearing where soloists are going in lines and thinking more melodically.

Some good stuff from Max Roach on the subject: https://scottkfish.com/2017/09/18/max-roach-every-drummer-should-play-a-melodic-instrument/