\u201cAre there sticks in my hands? Because I can\u2019t feel them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the season turns icy, rehearsal spaces can get frosty. Even when your heart rate is up, your fingers and toes might still feel like falling off – especially if you practice in a garage or basement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While cold or miserable weather usually means fewer distractions from drumming (one advantage over summer practicing<\/a>), it also comes with its own set of challenges. Getting up from a comfortable couch to play drums in a freezing room is one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The more comfortable your drum room, the more likely you\u2019ll be to want to practice. At the high end of the price scale, you can improve the insulation. If it comes down to it, build a \u2018room inside of a room\u2019 – not only will it be warmer, but it\u2019ll be more soundproof, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re doing it yourself, use a candle or lighter to find any drafts and seal those areas. Use weather strips or better caulking on windows and buy (or make) a draft stopper to block any space under doors. Hanging blankets over windows is another good way to trap heat and sound, but make sure to leave a gap behind the fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can pick up a space heater, but keep it away from the drums. And if you\u2019re really strapped for cash, you might have to get used to layering clothes and playing in gloves\u2026but if it keeps you playing, so be it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cold and moisture can affect your drums, especially if there\u2019s a rapid change in temperature. Wood drums are the most susceptible to warping. This isn\u2019t as big of an issue if the room\u2019s climate is consistent, even if it\u2019s constantly cold. Moisture is a much bigger threat to your drums and cymbals. Metal parts can rust or corrode<\/a> (especially hardware and steel drums) if they develop condensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just in case, putting blankets over your kit can protect it from dust and moisture build-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you\u2019re playing on carpet and not directly on concrete, and set up your drums as far away from doors and windows as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have wood drums, you\u2019ll likely end up having to tune your drums<\/a> much more often in the winter due to slight expansion\/contraction in the shells. If you do get moisture in or on your drums, take everything apart (remove as much hardware as you can) and dry all the pieces with a towel.<\/p>\n\n\n1. Keep your practice space toasty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Protect your drums<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n