The evolution of contemporary gospel drumming

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Lamon B. Lawhorn (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Ashley Barret

Abstract: A vast majority of the drummers for award winning pop and R&B artists began their formative training as young musicians performing contemporary gospel music in churches. Drummers trained this way obtain particular skill sets and techniques, and produce a characteristic sound referred to as "gospel chops." The goal of this study was to trace the brief history of contemporary gospel drumming, detail its technical evolution, and argue for the importance of the style. Through the analysis of listening examples and interviews conducted with prominent drummers, four main elements were determined: (1) the evolution of contemporary gospel drumming is a result of heightened technical ability, influence and changes within gospel music, (2) the formative training in gospel drumming has exposed young musicians to various genres of music and provided the ability to adapt to such genres, (3) although the contemporary gospel drummer has been equipped with technical and musical skills, the implementation and maturity of young artists needs to be addressed, and (4) gospel drumming has become a highly sought-after style of performance and has gradually been accepted within the drumming community.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
Drums, Evolution of Contemporary Gospel Drumming, Gospel Chops, Gospel Drumming, Gospel Music
Subjects
Gospel music
Drum $x Performance
Drummers (Musicians)

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