National Drumming Day Date in the current year: November 15, 2024

The drum is the world’s oldest and most ubiquitous musical instrument. Drums made from clay and alligator skin were used in Neolithic China as early as 5500–2350 BC. Archaeologists also discovered cave paintings depicting drummers in Peru; they date back to approximately 6000 century BC. Drums developed independently in many cultures across Asia, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.

Interestingly, drums weren’t prominently used in Europe for a long time. Drums with “modern” design made their way to Europe via the Mediterranean trade around the 15th century and eventually became an essential part of the rhythm section. The emergence of modern drum kits began in the early 20th century, when the Ludwig Drum Company introduced the bass drum pedal.

The greatest thing about drumming is that anyone can relate to it. Of course, if you want to play the drums seriously to eventually perform in front of an audience, you need to learn and practice just like with any other musical instrument. However, drumming also is a powerful and accessible way to express your emotions regardless of your skill level.

Research has shown that playing the drums can help relieve frustration, stress and fatigue. It also boosts the mood, improves coordination and fine motor skills, and helps develop cognitive abilities. Finally, playing the drums is simply fun and can be a tremendous social experience when done in the company of other drummers. Even if you don’t consider yourself a musically inclined person, you should try drumming at least once in your life.

National Drumming Day was created by Drumming.com, a website designed to provide drummers with valuable online resources. It was originally named National Drummer Day and intended to celebrate drummers throughout the nation and around the globe, but over time it has transformed into National Drumming Day to celebrate drumming in general. Although Drumming.com eventually chose National Drumming Day as the official name, it remains a national day of drummers, and you can use either of the names.

National Drumming Day is a holiday for all drummers, professional and amateur alike, as well as for those who like drumming but don’t drum themselves. If you don’t play the drums, this is your incentive to finally try. Join your local drum practice group or drum circle and drum away to your heart’s content! This is also a good day to read a book or watch a documentary about famous drummers and listen to your favorite songs with great drum solos.

If you’re an accomplished drummer, share videos of your drumming on social media with the hashtags #NationalDrummingDay and #NationalDrummerDay to show off your drumming skills and spread the word about the holiday. You also can spend the day jamming with fellow musicians or, on the contrary, dedicate it to serious practicing to further hone your skills. Another great way to celebrate is to give someone a free drum lesson or even set up a drum club for disadvantaged kids.