The Guideline for Designing a Drum-Set Practice Process Through Creative Thinking Components Based on Guilford and Torrance’s Framework

Abstract

The purpose of this academic article is to present a guideline for designing a drum-set practice process grounded in the components of creative thinking as defined by Guilford and Torrance namely fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. These dimensions are integrated with key musical elements of the drum set, including rhythmic patterns, rudiments, dynamic control, tone color, ornamental notes, and musical structure. The purpose is to establish a systematic training model that enhances both technical performance skills and musical creativity.

The practice process consists of four developmental stages: 1) Fluency Development, which focuses on rhythmic pattern acquisition, rudiment variation, and the construction of a foundational rhythmic vocabulary; 2) Flexibility Development, involving orchestration variation, pattern transformation, and exploration of diverse sonic possibilities; 3) Originality Development, emphasizing sound characterization through tone analysis, orchestration, and voicing to build personal musical identity; and 4) Elaboration Development, which refines musical expression through dynamic shaping, textural layering, and repetition leading to a state of musical flow. Collectively, these stages provide a structured approach that enables drummers to cultivate creative musicianship and craft a distinctive artistic voice.