The Psalm Drummer web site states : “A ‘must have’ book for drummers and percussionists everywhere. This is a powerful resource filled with stories, encourgements and bible based teaching gathered over more than twenty years by Terl Bryant. It will help players at every stage reach new levels in their gift - a timely and inspirational resource.”

I couldn’t agree more! I bought the book, read it and was thoroughly encouraged and challenged! I highly recommend the book to any drummer who is a Christian and also any pastors/elders in churches who may not fully understand the drum’s place in the church.

The book starts with a foreword by The Most Revd & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, and then a preface by Terl himself.

Here is a breakdown of the chapters:

1. The Bible Drum - is there such a thing?
2. What the Bible says about the drum
3. Playing with skill
4. Role models and influences
5. The drummer’s psalm
6. Being a Psalm Drummer
7. The voice of drums
8. Personal preparation and application
9. Getting out there
10. Practical insights
11. Prayer

There are also two more sections after that:

• Suggested reading and resources
• About the author

The very first chapter of the book (where Terl is accosted by a woman throwing a glass of water at him and commanding the ‘evil spirit of drumming’ to come out of him!) brings one’s attention to how important and relevant drums are, not only in society but in a spiritual, church context too. It demonstrates that drums have power and authority and affect people. It is the first chapter, ‘The Bible drum is there such a thing?’, that sets the stage for Terl to expound upon, revealing the answer to that question and the application of that revelation.

From that point on, Terl takes the drummer (or curious reader) on a journey of discovery of drums and percussion in the Bible, their references, their usage and also their players. The reader is also introduced to two well-known percussionists in the Bible, namely Miriam and Asaph. Miriam is mentioned in Exodus 15:20 amongst other references. Asaph’s lyrics and compositions can be read in Psalms 50 and 70 to 83. Who said percussionists could not be poets and composers too?

Throughout the book, Terl presents a completely Bible-based case for drummers to use their gift of drumming for the greater glory of God. Scripture after scripture solidifies, encourages, edifies and strengthens the reader as page by page the drummer is built up into a skilled, powerful warrior who shrinks back at nothing.

Terl looks at the place of the drummer in today’s society, in today’s church and focuses on the importance of playing with skill and also with wisdom, two key elements that go hand in hand with worshipping in Spirit and truth. No longer is the drummer/percussionist relegated to the back of the stage and seen as a ’support-only’ musician. The drummer is a prophetic, worshipping person with much more responsibility than merely keeping a beat in a band.

Terl ends the book with practical insight into the application of the drummer’s gift and suggested reading and audio resources.

The book, overall, is such a positive encouragement for Christian drummers worldwide to strike their drums with purpose and passion, knowledge and skill. I will be reading it again, and again, and again!

For more info and to purchase the book : go here >>