LOS ANGELES -- \"I like the drums because I like to make noise. Keeping the beat is a powerful feeling,\" says multi-talented, mega-platinum recording artist Avril Lavigne. Already known for her intense singing and songwriting, Avril has also been a serious, although admittedly part-time, drummer for years. \"I was born with a love for music. I listened to a lot of different stuff; everything from Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill and Shania Twain to Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind and Green Day. I started playing (drums, guitar, piano) when I was really young.\"
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Recently, Avril added her voice to those of the world\'s top drummers who are encouraging girls and young women to take up the instrument. While drumming has traditionally been thought of as a male-oriented activity, drum industry sources indicate more and more women are now playing a variety of drums and percussion. A list of today\'s most prominent female drummer/percussionists includes performers such as Sheila E. (solo artist), Samantha Maloney (Motley Crue), Cindy Blackman (Lenny Kravitz), Gina Schock (The Go-Go\'s), Stephanie Eulinberg (Kid Rock) and Valerie Naranjo (Saturday Night Live).
According to Avril, every girl should consider being part of the growing women\'s drumming trend. \"Boys? Girls? What\'s the difference?\" asks Avril referring to the fun, benefits and power of drumming. \"Girls rock just as much as boys can.\"