The slower you practise it, the quicker you will learn it! The best teacher you will ever have is sitting on either side of your head, yes, your ears, learn to use them!
Always have a PENCIL and a rubber. NEVER take a pen to music; it is a living and breathing thing that will change again.
Whenever you can, record yourself. However, when playing with other musicians, either live or in rehearsal, get their permission before you press ‘record’.
Whenever setting out for a gig or audition, always allow time for getting lost and equipment malfunctions. They will always happen when you don’t have time!
Always check the dress code. You will look like a prat if you turn up in jeans and tee shirt and the rest of the band is in dinner jackets, or vice-versa. DJ’s also means black socks and shoes!
Study hard and find a good teacher. A good teacher will not try to turn you into a clone of themselves but will identify your weaknesses, work on them
and help you become the best player you can be.
Go to as many, concerts, gigs, clinics and shows as you can. Hearing (not seeing!!!!) people play live is very important. I never look at a band I am listening to because, like every other drummer, I will end up watching the drummer rather that listening to the whole band!
Learn to read music. The old wives tale about reading robbing you of your ‘feel’ is absolute **** (rubbish). The ability to read music makes your learning process much, much faster, thus enabling you to concentrate on ‘feel’ much sooner. ‘Feel’ is not about the notes you play, it is about the way you play those notes.
When the band leader is sorting the tempo for the next song lock into what he/she is doing. Arm/hand movements will usually be ¼ notes/crotchets. Subdivide now so you are prepared for what you are going to play in the next few seconds.
The ‘P’ rule. “Preparation and planning prevent p**s poor performance." Make sure you are prepared for the gig. Make sure your kit is prepared for the gig. Another way of saying this is, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail!” Do your homework, be it for gig, lesson or audition!
Business cards are a super idea. All your contact details in one hit, phone, email, website and what ever. It shows you are serious.
A decent stick bag is really useful as it presents all your sticks, brushes and beaters in a readily available area. Preparation and planning!!!
On a long gig have water/squash/juice readily available. Playing any instrument is physically demanding and the drums, more so! Keep hydrated. Stay off the booze! a) it makes you think you are playing amazing when you are not and, b) it de-hydrates you.
