Do Drummers Still Flip Burgers After When They Off The Road?

[GDrummaFan]

 :::PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS BECAUSE I REALLY NEED TO KNOW:::

  I wanna be a professional drummer but Im afraid that after I get down with the tours I gotta get a job and all I wanna do is play music...

 Do Calvin Rodgers or Jearmy Haynes get jobs after tours??

[beantownborn]

GDrummafan, one key to a life of professional drumming is networking.  You start with local gigs.  Make a videotape of yourself playing at services and local shows.  Once you start gigging, it is essential to network.  Create a notebook of contacts. Each page should have their name, number, relationship, occupation, date of contact, etc. You get a tour, you continue to network in the process.  That way, you create continuous opportunities.  Also, manage your money and expect potential downtimes.  

More importanly, pray on it.  Make sure God wants you in the life of a professional touring drummer.  He may want you to teach drumming, or take you in a completely different direction. Make sure your plan lines up with the will of God.  Or you have a difficult road ahead of you. Stay blessed.

[BEATBOXERZ]

GDrummafan, one key to a life of professional drumming is networking.  You start with local gigs.  Make a videotape of yourself playing at services and local shows.  Once you start gigging, it is essential to network.  Create a notebook of contacts. Each page should have their name, number, relationship, occupation, date of contact, etc. You get a tour, you continue to network in the process.  That way, you create continuous opportunities.  Also, manage your money and expect potential downtimes.  

More importanly, pray on it.  Make sure God wants you in the life of a professional touring drummer.  He may want you to teach drumming, or take you in a completely different direction. Make sure your plan lines up with the will of God.  Or you have a difficult road ahead of you. Stay blessed.

Good advice Beantown, well said...

[GDrummaFan]

Thanks for the info..cause Im 15 years old and I wanna play for great artist but im thinkiing what gonna happen when I run out of money
..

[Audiocr381ve]

LOL get your license first then we'll talk about money management  :lol:

[thedrummerschoice]

LOL get your license first then we'll talk about money management


8O  8O  :lol:  :lol: ol boy is roastin lol you gonna let that ride? lol man networking is so hard when you live in cali this is where alot of music is recorded lol theres lots of oppotunitys but idk when i went to the east coast they seem to be a lil more friendier there like more helpful out here everyone no matter music sports they all cocky kinda like kobe(i liove them lakers) now what should i do??

[beantownborn]

See if your Eastcoast people have Westcoast contacts.  Six degrees of separation is not just a saying.  Mine your resources until you hit rock bottom.  Check out other links on this site.  You have a great networking opportunity here.  Write down a plan and work it.  

I've never been to Cali, so I'm not sure about the people. But that's where discernment comes in.  Real recognizes real.  Attend church services, gospel functions, and make your contacts there.  Don't just rely on their drummer.  Speak to the organist, pianist, Music Director, etc.  But be discerning about who you speak and how much of yourself you put out there. Sincerity is cool but we live in a fallen world.  So, let the Holy Spirit guide and someone that is true will resonate with your spirit.

Hope this helps.

[GDrummaFan]

LOL get your license first then we'll talk about money management  :lol:

                     Thats Funny but as Long as I got Jesus on my side..Brother I dont need no license to show my gift.. But Thanks 4 the advice..

[GDrummaFan]

LOL get your license first then we'll talk about money management  :lol:

                     Thats Funny but as Long as I got Jesus on my side..Brother I dont need no license to show my gift.. But Thanks 4 the advice..

[drummercat777]

gdrummafan, you need a solid kit for starters so that you can go out and play those gigs. i mean, dennis chambers couldn't go out and play with a snare and bass drum. well actually he probably could cuz' he is dennis but in the real world, a working drummer needs a kit that he can rely on because you ain't gonna be focusing on the music if you are worried on whether or not your kit is gonna break down....fell me?

[drummercat777]

oops, i meant to ask up there what exactly is your set up right now?

[GDrummaFan]

oops, i meant to ask up there what exactly is your set up right now?

 Candy Appel Red Pearl Export Kit '2004

14' Zildjian Hi-Hat
14' K custom crash (just bought)
16' Thin Crash
17' K custom crash
18' China
20' Ride
OR My Sabian Set up

I dont like my Piaste really but i got some of them.

[drummercat777]

seems like you got your gear set man. now you need to start networking and getting your name out there so that others can know who you are...

[SabianKnight]

Export kits are mid-level student kits and don't really have the power/sound to carry big gigs even on the local scene. Truth is people judge you by your presentation. Be tight all the way around. When folk see that you invested in yourself then they tend to want to invest in you (be watchful and discerning for the USERS/energy leeches/dream killers out there).

I suggest that you set your goals to getting a pro level kit. I would start with the snare(s) first. Get you 2-3 real snare drums At least 1 14x5.5 maple wood, a nice metal snares (nickel plated brass or copper or bronze) and a 12x7 or 13x6.5 soprano. After that a good picollo. A pro-line drum kit. Nothing replaces the sound of great gear.... You always want your sound to represent you. And stay away from Hydraulic heads and PinStripes when you get your real kit. Learn how to tune and set up drum mics. Always make friends with the soundman at FOH (front of house).

Get you some business cards made and keep them with you at all times with an accurate and non-changing telephone number, preferably cell phone  and get you a web site. First things folks look for on cards is a web address... It makes it easy for folk to see/hear samples of you performing. with other musicians (don't just post solos and sheds... post legitimate musical performances)

[kaddw]

very well said Sabianknight to the young lad. Very well.

[4hisglory]

SabianKnight, you atre a dangerous man with all that knowledge.

[SabianKnight]

SabianKnight, you atre a dangerous man with all that knowledge.

very well said Sabianknight to the young lad. Very well.

Thanks fellows. It's a gift and I am trying to be a good steward. It's obvious I have a passion for the craft.

As far as the dangerous part... I may be most dangerous to my self. You can't believe your own press.

[4hisglory]

SB,
   Sicne I know you know , I have  a question.  I am a new drummer (about 3 months) and I just went out a brought a kit without doing any research (duuhh), from the Memphis Drum Shop by the way .  It a Yamaha Stage Custom (Advantage, I think).  Is it any good for a first kit??

[Funkaddictus_Groovus]

In my humble opinion this is a great first kit!

[SabianKnight]

SB,
   Sicne I know you know , I have  a question.  I am a new drummer (about 3 months) and I just went out a brought a kit without doing any research (duuhh), from the Memphis Drum Shop by the way .  It a Yamaha Stage Custom (Advantage, I think).  Is it any good for a first kit??

Great first kit. Great knock around kit too, for sheds etc.

When you get your skills tight jump up to the Oak Custom or The Absolute series.