If you want to become a great drummer, it’s a no-brainer that you’ll have to dedicate many hours to your craft. Whether you’re self-taught, or you’ve just graduated from music school, there are a ton of different paths towards becoming a professional drummer. The trick is finding the right path for you.
You’ve drummed for a while, you have professional equipment from great retails like www.drumcenternh.com, and you’re ready to put yourself out here. Here are 5 tips and tricks for “making it” as a professional drummer.
1) Have a Positive Attitude
First and foremost, nobody wants to work with a diva, or somebody who is aggressive or negative. A positive attitude can help you make natural connections with future bandmates, producers, and listeners. Your attitude is what will make people want to hire you again. Find what you love about your job and channel it into your everyday interactions.
You should always be open to constructive criticism. As long as no one is degrading or abusing you, you should be open to their artistic opinions. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn when you stay positive and cooperative with your fellow band members.
2) Take Initiative
To “make it” as a drummer in the real world, you should always look for work actively. Checking local bulletin boards and online forums for gigs in your area can help expand your circle. Of course, it will also keep money flowing into your bank account.
Keeping your workflow consistent is the best way to stay relevant in the music community. If you’re always signing up for gigs, eventually, you won’t need to audition or apply anymore. Recommendations from other professionals is the best way to get bookings so others know you’re reliable.
3) Keep it Simple
As a drummer, your job is to keep the rest of the band together. Most of the time, a song just needs a simple, solid groove. Honing in on your simpler drumming techniques will help you keep booking gigs.
This doesn’t mean you can’t take creative liberties with your drumming. Every song is different, so every one will require different techniques. Just make sure your foundation is solid before you build on it.
4) Find Your Style
You may think you like to drum one way over others. Most percussionists have a signature music genre, one that they’re known for. You could break into a style of music you have always loved.
This may seem like contradictory advice, but you should be well-versed in every style at the same time. This will help you introduce new elements to your preferred style and keep your drumming fresh. The most iconic drummers in history are responsible for revolutionary drumming styles. Though they stick with one genre, they are versatile.
5) Don’t View Your Career as a Competition
Ultimately, you are looking to collaborate with other musicians, not compete with them. This harkens back to the “have a positive attitude” tip– don’t try to exclude other drummers. Supporting other players will get you farther than stepping on them ever will.
In Conclusion
Becoming a professional drummer can be a long, hard road. These are just a few tips to help you begin your career. Staying positive and open to suggestions from others will help you greatly.
Staying true to yourself is ultimately what will give you the most success. No one wants a carbon copy of Ringo Starr, or any other drummer. Great musicians are always bringing something new to the table. Don’t be afraid to put all of you into your music!
