A drummers product line equals success

Many of today’s top drummers had to do the same thing that you are doing hopefully right now, and that is to practice.  But why should we, or better yet, do they practice so much.  The answer is quite simple.

Any successful business must first have a successful product or service.  The companies that achieve long-term success must have a very stable product.  Coca-Cola^® hasn’t changed the recipe for their soft drink since the late 1800’s.  Kentucky Fried Chicken^® safe guards the secret of their recipe like it is the Holy Grail.  These two companies and the select others that achieve long-standing success that has survived the tests of time share the same mantra.  Those with the best products to sell survive the longest. 

For drummers our long-standing success is attributed to our ability to play confidently in any situation along with the ability to bring that confidence to any genre or project we choose.  About ten years ago the great Neil Peart from the band Rush, whom is known for his amazing progressive rock chops, produced a project called “Burning for Buddy”.  In this project he brought in drummers from various genres including Matt Sorum, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl and asked them to play straight ahead big band jazz with the famous Buddy Rich Big Band.  Many thought that a drummer such as Sorum whom was known for playing with Guns and Roses and The Cult was not a good fit for a project of this caliber.  The test required him to play outside his comfort zone and to read a drum chart.  Matt proved everybody wrong and earned the respect of Neil and all members of the Rich Big Band within one take. 

Matt proved that no matter what “kind” of drummer you are, if you practice, if you take the time to study and learn, you can succeed in any musical situation. 

I have made money as a drummer because I accept practicing as part of my job.  I have played hundreds of gigs in a variety of genres all of which have required a little something different from my skill-set.  For Broadway shows I have had to devote countless hours to learning how to properly read and interpret a drum chart.  To properly play straight ahead jazz I have had to seek the advice of great instructors to help me understand the intricacies of the genre and then I would relentlessly practice those lessons.  For any of you drummers daring enough to tackle Nashville be prepared for a community of drummers who spend their days writing charts and nights rehearsing to headphones for a simple one-night gig with a new artist. 

So if you don’t think you need to practice you will soon find out that the phone WILL stop calling.  There are too many great drummers now, many with skills comprable or better than yours.  You must practice and show up at your gigs prepared.  You must fill that toolbox with the instruments of your craft so you can pull the right wrench for the right gig.  GO PRACTICE!