Both Nick and Jared have a great point. Today is not enough with just being a drummer, you need to build related skills, as Jared said, like how to record yourself, how to produce audio/video, marketing. Also, diversification is key, as Nick pointed out... to me this is going out of comfort zone and explore new ideas, maybe new genres. To this I will add, play with as many musicians as you can... bands came and go, but music always remains. Each new musician you play with is a chance for you to learn something new, how to "read" other musicians, maybe working on a different genre you were not used to before. And, also, as a side-benefit... playing with as many musicians as you can will also keep you busy behind the drums, so you're always polishing your skills.
I’d say this would go for every instrument, but learn to play as many different genres as possible because 1. It’ll teach you new techniques you would have never figured out in any other way 2. You can play in basically every gig that pops up
What Jared said is true. More drummers could benefit from learning how to market themselves And learn to build a business. It's a lot to take on, but being a good drummer is not enough.
I agree with you Jared, I'm a fantastic drummer with tons of experience in bands playing both covers and original songs, very versatile, but I don't know anything about computers, how to use all the modern technology to make recordings and videos, I'm years behind on all that stuff, so that's why people don't know how good I am, but you will my friends, someday soon Kevin Dohn will be known in the drumming community ! ( see I'm already starting to use this social media stuff )
A Good Attitude, being patient, working hard on your Drum goals, expanding your Drum knowledge, the ability to teach, and finally money and time management
It's so many things, obviously it starts with a practice routine and being able to be versatile enough to play most styles in your area. Having the right attitude about EVERYTHING goes a long way. Be able to record yourself. Go back snd listen to your practice and gigs and be honest with yourself about what you are hearing in your playing. Having the right attitude is also about being a good person that people want to be around and want to play with. From there are a million other little things, how you handle gigs, your sound, your gear, showing up early, knowing the music. Then there is the whole social media aspect. Maybe a UA-cam channel that could contain anything from gig footage to drum covers to lessons and discussions on anything drum related. There are so many ways to go in todays world. I wish I would have know all of this years ago.
Great Topic. For me personnelly outside of drumming , Teaching is one way to generate income;Also taking a music business class, Its Important for all musician to learn the business side of the Industry.Another for me is ; working with a publication company, music journalisim.There are so many bands and solo artist in the world to write about ,and do Interviews . As musicans especially drummers we need to wear alot of hats rather it be producing a band or solo artist ,teaching, music journalism, Its all under the banner of music Industry;and ways to generate Income :)
Consistency needs to be mentioned. Go find jared’s videos from 14 years ago. It takes a lot of self discipline to ride the ups and downs that I’m sure happened along the way. That self discipline is what makes people good at anything (what you do when nobody is watching…).
I'm in my 40s, and back when I was a teenager picking up sticks for the first time, I dreamed of the covenant "record deal." These days, that isn't the goal for me as an older musician, but it also shouldn't be the goal for a younger musician any more. Technology has empowered the independent artist to such degree that you kind of become your own record label. The downfall to that is now, not only do you have to worry about your playing, but you also are in charge of recording, art for album covers, promotion, performance bookings... It becomes a lot. Over the years I have developed these skills. Marketing is still something of a puzzle to me, but that's where I would echo a lot of the other comments. Build interpersonal relationships. Much in the way that you would with bandmates. Heck, talk to your bandmates to see who has what skills. It will help you appreciate them more, and you can delicate responsibilities to them to take stress off of you. Like Nick said, "diversify."
Getting out of drumming as a job was my best ever move. I did some teaching but found I had absolutely no interest in making or editing videos etc. I will leave that to other people.
Steam train theft management, highly underrated skill these days. Seeing that arranging for several live animals (horses) to be fully outfitted, that everyone has a functional Colt revolver and isn't a dirty rat is getting tougher every day, I see a larger niche opening up for the truly driven modern drummer in this field who is just a few IQ points shy of meeting UA-cam's 4,000 per year watch hours and 1,000 sub minimum to qualify for monetization or, you know, finding a paying live gig in a nation where over 66% of restaurants and pubs that shut down during COVID went bust and are never coming back. Steam train theft management, it might be for you.
What are the skills you need to build as a modern drummer? 🥁 Let us know in the comments!
Both Nick and Jared have a great point. Today is not enough with just being a drummer, you need to build related skills, as Jared said, like how to record yourself, how to produce audio/video, marketing. Also, diversification is key, as Nick pointed out... to me this is going out of comfort zone and explore new ideas, maybe new genres.
To this I will add, play with as many musicians as you can... bands came and go, but music always remains. Each new musician you play with is a chance for you to learn something new, how to "read" other musicians, maybe working on a different genre you were not used to before. And, also, as a side-benefit... playing with as many musicians as you can will also keep you busy behind the drums, so you're always polishing your skills.
I’d say this would go for every instrument, but learn to play as many different genres as possible because 1. It’ll teach you new techniques you would have never figured out in any other way 2. You can play in basically every gig that pops up
What Jared said is true. More drummers could benefit from learning how to market themselves And learn to build a business. It's a lot to take on, but being a good drummer is not enough.
Interpersonal skills (being a good dude/dudette), and getting along.
I agree with you Jared, I'm a fantastic drummer with tons of experience in bands playing both covers and original songs, very versatile, but I don't know anything about computers, how to use all the modern technology to make recordings and videos, I'm years behind on all that stuff, so that's why people don't know how good I am, but you will my friends, someday soon Kevin Dohn will be known in the drumming community ! ( see I'm already starting to use this social media stuff )
Jared, how Canadian of you to downplay you've created the gold standard in a Drumming Channel
Teaching till the end of our days...that's the answer
A Good Attitude, being patient, working hard on your Drum goals, expanding your Drum knowledge, the ability to teach, and finally money and time management
It's so many things, obviously it starts with a practice routine and being able to be versatile enough to play most styles in your area. Having the right attitude about EVERYTHING goes a long way. Be able to record yourself. Go back snd listen to your practice and gigs and be honest with yourself about what you are hearing in your playing. Having the right attitude is also about being a good person that people want to be around and want to play with. From there are a million other little things, how you handle gigs, your sound, your gear, showing up early, knowing the music. Then there is the whole social media aspect. Maybe a UA-cam channel that could contain anything from gig footage to drum covers to lessons and discussions on anything drum related. There are so many ways to go in todays world. I wish I would have know all of this years ago.
Be humble, and appreciate the opportunities that "may" come your way. Always!!!
Great Topic. For me personnelly outside of drumming , Teaching is one way to generate income;Also taking a music business class, Its Important for all musician to learn the business side of the Industry.Another for me is ; working with a publication company, music journalisim.There are so many bands and solo artist in the world to write about ,and do Interviews . As musicans especially drummers we need to wear alot of hats rather it be producing a band or solo artist ,teaching, music journalism, Its all under the banner of music Industry;and ways to generate Income :)
Consistency needs to be mentioned. Go find jared’s videos from 14 years ago. It takes a lot of self discipline to ride the ups and downs that I’m sure happened along the way. That self discipline is what makes people good at anything (what you do when nobody is watching…).
I'm in my 40s, and back when I was a teenager picking up sticks for the first time, I dreamed of the covenant "record deal." These days, that isn't the goal for me as an older musician, but it also shouldn't be the goal for a younger musician any more. Technology has empowered the independent artist to such degree that you kind of become your own record label. The downfall to that is now, not only do you have to worry about your playing, but you also are in charge of recording, art for album covers, promotion, performance bookings... It becomes a lot.
Over the years I have developed these skills. Marketing is still something of a puzzle to me, but that's where I would echo a lot of the other comments. Build interpersonal relationships. Much in the way that you would with bandmates. Heck, talk to your bandmates to see who has what skills. It will help you appreciate them more, and you can delicate responsibilities to them to take stress off of you. Like Nick said, "diversify."
Notice they didn't say.. LEARN TO READ (sheet music/tab)
🤦♀️
Awesome lesson
Awesome
Getting out of drumming as a job was my best ever move. I did some teaching but found I had absolutely no interest in making or editing videos etc. I will leave that to other people.
There are certain musicians that, whenever they speak, you absolutely know that you are going to learn SOMETHING! These 2 are definitely in that group
Steam train theft management, highly underrated skill these days. Seeing that arranging for several live animals (horses) to be fully outfitted, that everyone has a functional Colt revolver and isn't a dirty rat is getting tougher every day, I see a larger niche opening up for the truly driven modern drummer in this field who is just a few IQ points shy of meeting UA-cam's 4,000 per year watch hours and 1,000 sub minimum to qualify for monetization or, you know, finding a paying live gig in a nation where over 66% of restaurants and pubs that shut down during COVID went bust and are never coming back. Steam train theft management, it might be for you.
Tama Paiste
First here!!
Yes sir thats true
How can I make money as a drummer? What does it take to become a professional drummer?
Practicing, working, and networking, finding the right people in the right places (I'm saying this and Ive only done half of it lol)
If you want skill play up the hill...don't forget to chill...too😂
As the comments show, very few actually watch videos before commenting. They think the video is "How to become a better drummer".
I need a drummer. 😕
So many drummers, so little time
Drive an uber
Practice and don't be an egomaniac
LOL yeah how to make a living as a modern drummer .... find another career 😂