Professional Drumming
2009-01-10
“If someone earns money playing the drums, whether part-time or full-time, he or she is a professional drummer.”
Sometimes how often a drummer works has less to do with his or her musical abilities than with how those abilities are applied. The following tips will help the young drummer get a perspective on what it takes to be a professional working drummer. They can also be helpful to the older, more experienced drummer-because we can all lose our perspective at times. I am sure everyone will find something on this list he or she has been guilty of neglecting, and will welcome the reminder. Whether you are a Sonor Drum-totting professional or just a small time performer, follow these tips for good drumming career.
First, you have to warm up before the gig. This is one of the best pieces of advice I can give. Naturally, if you have practiced during the day you should still be loose enough by evening. But if you did not practice (or if it is a morning or early afternoon gig), a short ten-or twenty-minute warm-up will definitely give your playing an edge.Some musicians feel that warming up is unnecessary -even amateurish-but that is totally wrong. In the first place, musical instruments (especially drums) are very physical, and a certain looseness and flexibility are required to perform on them at optimum efficiency. Why have to wait until the second set to be totally in command of your instrument? Besides, you never know who might be in the audience listening to just the first set-a reviewer, a record producer, other musicians-and that will be all they might have to judge your playing capabilities by. In addition, it’s really a great feeling to play smoothly and relaxed during that first set. Sometimes you can save a train wreck up there, and you can be sure it will be noticed by all involved.
Having the right equipment for the gig is equally important as well. It just does not make sense to bring a bebop set on a rock or funk gig, and vice-versa. The sound of your drums definitely affects the way you play-as wee as the sound of the band. Good drums such as Slingerland Drums are good for public gigs and may give your clients a good impression. Also, bring a good assortment of sticks, brushes, mallets, and the like to be prepared for any occasion. And be sure your equipment is in good shape. Equipment breakdowns in the middle of a set are unnecessary and can ruin a great groove.
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