Advice you would give to a young musician

[DSOP]

Friendship amongst drummers takes on many curious attitudes.

For example, we have the fair-weather friend. He’s the guy who is super friendly to you if you are with a name group. When you are between groups he loses interest in you and becomes real friendly with someone who is in the limelight. This guy’s slogan is “Everyone loves a winner.” If you are out of work or having a few problems, he suddenly can’t find time for you.

Then there is the name-dropper. He is sort of cousin (mentally, that is) to our first guy. Whenever someone mentions a famous drummer he says, “Oh yeah! We are really good friends. We hang out together.” In real life this guy may not have even met the famous drummer in question.

Another type of guy comes up to you and is very complimentary about your playing, especially if you are in some way well known. The trouble with this type of guy is that he talks differently about you when you are not there. I’ve seen it happen this way: “Hey man, you really sound great.” When the drummer in question leaves, the same guy says, “He can’t play at all. What a drag he is. I don’t like his drumming.”

It also happens is reverse. A number of years ago a very famous drummer had opened the night before at a well-known jazz club. This drummer was introducing his new group. I happened to be in attendance on opening night. The famous drummer in question and his group were really sensational. The following day I was standing in a music store waiting for a student to arrive. Several drummers were standing around openly criticizing the drummer I had heard the night before. They were saying all sorts of uncomplimentary things and I was shocked. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing so I said nothing. Suddenly, the drummer in question walked in and said hello to everyone. To my surprise, these same guys started to compliment this guy like crazy. Now I was really confused.

After I thought about it, I realized that talk is cheap. Also, the same people who criticize you behind your back are too weak to say the same things to your face. Unfortunately, a lot of this still goes on.

When I was at the PAS (Percussive Arts Society) convention in Dallas I ran into an old friend, Ed Shaughnessy. Ed said, “Roy, how are you? I haven’t seen you for at least six years.” While we were talking and laughing a young guy approached Ed to ask him a question; “Are you two guys friends?”

Ed said, “Sure, for many years. We are not competing with each other: we just happen to be in the same business. It gives us something in common.”

We both chatted with this young man and several of his friends. One volunteered, “You guys are so easy to talk to.”

Ed’s response was, “Professional players are usually easy to talk to. It’s the semi-pro who has the ego problem because he isn’t sure of himself. Good players understand what younger guys are going through and enjoy sharing their experiences with them.” Although there are a few exceptions, I heartily agree with Ed’s comments. Most good payers are easy to talk with.

Ed and I used to split a TV show called Saturday Prom years ago. I would do two weeks and Ed would do two weeks, depending on his schedule. It was my first TV show but one of many at that time for Ed. When he was teaching in New York we had many conversations. He was always extremely positive. He would show me things in his studio and we would discuss techniques and ideas.

In all those conversations (and to this day), I never heard Ed say a bad thing about another drummer. He appreciates all players. He understands the dedication and hard work required to play well. Ed is not only an accomplished musician, he is also a gentleman, someone to be respected.

The following ideas are ones that Ed and I have discussed at one time or another over the years:

1. Never say anything about another drummer that you wouldn’t say to his face.

2. If you believe a drummer does something well, don’t keep silent. Let the person know that you respect what he does.

3. Keep learning. It was great to see Ed taking notes at the Steve Gadd clinic so he could share some information with his students.

4. Don’t brag about yourself. If you are really good, others will tell you.

5. Learn and study different styles of drumming. Also, study other forms on music. Ed is quite knowledgeable about Indian drumming and music as well as drumset styles.

6. Be true to your friends. You need friends in the music business and that includes other drummers.

One last thought: If Ed Shaughnessy is giving a clinic, do your best to be there. You will learn something and you will witness a pro and a gentleman in action. In my case I get a plus, I get to see an old friend.

Roy Burns

[Rodge]

Nice Paul, thanks, I learned from that post, thanks.

[DSOP]

I learned from that post, thanks.

Me too man. Me too.

[willyz]

You will learn more about music and life, and yourself, during the difficult periods of your life.

You won't know that this is true until you are in an easier part of your life.

Stand up for yourself and your ideas and who you are. The result of this might suck at the time, but it will be infinitely more beneficial to you than if you don't.

The more difficult something is, practice, chicks, money, the more you learn.

Want the best for yourself.

Visualize with a clear image what you want to be, or how you want to look on stage or an interesting groove, this can "train" your unconscious mind to achieve it.

Read books while you're young. It's harder when you get older to do so.

Took the words right out of my mouth, mate. This stuff is all very true and I can tell you being a younger guy that, not just in musical situations, but life in general- I learn so much after the difficult times.

Perspective is crucial.

[Patrick Tiglao]

I learned from that post, thanks.

Me too man. Me too.

I cant stop reading that post...Thanks for sharing Paul..

Priceless.

[Ardent15]

I learned from that post, thanks.

Me too man. Me too.

Likewise. Thanks.

[Julián Fernández]

Thanks Paul!

[deseipel]

sort of hard to top Roy's post but here's my advice:


If you're going to go for it, then do it all the way. But you better have a plan which includes your goals and then objectives on how to reach your goals. And don't forget to track your progress. Just doing those simple things will take anyone a really long way from where they started. Having a 'Plan B' is ok, but only have a high-level 'Plan B'. Don't waste any time detailing it out, because you should focus on Plan A for 99.99% of the time.

If things aren't happening, analyze what you're doing, talk to people (real people, the Internet is no place to get effective advice, imo). Be ready to change your plan for the new or changed self-imposed expectations (as a result of the feedback you get from real people).

Don't get stuck, re-evaluate every so often and if you're not happy: change it or work to change it.

Take responsibility, no one's going to pat you on the back and hand you the keys to the Industry.

Find your own path, your own voice. Copying licks is cool, but you should want to sound original. Do stuff different, but make it your own and make it sound good.

Only post stuff on youtube if its solid and good.

Spend quality time with family or friends. Your life shouldn't be your drums. It's the collected experiences and people you've touched that make up a lifetime, not how you dominate the instrument. This one is hard and difficult for some folks because you'll never really know what I mean until a friend or family member is gone. And you'll remember all the times you 'could've' done cool stuff with them, but were 'too busy'. Make some plans, do something for them.

Learn piano to the extent that you can write. This will change your playing possibly. The stuff I write on piano is no where near the 'drum-oriented' music I listen to. Sure, it's rhythmical, but being able to play basic chord changes is pretty magical if you've never done it, especially when its something you've come up with. Even harder, coming up with a great melody. Great drumming only exists, for the most part, because of the great composers/writers that are out there. The point is that great drumming is inspired from great songwriting/great arrangements/great players.

[littlegrooves]

Get a girlfriend with a strong back and a nice rack so she can help you carry your sh*t and look good while doing it.

[Old Pit Guy]

Take your wallet with you on stage. Don't leave it in the dressing room.

Never bring money, just in case ... In case someone else does (GG).

Seriously, don't take yourself too seriously. It's about enjoying yourself and the adventure, including the people --Especially the people.
I made these two mistakes and it cost me. I learned eventually. Save yourself that time; smile, and be loose going in.