February 8 2019 Practice, practice, practice

• I'm making my 10 hours a week of focused drum practice, up from 7 hours in 2018. Those 3 extra hours have really making a difference. Everyone could hear it at band practice this week. 
• I went for my class with drummer Terry Clarke this week. A true master of the drum kit. He is working intensely on my big band playing in anticipation of attending a big band workshop this summer. His advice: start a big band and get some experience before attending. Not an easy thing given my work schedule. See Terry below. 

Three students asked me this week how do you find gigs? Here are some thoughts on booking your act.

1. Play for the women, if men had their way they'd be home watching the game. Good advice from an early mentor.
2. Find out who buys your type of music. Call up the establishment and ask directly, "may I speak with the person in charge of hiring entertainment in your club?" Write down their name to make the call back.
3. Get your YouTube videos up.
4. How is your website? You have a website right?
5.  How deep is your set list?
6. Do you sound better than the places you want to play require? This helps.
7. Seek out a business coach. No kidding. It's called the music business for a reason. You need to understand the basics. Starting with the ability to communicate to an employer the following: hiring me will help you pay your mortgage. 

If you are a musician looking for work I suggest the following. 

1. Present yourself professionally. Know the music, have the gear, have a ride, look right, be sober, be nice, shut your mouth, be helpful, and be on time.
2. Master your damn instrument.
3.  Get some experience. In the beginning play with everyone, in any situation, at anytime. If you've got your shit together word gets out fast. 
4. Continue to take lessons with a master musicians. 
5. Hang out on the scene. No scene in your locale? Move.
6. Get your videos up on YouTube. 

For everyone.

1. What is your USP (unique selling proposition)? If you don't have a competitive advantage, don't compete. 
2. Be proactive, don't wait for permission. 
   

​Rant over. 

David