Got What It Takes?

No, this is neither a challenge nor an ultimatum. I would simply like to have a look at the core qualities needed to be a successful professional drummer so we can determine which traits we might be ‘born with’ and which will need work or a work-around.

For example, I have an abysmal memory (even the people at the memory institute were impressed when I went for memory training). There are some things I remember fairly well and fairly consistently. Other things? Well, let's not go there.

A good memory is very useful
Even though my memory is generally poor, I have a pretty good memory for music, and by that I don't just mean a memory for tunes. I understand and remember how music works. This actually isn't surprising. I have a reasonably good memory for patterns, processes and relationships, and these are some of the building blocks of music. Interestingly, I have almost no ability to remember the words to a song, often can't remember the melody, and rarely recall the tempo (which is why I usually decline to count in a tune). But once the tune starts, a different type of memory kicks in.

Recognition is not the same as recall
Recognition is what gets you through multiple-choice tests. It will also get you through familiar tunes reliably because it's easier to recall what's coming up than it is to try to generate something out of nothing. So just count it in and then let me do my thing because my recall will see me through.

Play and chew gum at the same time
Many people do not have a great deal of co-ordination beyond the basics. The good news is, you don’t need all that much. But you do need enough co-ordination to execute the basic beats required of you. In most cases, a bit of practice and streamlining will get you there.

Juggling many balls (i.e. Multitasking)

There you are, sitting in with a big band. There's a chart in front of you, a dozen or so other musicians on all sides, and a director up there somewhere. So here's your job for the next 5 or 6 minutes:

• Pay attention to the conductor
• Read along in the music
• Listen to and play along with the rhythm section
• Listen to the rest of the band
• Read ahead in the music to anticipate the shots and figures you're expected to play
• Think of creative ways to introduce those shots and figures, and also how you'll wrap them up and get back into the tune
• Listen to how your shots work, and think about how to approach it next chorus
• By the way, you also have to catch unexpected changes in the music, as well as provide complementary backing for the soloists.

Whew!

As a drummer, you have the prodigious task of bringing together a lot of different skills to get the job done. So you need to know where you’ve been, where you are, where you’re going, and what everybody else is doing … and then some.

Energy
Not much to say here. Drummers tend to have lots of energy. Just don't forget to put some of that energy into your relationships in the business as well the music.

Curiosity
I can't think of a better prescription for living an interesting and rewarding life than 'be curious'. I love figuring out how things work, and I love hearing something new in music or on the drums. I pull things apart -- the physical and the intellectual -- to see how it all fits together. The result is that I'm easily engaged and I'm always discovering interesting things. Curiosity is one of the qualities that makes childhood such a great time of life, and I see no reason to give it up.

Courage
What courage can it take to get up on stage and do something you love? Whether as part of an established band or freelance, you will be required to go new places, meet new people, encounter new challenges. You may also need to go against the current or take risks. All can have an emotional toll, so be prepared. 

Concentration
Here’s one of those qualities we often take for granted. Unless you have been dealing with ADD all your life, you may have never given much thought to your ability to concentrate, but a great deal of concentration goes into music. Consider the percussionists in a symphony. They often go a long time without a note to play, but they must concentrate fully on the score and be ready to play when needed. You also need to deal with complexity. Music can be pretty complex.

Discipline
You may think of discipline as applying solely to your practicing. Yes, it takes discipline to set and stick to a practice regimen, but discipline applies to every facet of your playing and also to your habits and professionalism. It's simple things: studying the music, showing up on time, showing up for rehearsals, listening, taking direction, being willing to put the music ahead of any personal agenda. "Clean living" should also be a part of your discipline. E.g. , tossing back a few brewskies before or during the gig can have a detrimental effect on your playing and possibly your reputation.

Love of music
Some musicians love their instrument. Some love being a musician. Some love the lifestyle. The best love the music.
-rb