Diversify and Conquer Part II

There are lots of gigs within the music industry that do not necessarily involve playing drums. Here are just a few examples.

Second Instrument
Good drummers who are also good singers will always be in demand. So how about a drummer who can double on another instrument: keyboard, sax, wobbleboard -- lots of possibilities. If you're good enough on another instrument, maybe you can get some work with that. I once had a student who got more gigs on trombone than on drums.

Music Store Polymath
During my university years, I worked at a pro music store where I matched drummers (and others) with equipment and provided technical solutions. I also did repairs and so I got to work on a lot of great instruments and a lot of great people. And it turned out to be a good source of students and gigs.

In the Supply Chain Perhaps you'd excel as a wholesale or manufacturer’s rep. Drum companies and their agents need people to demonstrate and educate as well as to look after their customers. There's also a constant need for organizers, promoters and communicators.

Benevolent Overlord
Maybe you were destined to manage or promote. The music business needs people to TCB. That includes managers, road managers, personal techs, booking agents, PR & promotion… . There are many possibilities for someone who is organized, energetic  and proactive.

Author, Author
Think making a living as a musician is tough? It can be a cakewalk compared to writing. Still, there are opportunities for good writers who can find a niche and an audience. Many authors write as a means of marketing. An instruction book, for example, is very good marketing tool. Other avenues for authors include magazines, blogs, guest blogging, educational publications, and industry materials (e.g. PR, catalogs). People will always have a need for good writers, editors and communicators.