Drumeo has really brought the drummer community together; I like seeing all the different independent drummer TH-cam channels working together on something.
I love the part on making sure a band leader is open to feedback. This is such a important thing to do, and all the band leaders I've played with feel great about knowing you want to improve and do what's needed to best support the music. Many times this can lead to you being their first pick in my experience.
I've been playing drums for 4 months now. It's the realization of something I wanted to do 40 years ago when I first heard Kiss Destroyer. I mean, what could possibly be more amazing to a 10 year old boy than that. Anyway, all this to say, my career in business is well under way. One of the things I can say from life experience is that showing up on time is key (actually, before time as he says). Amazing how many people just can't do that. It's basic. It's elemental; foundational to everything else. If you're not reliable, you're not worth the hassle. As he says in the video, talent is actually quite abundant. There are lots of amazingly talented people who will get absolutely nowhere b/c they don't show up ready to go, showboat and can't control their ego. Good luck everyone.
Stephen, great to hear from you. I'm a Drumeo subscriber (i.e. paying subscriber) and I think the platform is really impressive. You guys have done a fabulous job on it. Having the professional obligations I have, it's hard to practice as much as I would like but again, it's a great platform. Look forward to checking out more of your videos. I wanted to comment on this one b/c your advice is dead on. People think they can get by on talent. It's not the case; it's merely the price of entry. Story goes that when Bruce Springsteen advertised for a drummer, his ad said "no junior Ginger Bakers". He got Max Weinberg. Anyway, thanks again.
Man, this was awesome. Thank you Steven for taking the time to talk about this. I've watched this before, but now that I'm about to graduate high school, I see this lesson in a whole new perspective. I have been playing for about 6 years. Started playing in the church I've grown up at in 2013, and I've been in the rotation ever since. I'm very comfortable with a click track since we use them in our Worship sets. I just love music, and I love playing, and I hope I can find work as a drummer at some point. Not exactly sure how to get there right now, but I'm hopeful.
thats all fine stephen.. but where do you find those gigs, for me its just hard to find someone that want us to play. Bars and café just wants electronic music.. thats the only challenge I face
I think I should be doing all of what you've mentioned in this video even without knowing how to play like a Pro 😀I strongly feel that I can get myself to commit to learn on the job rather than learning without any valid task ahead!
Great vid. Have been gigging for years and always look for new ways to improve myself in my business as well as my craft. Great #1 advice. "Be a good hang." Couldn't put that better.
What well rounded and comprehensive advise!...this stuff is golden and honestly will determine if you're a working/professional drummer or selling burgers. Kudos to Stephen and Drumeo for what you all do! cheers 🎵
@@StephenTaylorDrums I m always early. About 2-3 hrs before the gig. I need to carry my stuff.....set the kit.....put the mics with the sound guy......test the kit and then I stay alone a bit to put my mind together and concentrate for the gig.
Stephen Taylor I was wondering if there is money to be made via TH-cam? Teaching lessons?? And is establishing yourself on social media a good idea to market yourself?
you're confused. It's the guitar players and singers who "get laid" (various girls). Whereas drummers look for a GIRLFRIEND (1 girl) with a GARAGE (to practice drums in) because what do you call a drummer without a GIRLFRIEND? ....? HOMELESS :)
Awsome advice!!!! The "good hang" imo, is as big, or bigger than how well ya play. I've had some friends through the years that have made it big leauge. Yes, they're unreal behind the kit, but they are also the coolest people. If I may add one more point, don't burn bridges. I find it hard to believe you're an introvert. It seems a person's personality comes through through their playing.
The hang is so key. And love the point you added. Introvert...lol, believe it. It's all about where you draw your energy from...being in a large crowd of people drains me quite a bit. I've learned to handle it over the years though ;^)
Price has to do with the region you're in and what you're doing. The price for a club date in Nashville is much lower than it was in New Orleans...and those prices are different than it was in Mississippi, the coast, etc. I would ask around the other musicians in your area and see what their rates are. This is a good starting place.
What about if the singer paid more than the instrument player? Sometimes I have a gig that pay me good. But later I notice that the restaurant management give the singer a better (bigger) payment than the instrument player. Any ideas what the best thing I should do?
If you agree to a certain amount, then that's what you play for. If it's really an issue, bring it up with the owner. But, be prepared for whatever their answer is. I have been on many gigs (and have led many gigs) where I am paid differently than the others. If I run a band and have a sub rhythm guitar player that leaves an additional burden on my regular player to pick up the slack, I will most likely pay my regular guy more. Band leaders also typically get more. Occasionally front men (and women) get more as well because they're the face of the band. But the best thing to do is talk about it. In the end, what the owner pays the lead singer isn't really anyone else's business but theirs.
Very helpful, thanks for sharing :). I'd love to do more than play drums in my church band once every couple months. These tips I'm sure will do the trick, thanks again :)
Great video, thanks to Drumeo and Stephen for coming together to make this. How essential is it that you are a quick sight reader in drumming? Is it dependent on the style?
Hey Sarah...it depends on the situation to be honest. But, I will tell you that unless you are planning on making your living in studios (and that work is drying up), I would focus on other aspects and not flawless sight reading.
Hey Steven great vids. I'm now 57 played 80s 90s early 2000s rock, country... A gospel group I played with I encountered a couple studios who were hostile to me as the drummer kinda like " oh your just the drummer". One studio wanted his son to play the tracks, even the band said they wanted my drumming on the recording. How to deal with studio hostility. Thanks...Doug C from n.c.
Hi Stephen, I once heard the famous composer/producer David Foster say the best thing any musician can do assuming you're a great musician is network ,network, and network. Seems like good advice.
I'm the death metal guy, which doesn't pay jackshit. And because of my favorite music choice no.one thinks i would play rock. Blues or anything else. Trying to break that stereo type.
The number one rule is be early to be on time. That's my mantra. The next rule, ask where when and how much. If you don't, you may get the gig but not get paid. If the people you are talking to can't tell you, find someone who can. Trust me, this guy says he played on Bourbon, yeah me too. And as Soon as A drummer mentions money, most musicians look elsewhere because they don't want to pay the drummer. And that's the truth. I joined the music union and got the scale book so I would know what to ask for in different situations. Yep. He didn't tell you that did he? He's not telling you there is an A list and a B list and if you're not on one of those lists, good luck finding a paying gig.
Im a recent drumeo member and i want to know if all the youtube lessons are uploaded also to the drumeo page or should i also search in this ytb channel for more? Thank you and greetings from argentina
Stephen i am really interested in playing drums and learning it so can you tell me how much time will it normally take me to learn drums as a intermediate and a professional please if you would reply to my messages would be really glad ❤
That all depends on how much time you have to put in and how dedicated you are. There's no way for me to give you a timeline for mastery of a craft like drumming. Sorry!
Lol, that saying has been around in the professional business world long before Drumline. While it's an entertaining movie, I definitely didn't pull any quotes from it. Glad the tips helped!
The best way to make money playing music is go to a town where nothing is happening and be the entertainment. When you go to New Orleans or any other music town, there's too much competition for the work. Notice he didn't stay in New Orleans. Notice he only got gigs on Bourbon. Bourbon is the worst. Local musicians that are actually good and are connected and stay here are the ones that have a life long career in music. They have cats here that have been playing drums since they were 4, like myself. I love when people try to come off as experts and actually know nothing and tell you nothing about getting paid as a musician. BTW, I play drums in a Vietnamese Wedding band in New Orleans. I get $200 per wedding plus free food and drinks.
Maybe you could try recording yourself playing and then watch it back and try and see what you are good at and what you can work on? Other then that you could ask for other people's opinion.
Zam BlazerZ my problem is that I get anxious when playing if people are near which is something I need to fix but until then I just use the first method to see how much progress I've made and stuff
You know what...I have a lot of REALLY HAPPY friends that do this. One is my Engineer here at the studio. He plays all of the time and works a full time (great paying) job. Best of both worlds. There is a lot to be said for keeping the financial pressure off of your playing (or art as I like to think of it).
+thomas the meme ya i too think the same but they really have an expensive gear. Would the income from TH-cam or paid lesson be enough to buy such expensive microphones and drum sets?
Good video, man. I agree about being a good hang. The dude that plays in our band can be a total dick. He always has issues with his amps and guitars and especially his digital board. He's not that that tech savvy and he doesn't handle his frustration well.
If your mouth is saying "I want to make money as a musician" then you should be investing money in that direction (in this case, networking). In other words, if it's something you're saying, you should also be willing to put money towards that and not just give it lip service.
Drumeo has really brought the drummer community together; I like seeing all the different independent drummer TH-cam channels working together on something.
There's zero competition in my mind. If we build a strong, open community, everyone wins. Thanks for all of the support Nathan
and thank you and all the other drummers for the great content!
As a working drummer, this is excellent advice!
I made the soundtrack! 😂👌🏼
Lol...I wondered who's track that was
Hey nice work Adam! 😉🥁🔥
That's a very important lesson!
I love the part on making sure a band leader is open to feedback. This is such a important thing to do, and all the band leaders I've played with feel great about knowing you want to improve and do what's needed to best support the music. Many times this can lead to you being their first pick in my experience.
Great tips Stephen! This is really helpful for a person like me who's trying to get gigs playing musicals at community theaters in my area.
Miss playing musical theatre so much...glad it helped Joe!
Joe Walsh Really Helpful!
Glad to hear it Hector!
Yayy, Stephen Taylor video ! Nice way to start the week.
It's how I start every week.....wait...
Thanks David!
Oh man, and I get an answer! God bless, bro
Been a massive fan of Stephen for years. Love how real and honest he gives it!
Thanks for the support over the years! You guys are the only reason I get to do what I do.
I've been playing drums for 4 months now. It's the realization of something I wanted to do 40 years ago when I first heard Kiss Destroyer. I mean, what could possibly be more amazing to a 10 year old boy than that.
Anyway, all this to say, my career in business is well under way. One of the things I can say from life experience is that showing up on time is key (actually, before time as he says). Amazing how many people just can't do that. It's basic. It's elemental; foundational to everything else. If you're not reliable, you're not worth the hassle.
As he says in the video, talent is actually quite abundant. There are lots of amazingly talented people who will get absolutely nowhere b/c they don't show up ready to go, showboat and can't control their ego.
Good luck everyone.
Glad to hear you have similar thoughts Gabriel...and kudos to you for setting goals and hitting them!
Stephen, great to hear from you. I'm a Drumeo subscriber (i.e. paying subscriber) and I think the platform is really impressive. You guys have done a fabulous job on it. Having the professional obligations I have, it's hard to practice as much as I would like but again, it's a great platform. Look forward to checking out more of your videos.
I wanted to comment on this one b/c your advice is dead on. People think they can get by on talent. It's not the case; it's merely the price of entry.
Story goes that when Bruce Springsteen advertised for a drummer, his ad said "no junior Ginger Bakers". He got Max Weinberg.
Anyway, thanks again.
Man, this was awesome. Thank you Steven for taking the time to talk about this. I've watched this before, but now that I'm about to graduate high school, I see this lesson in a whole new perspective.
I have been playing for about 6 years. Started playing in the church I've grown up at in 2013, and I've been in the rotation ever since. I'm very comfortable with a click track since we use them in our Worship sets. I just love music, and I love playing, and I hope I can find work as a drummer at some point. Not exactly sure how to get there right now, but I'm hopeful.
This are not just drum, but life advices. wow, quality content right here!!
thats all fine stephen.. but where do you find those gigs, for me its just hard to find someone that want us to play. Bars and café just wants electronic music.. thats the only challenge I face
Location may be a big part of it. Try looking outside your city or state.
I think I should be doing all of what you've mentioned in this video even without knowing how to play like a Pro 😀I strongly feel that I can get myself to commit to learn on the job rather than learning without any valid task ahead!
Don't forget always bring spare parts and duct tape.
gaffer tape*
Great vid. Have been gigging for years and always look for new ways to improve myself in my business as well as my craft.
Great #1 advice. "Be a good hang." Couldn't put that better.
What well rounded and comprehensive advise!...this stuff is golden and honestly will determine if you're a working/professional drummer or selling burgers.
Kudos to Stephen and Drumeo for what you all do!
cheers 🎵
Thanks!
3.45:u should go out and start networking
Me seeing the video in April 2020-:(
Nice to make your acquaintance, shocking light. I'm JMFS.
I'm thinking the same lol
I think I have the Drum Shed version of this... buried somewhere amongst my MANY drum tutorial videos. Great video.
Indeed you do...a much longer version I believe. Great to see you on here!
I was 4 hours early to a gig once XD
Sounds like you were on time then ;^)
I would rather be 4 hours early than 5 minutes late.
That's the way to go lol
@@StephenTaylorDrums I m always early. About 2-3 hrs before the gig. I need to carry my stuff.....set the kit.....put the mics with the sound guy......test the kit and then I stay alone a bit to put my mind together and concentrate for the gig.
This is really good advice. Thanks man.
You bet!
thank you so much sir!! really appreciate it. you're the best
The first ever video I saw of you was that video where you talk about Carpel Tunnel syndrome. remember??
Lol, indeed I do. Seeing as I suffered from wrist pain at one time, it's fresh in my mind.
Stephen Taylor I was wondering if there is money to be made via TH-cam? Teaching lessons?? And is establishing yourself on social media a good idea to market yourself?
That was some Great! Advice! Thank you Steven Taylor 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great video. Loved how you touched on networking. So important especially in today's world! Much love for Drumeo!
Stephen is a great Instructor, thank you for featuring him on Drumeo!
one of the best Drumeos yet. thank you.
You're more than welcome my friend
It's good to hear from one of the top dogs that your hang attitude is of major importance as well. Totes agree
Thank you, Stephen Taylor This video was super helpful.
You bet Samuel...so glad it helped my friend!
reeeally awesome to be able to listen to the voice of experience!! tnx dude
You're more than welcome my friend
That's greatly Helpful....Thank You😊
You bet!
Love your recommendations, thx!
thought it read: how to get laid as a drummer srs..
i hope it's not only for edge members
because we desperately need a tutorial on this.
you're confused. It's the guitar players and singers who "get laid" (various girls). Whereas drummers look for a GIRLFRIEND (1 girl) with a GARAGE (to practice drums in) because what do you call a drummer without a GIRLFRIEND?
....?
HOMELESS :)
I already have that one figured out; play in a band with an ugly singer.
Getting laid as a drummer is easier than getting paid as a drummer. Trust me.
you are telling right sir most thing is attitude
Thank you for this lesson. :)
I'm suggesting to study drums and so it would probably be the thing to make a living with.
You bet!
I can tell these will work thanks for the advice. Very useful
You bet!
needed this. just moved to a new state and its nice to hear some advice on the subject.
Congrats on the move John! Nothing like a fresh start. Just remember...patience. It will take time to establish a name in the new town. You got this!
Thanks!
I am a great drummer too so i play for my church band good musicians🎵🎵
Fantastic stuff here! Loved the part about being a good hang!
I seriously can't stress that one enough. So important.
Man he went off! Gems after gems..
That's the real question...
Wow best lesson i learned so far. Thank you :)
So glad it helped
Stephen is the best!!!
quality advice from a quality player
Thanks so much Mikey
yaah!!! Stephen!!
Well that was bloody enlightening 💪💪🖤
Awsome advice!!!! The "good hang" imo, is as big, or bigger than how well ya play. I've had some friends through the years that have made it big leauge. Yes, they're unreal behind the kit, but they are also the coolest people. If I may add one more point, don't burn bridges. I find it hard to believe you're an introvert. It seems a person's personality comes through through their playing.
The hang is so key. And love the point you added.
Introvert...lol, believe it. It's all about where you draw your energy from...being in a large crowd of people drains me quite a bit. I've learned to handle it over the years though ;^)
how much should a drummer charge, or how does the price get set?
loki12fx i guess it would depend on where and what your playing. Playing in a church would get you paid less than a venue.
Price has to do with the region you're in and what you're doing. The price for a club date in Nashville is much lower than it was in New Orleans...and those prices are different than it was in Mississippi, the coast, etc. I would ask around the other musicians in your area and see what their rates are. This is a good starting place.
mike pk666 depends which church. I've had church gigs pay 3x more than the average club gig in the same area.
Stephen is the best!
Humbling...so glad it helped!
Great tips. Thanks for the video!
You bet Chuck!
Thanks you for the good tips.
What about if the singer paid more than the instrument player? Sometimes I have a gig that pay me good. But later I notice that the restaurant management give the singer a better (bigger) payment than the instrument player. Any ideas what the best thing I should do?
If you agree to a certain amount, then that's what you play for. If it's really an issue, bring it up with the owner. But, be prepared for whatever their answer is. I have been on many gigs (and have led many gigs) where I am paid differently than the others. If I run a band and have a sub rhythm guitar player that leaves an additional burden on my regular player to pick up the slack, I will most likely pay my regular guy more. Band leaders also typically get more. Occasionally front men (and women) get more as well because they're the face of the band. But the best thing to do is talk about it. In the end, what the owner pays the lead singer isn't really anyone else's business but theirs.
I really need to see more local shows. It gets your name out there. How else does it help to network?
Very helpful, thanks for sharing :). I'd love to do more than play drums in my church band once every couple months. These tips I'm sure will do the trick, thanks again :)
You bet!
+Stephen Taylor This'd be a great job. Drums/music is the core of my life. It's natural, fun and enjoyable. except I'm not one to overplay.
And thanks for the great advice btw!
Was ready to hate on this, but this is all %100 true.
very useful tips, thanks!
You bet Daniel!
Essential is your tempo 👍
Man this is valuable information
Glad it helped Laurence!
Great video, thanks to Drumeo and Stephen for coming together to make this.
How essential is it that you are a quick sight reader in drumming? Is it dependent on the style?
Hey Sarah...it depends on the situation to be honest. But, I will tell you that unless you are planning on making your living in studios (and that work is drying up), I would focus on other aspects and not flawless sight reading.
Great video thank you so much!
You're more than welcome my friend
That's America, here in Belgium there are no clubs or pubs where they need drummers..
Hey Steven great vids. I'm now 57 played 80s 90s early 2000s rock, country... A gospel group I played with I encountered a couple studios who were hostile to me as the drummer kinda like " oh your just the drummer". One studio wanted his son to play the tracks, even the band said they wanted my drumming on the recording. How to deal with studio hostility. Thanks...Doug C from n.c.
Great lesson...but may I ask, why was Dennis Chambers' lesson taken down?
And be careful what you wish for, money is the easiest way to ruin love.
Excellent point...the art and money sides are constant juggles.
@Punk I thought love is forbidden while playing at gig Lol
You guys should get tony Robinson on your channel he is a phenomenal drummer based in the U.K. His TH-cam is daily chops he's crazy good
same with me I started playing at nightclubs right after I picked up the drums as a beginner
Love this!
Thanks Andrew!
Now tell me how to get LAID as a drummer!
Play the guitar.
Stephen Taylor - Classic reply man! Thanks for the lesson, couldn't agree more with the rhythm section approach.
You bet!
moristar1101
these days? play a drum machine
excellent advice
Thanks Todd!
Hi Stephen,
I once heard the famous composer/producer David Foster say the best thing any musician can do
assuming you're a great musician is network ,network, and network. Seems like good advice.
Haha. I see that "All things to all men" bible reference (;.
Very informative man. Thanks.
I'm the death metal guy, which doesn't pay jackshit. And because of my favorite music choice no.one thinks i would play rock. Blues or anything else. Trying to break that stereo type.
Well let them no you can play all styles. Look online for gigs of all styles and let them know you can do the gig
The number one rule is be early to be on time. That's my mantra. The next rule, ask where when and how much. If you don't, you may get the gig but not get paid. If the people you are talking to can't tell you, find someone who can. Trust me, this guy says he played on Bourbon, yeah me too. And as Soon as A drummer mentions money, most musicians look elsewhere because they don't want to pay the drummer. And that's the truth. I joined the music union and got the scale book so I would know what to ask for in different situations. Yep. He didn't tell you that did he? He's not telling you there is an A list and a B list and if you're not on one of those lists, good luck finding a paying gig.
Im a recent drumeo member and i want to know if all the youtube lessons are uploaded also to the drumeo page or should i also search in this ytb channel for more? Thank you and greetings from argentina
I am from Louisiana
0:49 YEEEAAAAH🏁🙏🏁
dats word bro thanks
You bet!
Stephen i am really interested in playing drums and learning it so can you tell me how much time will it normally take me to learn drums as a intermediate and a professional please if you would reply to my messages would be really glad ❤
That all depends on how much time you have to put in and how dedicated you are. There's no way for me to give you a timeline for mastery of a craft like drumming. Sorry!
Good video ty
You bet!
He got that "If your on time your late" quote from the movie Drumline lol still a good tip tho
Lol, that saying has been around in the professional business world long before Drumline. While it's an entertaining movie, I definitely didn't pull any quotes from it. Glad the tips helped!
I live in a small town where music doesn't happen much
The best way to make money playing music is go to a town where nothing is happening and be the entertainment. When you go to New Orleans or any other music town, there's too much competition for the work. Notice he didn't stay in New Orleans. Notice he only got gigs on Bourbon. Bourbon is the worst. Local musicians that are actually good and are connected and stay here are the ones that have a life long career in music. They have cats here that have been playing drums since they were 4, like myself. I love when people try to come off as experts and actually know nothing and tell you nothing about getting paid as a musician. BTW, I play drums in a Vietnamese Wedding band in New Orleans. I get $200 per wedding plus free food and drinks.
will we get real money
All of the money I've ever been paid has been real money.
Damn, who's Tama drums are those? Sexy. Great advice also.
They're the house Tama kit there at the Drumeo facility.
but how would one drummer can jam with a different musicians, coz every musicians doesn't kp drum kit.. ?!
that's true .
Interesting.
and such a good luck ;)
And how do I network if I live at least 2 hours away from any kind of music?
Don't live 2 hours away from any music
Stephen Taylor you look like a chubby Justin Timberlake lolXD. Cool lesson btw! Cheers from India!
I'M NOT SKINNY ENOUGH!!! *Goes to throw up*
Lol, totally kidding Rishabh...not the first time I've gotten that. So glad the lesson helped!
my problem now I don't know am I good enough or bad as a drummer.. 😀😀 hahaha I have no idea about this...
Maybe you could try recording yourself playing and then watch it back and try and see what you are good at and what you can work on? Other then that you could ask for other people's opinion.
thanks a lot Jake 😁👍 sometimes people don't want say about it that's my 2nd problem hahaha
Zam BlazerZ my problem is that I get anxious when playing if people are near which is something I need to fix but until then I just use the first method to see how much progress I've made and stuff
Jake same like me dude 😁 hahaha anyway thanks a lot Jake 👍..
No offence, but if you don't know, you're not good enough.
Where’s the getting paid part?
Wat is gig
but why did you set a whole drumset?
Lol...that's a great question. We had been filming playing lessons all week and this kit was already set up.
I think I'll stay with my job as iOS app developer and play the drums in free time.
You know what...I have a lot of REALLY HAPPY friends that do this. One is my Engineer here at the studio. He plays all of the time and works a full time (great paying) job. Best of both worlds. There is a lot to be said for keeping the financial pressure off of your playing (or art as I like to think of it).
My only problem with this video is....I hope your not recommending to give a band your drumming card in front of another drummer....
Comfortable to hearing :)
like!
But what if you don’t play drums?:D
@drumeo..!! How do you earn?
+thomas the meme ya i too think the same but they really have an expensive gear. Would the income from TH-cam or paid lesson be enough to buy such expensive microphones and drum sets?
Good video, man. I agree about being a good hang. The dude that plays in our band can be a total dick. He always has issues with his amps and guitars and especially his digital board. He's not that that tech savvy and he doesn't handle his frustration well.
Send him this video, haha! Thanks for watching, Chris.
Step 1 get a drum set
Step 2 get good at drumming
I'm 13 you think I can get a gig
You work hard enough and you can do anything you want.
"put your money where your mouth is" , I don't quite understand that?
If your mouth is saying "I want to make money as a musician" then you should be investing money in that direction (in this case, networking). In other words, if it's something you're saying, you should also be willing to put money towards that and not just give it lip service.