I worked in a recording studio for the first time at the age of 16. Looking back, it’s clear to me that this experience, which I shared with my band, was a...
Endorsements: who gets them – and what to look out for when striking a deal
Endorsements... I still remember the hours I spent browsing my favorite manufacturers’ catalogs as a child. For me, the huge drums and amazingly shiny...
Sideman and studio drummer: How to survive as a freelance musician
All the musicians I know began their careers in cover bands. During my studies, I, too, spent a lot of time in wedding and event ensembles. I also invested...
Don’t panic: Dealing with the mental demands of live concerts as a drummer
The third song sends the pedals splintering into bits, your setlist has sailed away on the breeze, you’re still feeling yesterday night’s party and you didn’t have...
Facing rejection (or: how to deal with the outcome of auditions)
The last note has faded away and the audition is over. Now, you now face two potential outcomes: if you’re lucky enough to get the job, you’ll have to work hard...
What’s the quickest way to get better? 10 tips for more successful practice
I began practising properly during my degree. Of course, I’d also spent many hours at my drums as a younger player, but my practice wasn’t as effective...
How can I find live gigging opportunities as a professional drummer?
Whenever I asked this question of colleagues with more experience, I always got the same answer: “Word-of-mouth recommendations.” Right from...
Earning money as a drummer: 5 tips for earning a living through music
If your ambition is to become a drummer, you’ll almost certainly have spent time thinking about how, exactly, you’re going to earn a living through music...
Determining your daily rates as a drummer and professional musician
In this post, I want to address the topic of how we make money. It’s a topic that doesn’t just affect drummers, but creative professionals in all fields...
5 myths about becoming a musician – and why you shouldn’t believe them
I was just nine when I made my plan to become a drummer. I practised a lot, watched endless tutorial videos and drew inspiration from interviews with...