Studio Drummer – Getting Experience, Rise To The Challenge!

*BUT YOU SHOULD RISE TO THE CHALLENGE AND TRY!*

 

If you’re unable to accomplish it then alter the part slightly so that it is comfortable.  They may or may not even notice that you’ve done this.

 

This has happened to me many times in the studio on pressure filled sessions.  I get asked to play something that I wouldn’t normally play and I have to play it!  I have to get comfortable with it.  One specific producer used to do that to me all the time!  As I also mention in the chapter on technique, you have to be very analytical as a session drummer.

If you’re uncomfortable with something very specifically analyze what it is that is making you feel that way.  This can often result in the correction of the issue.  This is what I do personally in all areas of my playing in the studio.  I try to be as analytical as I can in a positive sense.

 

For myself, if I find that I can’t play something exactly as it’s being asked I will modify it slightly and again often the artist or producer isn’t aware that I’ve done that.

The same issue can arise on the chart.  You might be making the same mistake repeatedly on the chart.  Stop and quickly analyze where you are making the error and why.  Fix it.  Refer to the chapter on reading where I go deeper into this issue.

 

*DON’T PANIC.  ANALYZE AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*

 

You will also notice the effect on your playing and your ability to groove and sit in a pocket when other players are rushing or dragging!  The effect is often drastic!  And again on the flip side of this it may be you who is rushing or dragging in this situation.  You’ll experience headphone-monitoring issues.  Some instruments will be too soft or too loud and you won’t have enough click level for example.

 

For all of these reasons it’s vital to get in a room with 2 other players or more and work through the myriad of issues that will ensue.

FINALLY…

 

In the area of experience you have to be creative.  You HAVE to create your own situations to garner experience.  No one is going to do that for you!

 

How can you convince an artist or producer to utilize your abilities?  Think of every possible creative scenario that you can!

 

*IF YOU’RE DEDICATED AND PATIENT, THE DAY WILL COME WHEN YOU’RE DISCUSSING YOUR PRICE POINT WITH CLIENTS!*