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HOW TO DEAL WITH CRITICISM |
 | Mind control is the result of self-discipline and habit. You either control your mind, or it controls you. It's black and white. The most practical way of controlling the mind is keeping it busy with a definite purpose backed by a definite plan. If you look at any high achiever in history or present day, and look closely, you will find they exercise this principle of control over their own mind. |
DESIRE – DECIDE – DESIGN
DESIRE
I call them the 3 Ds of drumming success. First you must Desire with emotion and enthusiasm the outcome you most want from your drumming career. What do you want to do on a daily basis? Who do you want to make music with and where? How much financial freedom are you willing to accept and receive?
These are all important questions to ponder when beginning the practice of desire. As a self proclaimed stoic, I am well aware of the potential dangers of desire. The possible attachment and let down that comes when expectations are not met. This is something to be conscious of, but not feared. We are material human beings for now, so it is appropriate to desire earthly things and a level of material security, even abundance. It is in my opinion also our responsibility.
DESIRE
I call them the 3 Ds of drumming success. First you must Desire with emotion and enthusiasm the outcome you most want from your drumming career. What do you want to do on a daily basis? Who do you want to make music with and where? How much financial freedom are you willing to accept and receive?
These are all important questions to ponder when beginning the practice of desire. As a self proclaimed stoic, I am well aware of the potential dangers of desire. The possible attachment and let down that comes when expectations are not met. This is something to be conscious of, but not feared. We are material human beings for now, so it is appropriate to desire earthly things and a level of material security, even abundance. It is in my opinion also our responsibility.
 | What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend/boyfriend? Homeless! OUCH!! Funny but all too often true. This is not just a common stereotype from the general public that drummers are known as “broke musicians,” but one I often hear drummers harshly labeling themselves as. I know because I used to do it myself — and in fact, I used to be one myself! |
Not anymore, though! I made a decision that I would no longer settle for playing for free drinks or gas money. I made it my mission to find all the ways I could to get paid for playing the drums. I am fully self-supported through the money I make playing, teaching, and writing about drums, and I even wrote a book that became a #1 Best Seller called “Drum and Grow Rich” — so I guess you could say I am qualified to give you some helpful pointers on the subject.
Here are 6 ways, other than landing the dream gig and touring the world, to make money playing the drums.
Here are 6 ways, other than landing the dream gig and touring the world, to make money playing the drums.
 | Do you want your band to sound even better? (Who doesn’t?!) Here I will share my secret for improving the group’s sound as well as your individual musical skills… Do you think a metronome is just a personal preference for some musicians? Are you one of those musicians who KNOWS your time is perfect and unmatched? Well I’ve got news for you — it probably isn’t as spot-on as you think. Most fights in bands are due to someone being off-time, and unable to accept that it is them. The truth is that most people honestly believe they are on time. As a drummer, I learned a long time ago the only way to know for sure how good your timing really is, is to use a metronome. |
 | Want to learn to play the drums? Nervous about the first lesson? Read on as San Diego, CA drum teacher Lucas Widdes shares what you can expect from a great first lesson… Drums are an art form, and like all art forms, there are as many styles and techniques as there are people. |
 | Learning to play the drums means new equipment, new skills, and new terminology. Here I'll break down some basic drum terms so you can walk the walk and talk the talk… Whether you’re new to the drumming world or you’re a seasoned pro, these drum terms are the ABC’s that every drummer should know. 1. Rudiments are the different drum patterns that can be used as drills themselves, or turned into music when applied properly to the drum set or drum kit. |
 | As a drummer, you might be faced with sight reading as you practice and audition. Here are my tips for sight reading practice… There are two types of drummers: those who read music, and ones who don’t. I have met so many talented drummers who have decided they can’t or won’t read music, and never even give themselves a chance to try. Charts and sight reading can be overwhelming, but is a useful skill, and one that is easy if you do it right. |
Do you want to learn drums, but aren’t sure which route to take? These days we are lucky enough to have many options, but having too many can also be confusing and overwhelming.
Let’s take a closer look at the three main options so you can figure out which one will suit your needs and goals the best. (HINT: You can use more than one)
1) In-person lessons. To me, learning in person from an experienced teacher is essential. There is no better way to quickly and efficiently progress than to have a coach who can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and put you on a path toward your unique goals. There is something magical about the “Sensei and grasshopper” relationship that cannot be fully experienced any other way than in person.
Remember, in-person lessons can be in the comfort and convenience of your own home, or at the teacher’s school or studio. Either way is equally effective, it just comes down to personal preference and resources.
Let’s take a closer look at the three main options so you can figure out which one will suit your needs and goals the best. (HINT: You can use more than one)
1) In-person lessons. To me, learning in person from an experienced teacher is essential. There is no better way to quickly and efficiently progress than to have a coach who can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and put you on a path toward your unique goals. There is something magical about the “Sensei and grasshopper” relationship that cannot be fully experienced any other way than in person.
Remember, in-person lessons can be in the comfort and convenience of your own home, or at the teacher’s school or studio. Either way is equally effective, it just comes down to personal preference and resources.
Have you ever played a gig then stood around wondering and waiting to see how much you are going to get paid? Often to end up not getting paid at all? Have you ever left a gig swearing that that was the last free gig you’re ever going to play, but it wasn’t? Why? Well, because the truth is, we love to play music. We love it so much that we actually would play and often do for free. But this is how slowly but surely, one-by-one musicians die. They decide to focus on their real job and play just for fun. Eventually, they give it up altogether.
Over time I have developed and grown my skills in just “asking” for what I want, need, and deserve. You would be surprised at how easy it actually is once you get past the initial fear. Furthermore, it is amazing how often people say YES! I use to be prideful and what I thought was humble at the same time about asking for money due to me. I didn’t know how to go about making sure I got paid for a gig I was going to play, or for teaching music or any other number of drumming opportunities. Well not anymore!
Over time I have developed and grown my skills in just “asking” for what I want, need, and deserve. You would be surprised at how easy it actually is once you get past the initial fear. Furthermore, it is amazing how often people say YES! I use to be prideful and what I thought was humble at the same time about asking for money due to me. I didn’t know how to go about making sure I got paid for a gig I was going to play, or for teaching music or any other number of drumming opportunities. Well not anymore!
Author
Lucas Widdes Owner/Creator of D&G$
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