Ok, you have the equipment, you've done the practice, learned a whole bunch of licks and now you're ready. Or are you? Most drummers starting out find out it's hard to get started. But I am about to give you a little boost in getting started.

A few things need to be done before we go to the big step.

BUSINESS CARDS

First of all, get business cards made up. The business card is the only thing left after the contact. Most people have a hard time remembering names. So give them an easy way to remember. A .00 to .00 investment in your cards will pay for itself on the first gig. Easy and simple design is only required. Be sure to include a contact number that you plan to have for some time. An email address is ok but most people in the business want to talk to you personally and a phone number shows easier reach ability. Remember, you WANT to get the call, right?

RESEARCH

The next step is to research the market. Find out what is going on and in demand in many styles.

Let me give you scenario #1.

You are a serious kit player and you are into Linkin Park or Slipknot or John Mayer or Blues Travelers. You pick the artist. You notice that no one in your town is doing any material like this (original or copy).

So what are you going to do? Well, you could look into a referral service and find a group looking for a kit player like you maybe in a town in another state that is 650 miles from where you live. If you did find such a group, would you be willing to move? Would you decide to form your own group? Do the members of the band have to be close? Where will the group perform? How many times a week? There are many variables.

Here is scenario #2.

You’ve have found an originals band looking for a drummer and they seem to have good material. You listen carefully to the first tune to feel it out and you come up with your own idea of a groove for the song. The song starts and your groove is happening for 10 seconds. Everything stops and all eyes are on you. We’ll say your groove was straight 8’s on top and a lot of double pedal syncopation. The guy that wrote the song says he wants it Ska style with a Reggae feel. Can you handle this? Is this what you heard and felt?

Here is scenario #3.

There is a nation wide hunt for talent by Disney. They are looking for everything. Actors, musicians, guide tours, concession agents, ride operators and security. Remember you have chops but do you have the experience and confidence to audition? Do you have connections in the business? What does your resume look like?

All of these scenarios have one thing, at least, in common. They all call for various repertoire and styles.

REPETOIRE and STYLES

What styles are you prepared for? What do you mean styles, I've got chops. Here is where a lot of drummers get a wake up call. You get the call, you show up for an audition and they call a cover tune just to warm up. And your reply is "I don't know that one" or "I never heard of it". This is where you will make your exit.

A lot of drummers have made this mistake in the start of their careers. Not having repertoire. You need a repertoire to refer to, to rely on and to get you through those auditions. You'll need to know many songs, artists and "styles".

Remember what your teacher(s) told you? Emulate as many drummers as you can. All of the greats have developed their selves by blending their favorite artists' styles and licks. And those licks have become a signature lick to their respective song.

For now, we have two things that will take a little time to get started. Business cards and repertoire and styles. Get out to concerts, clubs, music stores, drum circles, Mic nights, etc. and get your card out. Talk to bands, other drummers and any musician you come across. Get your name known and find out what the market is looking for.

Now take what you found out and go build your repertoire and styles. Get with your instructor and email a request to the guys at Percussionschool.com to start style lessons.

Next month ... networking and instructors.

Keep swingin'.

P.S. Keep it simple – don’t show off chops when the music DOESN’T call for it.