Getting back into drums more now that I'm unemployed

[fourstringdrums]

I'm a fairly regular poster here, but I never got into my personal details much in regards to health problems I was having. I've made a few mentions of my having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and for those who didn't know, it impacted my job quite a bit. Since November 06 I haven't worked much at all, and even after the surgeries I had, my pain started to get worse. Well, at the end of a long story, I decided to resign from my job and I applied for Social Security Disability benefits because the type of job I did is all I can do physically, and I can't do it anymore.

So aside from waiting around for my approval (which in all likelyhood should be a cinch..if not, I'm going to have many more months of lawyer involved b.s. on my hands) I have more time to devote to my home, my family, and finally, my drums, which luckily is approved by my doctor as he says is a form of therapy. I believe it too. I can have pain all day but as soon as I play it goes away, and then comes back once I stop. But, even after playing for as long as I have leads me with a dilemma...I haven't actively practiced or played on a regular basis for the last 10 years. Life and frustration took over and everything took a back seat....it's a wonder I improved at all *lol* So where do I start to get back on track?

I was taking lessons before all my health problems took the front seat, and at the moment, for the summer atleast, I can't afford to go back to them. I do have plenty of material from when I did take lessons, and plenty of DVD's and a few books. But how do I digest it all and come up with a game plan towards improvement?

I especially want to jam with people again. I severely miss that and up until now I never had the time. Where do I start trying to find people? Obviously, I want to start slow..just something casual, and with guys who hopefully have the level of experience I do behind the instrument. But the fact that I haven't played with anyone in so long makes me nervous. I don't feel like my skills or chops are up to it and I don't want to waste anyone's time.

Any suggestions?

[boomboomda]

www.craigslist.com
Ckeck that locally under "musicians" category.
Also www.realitysnap.com check if they have ads from your area, under "drummer wanted".
Correction: realitysnap is only in the Tampa Bay area I think.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Hey Rob, I didn't know that you'd resigned. I should get my AIM working again, shouldn't I?

Music in general is great therapy for many things. I know that it's helped me get over a few things in my past (Hell I'm not even that old) and is continuing to get me through some of my issues, as is playing the guitar. In fact a couple of months ago I was playing guitar five hours a day just to take my mind off of what was going on! Music gives me something to look forward to every day, and seeing as practically every day is based around my musical activities (at college, or at home) then there's a lot of good to focus on!

Rob, don't worry about your level of competence. There are people here that are far behind you, and I'm one of them. Don't be afraid to play with whomever you please, because it's all a learning experience. Just don't go in there pretending to be the next Bonzo and you'll be fine, plus I know for a fact that you wouldn't do that. Too humble. I really don't see why you couldn't have a decent band going.

[gmrakich]

Local music websites are a great place to find others to jam with. In Indianapolis we have www.indianapolismusic.net and there are always drummer wanteddd ads.

Good luck with everything.

[fourstringdrums]

Hey Rob, I didn't know that you'd resigned. I should get my AIM working again, shouldn't I?

Music in general is great therapy for many things. I know that it's helped me get over a few things in my past (Hell I'm not even that old) and is continuing to get me through some of my issues, as is playing the guitar. In fact a couple of months ago I was playing guitar five hours a day just to take my mind off of what was going on! Music gives me something to look forward to every day, and seeing as practically every day is based around my musical activities (at college, or at home) then there's a lot of good to focus on!

Rob, don't worry about your level of competence. There are people here that are far behind you, and I'm one of them. Don't be afraid to play with whomever you please, because it's all a learning experience. Just don't go in there pretending to be the next Bonzo and you'll be fine, plus I know for a fact that you wouldn't do that. Too humble. I really don't see why you couldn't have a decent band going.

Well I actually just resigned yesterday. I do feel though that to some extent I have to brush up on playing a bit more because I am pretty rusty.

[Mr. Pasquini]

aye, you have to do what you have to do. That's how it is, as I'm sure you know. So long as you're happy and you can "make it" on disability you're golden.
Brush up; but don't be scared to just find people to jam with.

[harryconway]

As mentioned by others, "Craigs list". Start answering adds and run your own. Also, most record/cd/dvd shops and musical instrument stores have bullitin boards. And keep your ears open for "open mic nights" at bars, clubs, coffee houses, etc. Once you start "networking", you might find there's a lot of cats out there to jam with.

[Muckster]

Just curious, what kind of work were you doing?

[fourstringdrums]

Just curious, what kind of work were you doing?

Directory Assistance Operator with Verizon...alot of repetitive typing involved. But I'm getting to the point where even moderate typing that I would have to do in most jobs I'd be able to do causes me pain after a while. My doctor's concern is that if I kept up doing jobs that required typing for a living, I'd have problems using my crutches down the road, as they're the main cause of my problems to begin with anyway. Unfortunately, office/typing jobs is all I can do because of my Cerebral Palsy. Anything that involves standing, walking, lifting, or sitting for a long period of time I have to rule out completely.

[fijjibo]

Wow, Im sure most people would love to have tons of time to devote to drumming.

As for the jamming - look out for open mic nights at pubs etc, like Harry said.

Good luck!!!

[rockinrider]

Hey Rob,

I also feel that Harry's right about Open Mike nights and networking.

I recently decided to get back into the public eye. As it happened, Guitar Center recently opened a store in a nearby town. I went in to see if there were any notices posted and spoke with the the guitar guy behind the counter. He mentioned that he sponsored an open mike night each Thursday at a local hotel and invited me to come by.

I think that the networking idea is good. No real pressure at open mike. Most are there for the same reason...networking. The biggest problem might be adjusting to the house drum kit. But then, all who play there would have the same problem.

Try it.

Good luck, Rob. I hope it works out well.

[fourstringdrums]

Hey Rob,

I also feel that Harry's right about Open Mike nights and networking.

I recently decided to get back into the public eye. As it happened, Guitar Center recently opened a store in a nearby town. I went in to see if there were any notices posted and spoke with the the guitar guy behind the counter. He mentioned that he sponsored an open mike night each Thursday at a local hotel and invited me to come by.

I think that the networking idea is good. No real pressure at open mike. Most are there for the same reason...networking. The biggest problem might be adjusting to the house drum kit. But then, all who play there would have the same problem.

Try it.

Good luck, Rob. I hope it works out well.

Thanks. Adjusting to someone elses set is what makes me nervous because I'm notorious for being picky about what I need to get comfortable. With my CP it's harder to get adapted to another set the way I would my own.

[kung_f00]

Rob: Sorry that you had to leave your job, but ultimately -- it's for the best. Plus, you have more time for drumming, and maybe you'll even start a new career as a drummer!

I was having similar issues in terms of finding bandmates and gigs. My best bet to you is to ask around at local music stores if anyone is in need of a drummer. Plus, be sure to look for fliers -- that's how I met with the guys that I jam with now. Oh, and another place to check is a music school -- somewhere that offers lessons. If you're in any way weary of your abilities, finding people through a music school will make sure that they'll be on the same page, and will hopefully avoid any elitism.

[fourstringdrums]

Yeah I plan on hitting up music stores and checking around on the net. I just want to take it slow at first because it's been so long since I've jammed with people.

[larlev]

Yeah I plan on hitting up music stores and checking around on the net. I just want to take it slow at first because it's been so long since I've jammed with people.


My advice is YOU put up the ads.....this will let YOU pick and choose versus the other way around.....

You and I are older now.....take the reigns and put something together that suits YOU

[fijjibo]

Having a bunch of time on your hands can be a real blessing - heres an example.

I recently left school, leaving me a ton of time untill I go to do A-Levels.

I decided to set up my kit, put some muting stuff on them, leav 'em there, and play whenever, and for how long, I want.

In two weeks that Ive had - Ive already nailed some basic inter-dependence stuff.

So, basically, you could devote yourself to drumming, and come out of the rough patch a better musician.

Btw, heres my poor little kit with muting towels etc on it...
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w136/fijjibo/IMG_0247.jpg
lol

[That Guy]

Hey Rob!

Don't worry about inabilities. I have seen some of your vids, and you have nothing to worry about. I know what its like to feel like you don't wanna waste anyones time. But, please listen to me on this. Even if you only know 3 or 4 solid beats that you can play, RUN WITH IT! There are plenty of people out there that are NOT looking for full time gigs and professional drummers. There are many out there who are just looking for fun. Alot of them, whether they are guitarist, bassist, keybordist/pianist can only play a few strong measures themselves and are intimidaded by the same worries you have.

Open mic nights are a great thing. Even if you don't play that night. You put yourself in the position to meet some good people just looking to have fun. Hell, most of them are not on stage, but in the audience drinking a brew.

Please don't ever feel like you are not up to snuff. There are many people who would love to be able to do what you do on the drums. You have a handicap, and you still keep a great groove. Thats F'ing inspiring dude!

If you search around and are serious, you will find some great people out there who are just looking to play around.

[fourstringdrums]

Hey Rob!

Don't worry about inabilities. I have seen some of your vids, and you have nothing to worry about. I know what its like to feel like you don't wanna waste anyones time. But, please listen to me on this. Even if you only know 3 or 4 solid beats that you can play, RUN WITH IT! There are plenty of people out there that are NOT looking for full time gigs and professional drummers. There are many out there who are just looking for fun. Alot of them, whether they are guitarist, bassist, keybordist/pianist can only play a few strong measures themselves and are intimidaded by the same worries you have.

Open mic nights are a great thing. Even if you don't play that night. You put yourself in the position to meet some good people just looking to have fun. Hell, most of them are not on stage, but in the audience drinking a brew.

Please don't ever feel like you are not up to snuff. There are many people who would love to be able to do what you do on the drums. You have a handicap, and you still keep a great groove. Thats F'ing inspiring dude!

If you search around and are serious, you will find some great people out there who are just looking to play around.

Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. I know that I just have to go for it and put my insecurities aside. It's important that I just take that first step, and I will soon. I'm just trying to get comfortable first.

[That Guy]

Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. I know that I just have to go for it and put my insecurities aside. It's important that I just take that first step, and I will soon. I'm just trying to get comfortable first.

Your welcome my friend. My words are not some fake post just to rack up my post count. You are truly an inspiration to drummers everywhere regardless of what you may think inside. And, may I add.... that interview with Rick Allen... OMG!!! I couldn't have even thought of doing that, nevermind thinking of any better questions. You tapped on everything that I would ever want to ask him. You have so much going for you, wife and all. Deep inside I truly wish that I could give you what I have... (the ability to use all limbs without difficulty.)

I could only imagine what you could do without your handicap. Hell, I know you would surpass not only my abilities but many who are members of this forum. I just hope that you stick to your guns and don't let anyone hold you back my brother.

BTW... love you avatar!

[fourstringdrums]

Your welcome my friend. My words are not some fake post just to rack up my post count. You are truly an inspiration to drummers everywhere regardless of what you may think inside. And, may I add.... that interview with Rick Allen... OMG!!! I couldn't have even thought of doing that, nevermind thinking of any better questions. You tapped on everything that I would ever want to ask him. You have so much going for you, wife and all. Deep inside I truly wish that I could give you what I have... (the ability to use all limbs without difficulty.)

I could only imagine what you could do without your handicap. Hell, I know you would surpass not only my abilities but many who are members of this forum. I just hope that you stick to your guns and don't let anyone hold you back my brother.

BTW... love you avatar!

Once again, thanks for the kind words :) Yeah interview with Rick was great, something I definately aspired to do for the website. Glad you enjoyed it!