If you do/don't live off of your drumming career, how has that affected your life in a negative/positive way?
Back in the early 80's I always wanted to have music as a career. Once I had it as a career (for about 6 years), I decided I no longer wanted to do it. I began to not have fun any longer, to make a very long story short.
Not doing it as a career now has allowed me to enjoy the freedom of playing what and when I want and with whom. I now select only a few adult students instead of worrying about building a packed schedule to bring in more money.
I decided I wanted a more stable / steadier form of work (if that's even possible in today's world) so I went to college for a degree and went to work. It has allowed me to have a modest life that I don't think music would of provided. Most importantly, it allows me to live a schedule permitting me to be with my wife and child and not running off to the next gig, rehearsal or whatever.
Music and drumming play a crucial role. It is my only hobby and it it what I am most passionate about after my family.
What is your best advice to a young drummer wanting to make drumming their career?
Not only have your musical and personal life together, but have your business life together as well.
Did you go to school for drumming?
I didn't go to "school" as in a place like Berklee or MIT but I am fortunate to have the Eastman School of Music in my town which provided me years worth of music / drumming education. Additionally there are a few killer teachers outside of ESM who I've also benefited from immensely. Lastly, I'm a quick flight to Drummer's Collective so I used to use that as well a bit.
What was your best learning experience/did you go to school for music?
My many years of studying with great teachers helped me to carry on learning to this day. They taught me how to learn and how to work with material which goes much, much deeper than the surface of what's written.
Playing, playing and playing more in all sorts of settings has probably been my best experience. Especially playing with people much better than myself.