FROM THE AIRPLANE TRAY TABLE OF JARED FALK
You will never be a successful drummer if you are defining your success in comparison to what someone else has achieved. Personal drumming success is not something that is measured with a metric such as how fast you can play, how many polyrhythms you know, or how much money you make. There is no quantifiable measurement, success comes in the form of a feeling. When you’re successful, you’ll know it and no one can tell you otherwise.
I understand that can sound very ‘hippie’ when I talk about feelings, but I believe this to be true. I’ve been thinking deeply about this lately as I was trying to figure out the common denominator behind all of the amazing drummers we’ve had on Drumeo. What makes them so special?
Take a moment to think about two of your favourite drummers. Mine are Benny Greb and Carter Beauford. When I think about them I believe they are successful. They have technique, feel, groove, time, vocabulary, are great listeners, and so much more. But does me thinking they’re successful make them successful? I don’t think so.
I have personally taken a step back from filming video lessons and playing live gigs, but I feel more successful than I’ve ever been with my drumming. Let me explain – In the past I would feel guilty for not practicing enough or not playing enough live gigs. I would analyze my drumming and get mad because I didn’t sound like my favourite drummers. I didn’t like having those guilty feelings. After all, I play drums because I love playing music. It should be fun – not a guilt trip.
As soon as I came to the realization that there is no quantifiable way to measure a successful drummer, everything changed. I started having fun again and didn’t take things too seriously.
I don’t have aspirations to tour internationally with a big recording artist. Playing drums is a hobby that I am passionate about, not my career choice. I love staying home close to my family. I have a beautiful wife (Shanna), two boys (Greyson and Sawyer), and two dogs (Teagan and Sadie). Things are awesome in my life and lately I have just been filled with gratitude to be able to do what I do. I get to play music, teach drummers, hang out with the best drummers in the world, and work with an incredible team at Drumeo.
Many of my online students will message me stressing about their lack of practice time. Depending on what their goals are, sometimes I just tell students not to worry. Enjoy the process of getting better, regardless of how fast you think you’re progressing or how much time you have to practice. Just have fun with it.
At Drumeo, we have students with a diverse range of goals. Some students want to tour, become a session drummer, play local gigs, participate in jam sessions, film drum covers, teach privately, teach online, drum for exercise, or just play for their own enjoyment. None of those things are wrong.
It really frustrates me when I hear some popular teachers talk about drumming like it’s a sacred art and anyone who plays needs to learn a certain way and go down a specific path.
So with that said, I just really want to encourage you today. Become the drummer you want to be. Strive to feel successful as defined by you and drumming will become fun again. And thank you for reading, I really don’t take any of your attention for granted and I appreciate you hearing me out on this. If you have any questions, I’m always available to chat through email: jared@drumeo.com
P.S. Oh, one more thing. I love what we’re doing at Drumeo and I’d be doing a disservice to my staff and amazing community if I didn’t personally invite you to be a part of it. Please join us, we’d love to see you inside the members area today! You can get set up here: Drumeo.com or call us between 8am – 4pm PST (11am-7pm EST) at 1-800-439-8921.
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