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Freelance Drumming: The "Skinny"

I sometimes take for granted that I'm able to play the kit and sing backing or lead vocals in just about any cover or creative playing situation (although I guess I shouldn't), and, with "zero" or little advance rehearsal time. This type of playing is initially a difficult topic to grasp for many beginning drummers. And yet, it's very important to understand freelancing if you're going to go down this road (one I honestly think every drummer should at least try).

So, how do you become a capable and desired freelance drummer? Well, there are several issues involved. Here we go;

1. Learn as many "standards" as you can. What are "standards". They are often-played songs that cover a wide range of genres (like Jazz, Swing and Latin). Knowing a good number of them is a real "must" if you plan to do higher paid function and wedding work. If you want to find out the names of many of the most-played "standards", then check out the web sites of the top wedding and function bands in your area. Then download them and learn them. You may not believe it, but I found learning "standards" enhanced my ability and creativity as a player. It probably will for you too. You may also find you actually love some of the music from the 40's, 50's and 60's too. I do - now!

2. Be able to read sheet music and gain the ability to chart out your own drum parts in "lead sheet" notation (like keyboard and guitar players do). I often do this when I've been given a list of tunes for a gig. I then get copies of the tunes, or, if I can, I download what I can from Itunes. Then, I chart them out. You may only have a day, or maybe a week to be ready. So this skill is truly vital. And use your own "shorthand notation" if you come up with one that's helpful for you. I have one of my own.

3. If you have a good set of pipes, learn how to sing while playing drums. A freelance drummer who can sing backing vocals is a VERY marketable commodity for most club, wedding and function bands. For example, I have a tenor range. This enables me to sing a very wide range of song parts (lead or backing). Sometimes I'm able to enhance a band in the vocal area just because I can sing a harmony part that no one could sing before. However, if you go this route, realize that there will be additional work involved for any gig (getting and learning lyrics). On the flip side, sometimes vocal capability simply won't be needed for a gig.

4. Stay positive, arrive early, and be ready - and don't expect too much to come from any freelance job (like a permanent gig, or even a callback to play again). Of course good things WILL happen overall. You WILL get referrals from good band leaders and other players for a job well done (and don't forget to bring your business cards to hand out). However, sometimes you will ONLY be filling-in for another drummer who couldn't make it, or, you're playing for a band/band leader who regularly hires from a pool of drummers - and he found you as a last resort. In this latter case, I've found that such band leaders can be extremely nervous about the prospect of using an "unknown commodity". On the other hand, they may add you to their pool, or you will find they simply could care less who's behind the drum kit (as long as he/she is competent). This is why I say, "Keep your mind focused on the work at hand and be as pleasant as possible - and enjoy playing for YOU, first and foremost".

Final Comments

You might be another "Buddy Rich", but when freelancing with band leaders, cover bands and certain types of musicians, you will be expected to play without errors and likely will get few "atta boys". But as long as you have a good attitude, and are doing your best, freelance drumming will be rewarding. Just be prepared for band leaders and musicians who have boneheaded "views" of what "drum part" you should play. As a hired gun, you must do your best to play what they want you to - even if it sounds stupid or wrong. Also, you will fall into some situations where you've gotten a gig and and you feel uneasy as you play. Don't let it get to you. You need to have a thick skin and remember to play for your own joy.

If you are good and keep playing, the best gigs you'll land will be both creative in nature, and will provide "pay" (like recording or touring gigs). Finding these opportunities is mainly why I have freelanced for many years - and it's been a lot of fun. However, if you take this approach, you need to accept the fact that it will take time to make the right contacts, and that such gigs are fewer in number, so they will be harder to land.

But that doesn't mean you should give up on looking for paying creative work! Heck, isn't the real reason we're drummers/musicians is so we can create? Of course it is! This is why, freelancing is such a great means to this end, or a vocation all its own! No matter, as a freelance drummer you will improve as a player, make contacts, meet some great people and make some money. And if you find a steady gig that falls through at some point, well, you can always go back to freelancing!

It's like a cycle...

So get out there - take a chance. Do your homework first though. Then watch for ads in the trades, on Craigslist and also make sure to play at "good" weekend jams that are held at the better clubs in your area. There's no replacement for "meeting and playing with" other musicians.

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