drumming secrets

Dear Juan

I would like to know how you are able to remember all the songs for the many artists you have worked with and still are working with?

With my band I sometimes have to think hard to remember the songs; my band can tell when I am trying hard to remember while I play. They always look back at me and that makes me insecure. At those moments my playing goes down the drain. I really need to work on this problem

Have you got some advice for me?

Tom Brenningham, Ightam (UK)

Hi Tom! 

Thanks for your question... 

I have various ways to remember the many songs of the big repertoire in my head....First of all I train myself to feel confident in using my memory instead of writing stuff down. The only downside of it is, that it's very time consuming. But if you are rehearsing with your band, this would be the best way; you don't have to worry about 'lead sheets' or 'partitures' during the  concerts!  

But when you are playing on a freelance basis for many different artists or bands, it's wise to prepare yourself by writing down the song structures as well as the parts that need to be played. It will give you more freedom and confidence when you are doing the rehearsals definately! 

If it's an 'emergency' gig, because band's drummer got ill and you get the phone call a day before, then take my advise and do the following steps: 

1. find out if you are able to play the music style of the band before you say 'yes' to the band; once you make a deal, there's no turning back! 

2. let the band send you the music through the internet by downloadable mp3, or links to YouTube. 

3. ask for a setlist so you can put the songs in the right order while you study. 

4. put the songs on your personal madia player (I-pod, MP3 player, laptop) asap! 

5. learn the song titels by heart as much as you can and link it to the chorus line of that song. At the same time learn to sing the chorusl! 

6. write down the songstructures, count how many bars every section lasts for, and make music notation for the grooves and accents that need to be played by you. Also make notes of the music style of every songs, and songs that it reminds you to when you hear the song; it all helps to get quicker and more comfortable results.  

7. double check all written parts carefully; for your own comfort, make sure there are no mistakes in it! 

8. play the music as much as you can; make use of every moment of the day....I even listen to tracks that I have to learn in a short period of time, during dish washing, walking my dogs, driving to the gig, between the soundcheck and the concert.....it all helps memorizing the parts of the songs. 

9. use a metronome during the gig; this way you can take control of tempos and prevent from speeding up or slowing down during the gig. There's allready so many new  things you have to concentrate on. Also it prevents getting angry faces of guitarists and singers looking back at you!  

10. eat good and healthy food, not so much coffee and focus on the gig before the show; learn to trust yourself to be able to remember the songs....never forget: it's something you do not ONLY do with your head. If you do it right your whole body will adapt the music! 

11. after the gig ask the artists for feedback; learn from everything they say and don't take it personal when they critize your playing! 

Good luck!

Juan