Like i always say music is life, yeah it's. First and foremost i want to be formal about my introduction here. I've been in search of a community that discuss everything about music and musicians, and luckily I found this wonderful platform.
I go by the name joshsticks28 well, that's my stage name so, even without telling or disclosing my musical talent my name stage name has given me out on what instrument I play, yeah. I'm a drummer, and a professional drummer to be specific.
Now I would like to share my story or let me say journey to being a professional drummer. Smiles. Well, I have always love drums and also passionate about it ever since I was a kid.
It all started when i was 5, I got discovered by my parents. It quite obvious one could have guessed that cause they gave birth to me and they noticed my interest gradually as I grow up.
I really didn't mingle with my mates or stay in the children church whenever a service is going on. all i ever wanted was just to go to the drums, play and show to the pastorate and the congregation what they are missing, funny right ? Little josh, smiles. I was not even close to being a novice but I was so sure of myself and I had this huge confidence about myself that I can do whatever those big guys doing in the adults church. I was so determined to get to that level of being a professional drummer. It went on like that I wasn't given the chance to prove myself even though I didn't have the skills then.
After about 5years later we relocated to our permanent resident that was where I met a lot of great drummers, the likes of @dsticks
and many more. They showed me the path to being a professional drummer, like going to concerts, rehearsals, lots of church services, ceremonies e.g wedding, grand openings, and so on. I used to accompany them to almost every concerts or events they get invited to. Of course I know what exactly I was looking for and also aiming for.
During those times I usually get to see these guys play often so as to learn more skills from them cause that was one of the sole purpose i was hanging out with them for. I continued like that and then I started noticing some little changes in the way I play like for example, the 4/4 beat, chops, Rudiments, and being able to work with metronome and most importantly my timing while playing triplets. And then i decided on which size of drums stick suits me and that's more convenient for me to use while playing drums. I finally got used to playing with 2b sticks and my favorite brand was @vicfirth and it's still my favorite. I learnt alot of traditional beats and as well the common beats that are widely common like
- Salsa
- Bossa Nova
- 4/4 beats
- Take 5
- 6/8 beats
- Rudiments e.g paradidles, paradidle-didles.
- Triplets and many more
Now, being versatile on these different beats was kinda challenging honestly but at the long run I was able to flow very well while playing them on drums.
As time goes by I get to noticed another weakness in my playing which is creating double kicks. I couldn't play and wasn't flowing using double kicks frequently as well. I do feel bad about it so, I decided to go online YouTube to be precise and searched for "how to play using double kicks on drums", I downloaded many videos and also watched many videos related to that online.
While searching for videos that could be of help to me online I concluded within myself that I'll work on my double kicks on my own because I wasn't satisfied enough with the materials (drums videos) I have with me not that they weren't okay but I wasn't just okay enough with them.
I Started working constantly and tirelessly on my kicks and also not forgetting the fact that I still needed to work on my strokes and my weaker hand
my left hand to be precise. I just kept on aiming for professionalism. Now, before I met those guys you know I mentioned earlier that I'm very sure and certain of my playing or the way I play not knowing I wasn't even anywhere close to being a professional drummer not until I watch and listen to these guys play drums then I felt I'm just fooling myself with so much pride and ego thinking I have arrived, Funny me.
After many practices and rehearsals with the materials at my disposal, i was finally getting to the level i was aiming at which is being a professional musician (drummer). So, I started getting invites for studio session and getting called for shows and bigger concerts and events. My journey to being a professional musician/drummers was now getting closer than i expected cause of the commitment and dedication i invested or had in it.
I got the chance to know these great musician (drummers) and watch them play and dazzle in their different styles. The likes of @ericmoore, @tonyroyster @chriscoleman, @davewecki, @devontaylor. Learnt alot from them as well most especially @ericmoore this guy is so unique in his own way no doubt the other guys are very good but I just have this stuff for @ericmoore
not because he's the best or the fastest among them I just prefer watching him play, I love his gospel chops.
And about the other guys someone I also admire alot is @chriscoleman
yes he's wonderful on drums. I call him the king of time signature. Even metronomes obeys him on drums. Yeah he's that good.
Another person I really look up to for speed is @tonyroyster
this guy is "THE FLASH" on drums, his speed on drums is out of this world. I love these guy and they are all unique in their different ways of playing.
So watching these guys play also helped me alot. And more importantly scoring of songs had a huge impact on me getting to this level (professional) I'm a now. Though i still have some parts where I still need to improve much on but I strongly believe in me that with time and lots of practice I will be good in those aspect or area of weakness.
Now, I've gotten to where I wanted, I mean being a professional musician of course. Getting to this level wasn't a smooth road for me I encountered so many difficulties trying to be the best and to attain the level of professionalism. It was rough path I must confess. Always thanking God for the gift of life and for making it possible for me get to where i am now. The path to greatness lies in our hands and we shouldn't take it for granted or procrastinate things that needs to take immediate effects on our lives.
I would like to say this never give up on ur passion or trade it for anything. Follow your passion and success will follow you.
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Wow this is really lovely. Always keep up the good work
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Good luck on this journey! I can relate to such genuine passion myself when it comes to movies ☺️
inspiring stuff. you just gained new follower. follow your dream bro
Thank you @cubapl