Success is predictable. Have a goal, make a plan, execute. Simple to say, trickier to see through. The trick, all things being equal is the follow through, or in the parlance of our day: Grit.

​But, it takes more than that. In no particular order here are some thoughts:

Success needs

1. ​Desire: a major definite purpose
2. ​Focus: you can only ride one horse at a time
3. A highly sought after marketable skill
4. Reliability: You do what you promised, when you promised it, in the manner you promised to do it.
5. A fertile environment: living in a safe prosperous country helps
6. Access to resources: internet, information, public utilities, and much more
7. Education: yes, reading two books won't make you an expert. Either will YouTube.
8. Intelligence: Yep, this helps a lot
9. The Knowledge of counting: Business math is important
   
10. Leadership: Core skill
11. Grit: the ability and desire to preserve in the face of obstacles
12. Long term thinking: considering the long-term effects of an action
13. Health: high energy is a prerequisite for most people
14. Supportive mentors and teachers: you can't do it alone
15. Time: likely double what you thought
16. Luck: preparation meets opportunity

Best,

David Story 
​

Are you practicing or just screwing around?

​Practice: To earn, grow, or maintain proficiency on our instruments. My definition. 

• To earn professional proficiency will take time, effort, focus, coaching, piles of $$, and buckets courage or grit. 
• ​To grow our proficiency further will take the above plus vivid imagination.
• ​To maintain our skills so we don't embarrass ourselves just takes focus on fundamental skills and repertoire maintenance. 

​​My goals, my strategies, my tactics for 2017-2018 as a drummer...

My Goals

1. ​Audition for and be accepted to the Siena Jazz Academy summer program. 

​My Strategy

1. ​Dual lessons with both Terry Clarke, jazz drummer and mentor. technique class with Tony Nesbitt-Larking.

​My Tactics

1. I've scheduled time for practice into my daily and weekly schedule.
2. I do, as assigned, my homework.
3. ​I transcribe tunes weekly.
4. ​I'm building my jazz solo vocabulary.
5. ​I use a metronome.
6. ​I spend a few hours a day listening to music, paying attention to drummers in particular. Also, I keep the motivational fires burning by listening to drummer interviews on drummers resource, reading drum magazines and books, and checking out instrument reviews.
7. ​I only hang with musicians who share my dream of proficiency. 
8. I work on my dynamics and sound all the time.
9. ​I record all rehearsals and carefully listen back.
10. ​I work on balance and dynamics, especially at lower dynamic levels.
11. ​I jam twice a week or more with musicians who can play and kick my butt. 
12. ​I network like hell every week with an eye to the future.
13. ​I take time off to recharge the batteries.
14. ​I fixed my sleep problems: I love my cpap machine.
15. ​I exercise to stay in shape.
16. ​I constantly visualise success which is to play drums with musicians I admire in the Jazz, New Music, Improvisational, and Americana scenes in Toronto and surrounding areas. 

Best, 

David Story

Accountability is the name of the game: at work, in the a marriage, in the practice room. As Simon Sinek says we are social animals, we don't want to violate the trust people have in us.

A short list of possibilities for musicians:

1. Schedule weekly lessons on your instrument with a musician you admire. I study with Terry Clarke, renowned jazz drummer. Showing up unprepared and embarrassing myself is unthinkable.
   
2. Play in a rehearsal band. I play weekly in a rock band. Music has to be prepared. 
   
3. Form a duet. Four hands if you are a pianist. 
   
4. Find a performance coach. No kidding. 
   

It is harder to rationalise our way out of practicing when we haven't set up a time and place to work with others.  

best, 

​David Story

Start with a plan: S.M.A.R.T. Goals or SMART Goal Setting

S- Specific
M- Measurable
A- Achievable
R- Relevant
T- Time bound




First example:

Gig: June 17th, 2017
Music: Rock
Venue: Outdoor Street Festival, Toronto ON
Significance: My public rock drumming debut

Our set list has been chosen. We are polishing our performance every Wednesday night. I`ve engaged a rock drum teacher to coach me. We meet weekly. We are all experienced musicians, though each of us is bringing something new to the event. I`m a jazz/contemporary music guy, rock is something new for me. This will be fun. My friends are showing up, plus if it's a wonderful day, thousands of people will walk by and hear us. That`s relevant for sure.

I now know what to practice. Practice time is scheduled in my calendar. Pray for pleasant weather.

Second example:

Jazz Camp July 2017 Kentucky
Music: Jazz Standards
Significance: My 5th and likely final showing at this wonderful event. Each past year I`ve moved up a level. The plan this year is to be able to play at the highest level at the camp. Many friends and piano students of mine will be there. My pride is on the line. I`m practicing everyday on my camp repertoire as listed in the handbook. I`m getting coaching from jazz great Terry Clarke. I`m jamming every week once or twice jazz standards in the Toronto area. 

For both goals, I`ve created a 12-week practice regime that outlines repertoire, etudes, and specific tunes for transcription. I now know what to practice. Practice time is scheduled in my calendar.

I will be ready. 

Cheers,

David Story

Practice tip of the week: Record everything

​

Remember when we were young and we had to put up with grumpy old men complaining that the Beatles ruined everything. Or, Disco, or Grunge, or synthesizers, or what-ever. Well Cats, we are now that age. How do we come across? Positive, open, excited, contributing? Or grumpy, complaining, and a drag to be around to anyone who still has their hair in its original colour?



Solutions?

1. Shut up
2. Turn on the radio and just have  listen to what people under the age of say 40 are listening to.
3. Stop complaining about the state of the music business. In fact, stop complaining about anything.
4. Go jam with some 20 somethings at a local open mic. Be nice, they will be. No ogling the girls. Be a gentleman.
5. Don't talk about what you've done. Nobody really cares. But, everyone will be interested in what you've got planned in the future.
6. Learn some new tunes.
7. Ask younger musicians what they are up to. Be quiet and listen. Ask to hear some of their music. Don't talk about yours unless they ask. Then be gracious. They are nervous and likely full of self doubt. Be positive and encouraging. It will go a long way.
8. Become a mentor if someone asks, otherwise keep your trap shut. 

Cheers,

David Story
www.davidstory.ca