Every few years I need to rethink, reconsider, regroup, refocus my activities. After 2 years in my new home of Toronto, the time is now to do just those things.

​When I first moved here my professional goal was to successfully establish my teaching studio. Secondly, find folks to play with and make beautiful music. Done.

​Now it's time to move the studio to the next level by increasing the value of my work for my students.

1. Ask them how I can better serve them
   
2. Execute

Secondly, move up to the professional ranks as a musician after a decade off the professional circuit.

1. Survey the landscape to see what's happening and what's not. 
   
2. Pick one direction to focus on.
   
3. Charge.
   

Thirdly, continue to practice piano and drums in the most effective and efficient way I can. Continue to work with world class music coaches and practice daily.

Cheers,

​David

Plus my regular day gig. How do I feel? Freaking beat. And, a bit sore in the upper back. Time for rest, stretching, and some heat. I think I over did it.

“Stress demands rest, and rest supports stress.”
― Brad Stulberg, Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success

Best,

​David

​

Sometimes the best strategy is to fix bayonets and charge the hill. Really. Guaranteed to catch everyone off guard. And, it might work.

​Step one: Make a goal, write it down, etc. You know the drill. Think you are too old. BS, I almost 60 and nobody and I mean nobody said to me, "what are you doing here?"
Step two: Prepare

1. Learn the basic repertoire. For most genres it's likely under 40 tunes.
2. Get gear in order.

Step Three: Get out there

1. Start going to jams. Start by just listening until you get the lay of the land. Don't play for a least 2 weeks. Say hello to whom ever is sitting beside you. Great opening question at a jam, "what instrument do you play?" Or, "are you sitting in tonight?"
2. On the third week ask to sit in. I don't recommend a drink before hand, you need all your senses sharp.
3. Keep attending the weekly or monthly events until you become a regular. As soon as folks start to recognize you, you are part of the scene!
4.  When this step is reached, now is the time to start asking folks to join their bands, or start one. 

​Final thoughts: 

1. ​Be nice
2. Keep your opinions to yourself
3. Don't bore youngsters with old war stories
4. Stay sober.

​
I'm now jamming and playing shows on drums in my new home of Toronto. Nearly everyone I play with is younger than me, sometimes a lot younger. (25 years old and up!) Some are older too. 

Best,

​David Story