When I was a kid I was scared to death!

Scared to death of people of critisizing or rejecting my own performance. In my high school jazz band I played Tenor Saxaphone, and we played the tune, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. As you all know, “Respect” has this killer sax solo. And of course yours truly had the privilege taking the solo.

Every time we performed in front of the students or at some function, “Respect” was an obvious choice, but when the sax solo came up I didn’t have the balls to stand up. I froze like a cube. I still played it but I stayed in my seat and let the rhythm section drown me because I was afraid to stand out of the crowd.

After the semester ended we put that tune to rest and never played it.

Thank you Jesus!

The fear of criticism can be a huge barrier in our quest to become a successful musician. Today I don’t really have that fear of playing a solo but it still lingers there and everyday I’m still working on it. Repetition is the key to conquering any skill. If we repetitively face our fears that fear will reduce every time.

Many times we can’t acquire a skill due to fear and it’s a battle all humans have. We need to be more Vulcan.

Be like Spock!

Before anything… What are the “4 Unquestionable Skills of a Successful Musician?”

Many of these skills do require facing personal fears, courage is one of the attributes of a thinking musician.

Here they are:

1. Technical Skills: Composition, Improvisation, Sight reading, Ear Training, Timing and Rhythm, playing technique.
2. Knowledge: Music Theory, History, Versatile in all music styles.
3. Business Skills: Leadership, Band Management, Marketing, Promotions, Finance, Social Media, Delegation.
4. People Skills: Networking, Negotiations, Public Relations, Sales.

Many musicians today have only the first two skills (technical and knowledge). They have the chops to just rip on their instrument and know everything about music theory, music history, the names of members of their favorite bands, where they live, born, who they studied with, went to school, blah blah blah…

That’s all fine and dandy but if you’re looking for a career in music the first two skills will only get you so far. The last two skills (business, people) will land you your dream gig and make you a bazillion bucks.

Well, maybe not a bazillion, but you get what I’m saying.

If you’re saying to yourself, “Well, I don’t like business and I’m not that much a network type person.” That’s fine, just find people that can handle those areas. That would mean you’d have to hire a manager, get a record deal with an indie or major label (which doesn’t really happen much these days).

There is a wave of musical entrepreneurship in 2015 and we need to grab our surf board and catch that wave. If you don’t know how to surf then you can learn. Anything is possible my friend.

Many musicians today are making six figures, promoting and marketing themselves. Remember, part of becoming a thinking musician is picking up new skills. Become a learner, and if this new skill is not your cup of tea, that’s okay once you began making enough cash you can outsource that particular job.

This is part of becoming an entrepreneurial musician (aka… thinking musician)

Lesson

1. Master the “4 Unquestionable Skills of a Thinking Musician.”
2. Pick up new skills.
3. Outsource a job once you can afford it. Delegate.
4. Face your fears repetitively and they will reduce in size.
5. Learn a new skill because you have to, not because you want to.

The way we think, behave, feel, act, talk, believe and value will affect the way we approach our music career.

At this age and time that I write this, musicians need a new way of thinking. 100 years from now musicians should be able to apply for jobs at a music company just like applying at McDonalds, except for the pay rate of course. Or maybe a 100 years from now to become a musician that is in demand, the industry needs to see real value and demand for our services.

How do we get to that point?

Good question…

I believe we need to change the way we think and create new innovative job descriptions.

What new jobs?

I’m still working on it. In the meantime I have compiled this massive list of attributes and qualities a thinking musicianshould have. (My opinion of course.)

A thinking musician…

1. Serves
2. Networks
3. Seeks relationships
4. Grateful
5. Passionate
6. Manages household
7. Manages time
8. Invests
9. Saves
10. Respectable
11. Friendly
12. Fearless
13. Reads daily
14. Listens
15. Adaptable
16. Collaborative
17. Anticipates
18. Prepared
19. Persistent
20. Playful
21. Mastered technique
22. Mastered music theory
23. Mastered their instrument
24. Composes
25. Early
26. Team player
27. Creative
28. Grooves
29. Style
30. Stands out
31. Connects
32. Gives eye contact
33. Smiles
34. Lifelong learner
35. Physically healthy
36. Learns from his failures
37. Dedicated
38. Disciplined
39. Practices daily
40. Never borrows
41. Never loans
42. Gives
43. Fights back
44. Stubborn
45. Helpful
46. Energetic
47. Leader
48. Entrepreneur
49. Wise
50. Hard working
51. Selfless
52. Character
53. Communicates
54. Focused
55. Teachable
56. Curious
57. Asks questions
58. Patient
59. Careful
60. Seeker
61. Humble
62. Perfectionist
63. Loves people

Whoa, this list scares me… Geez!

But it’s a nice list. A list that will serve all future thinking musicians looking to make an impact in this amazing little third rock from the sun.

Number 34 “lifelong learner” I believe is probably one of the main components to a successful life, career and pocketbook. Take this one to heart, without constantly learning, growing mentally and emotionally we will always lose sight of the bigger picture.

Read all 63 qualities and examine your career and see if there is anything missing and grade yourself. Please don’t hesitate and mention if there is any other quality that you think is missing. Let me know in the comment section below.

Question…

What’s one quality that you need?

“I don’t appreciate you guys playing that disco jungle music here at church! I can teach you guys some things about music. I’ve been doing this for about 35 years.” The old beer bellied bass player said.

My buddies looked at the dude with conceit. My 23 year old inexperienced mind said, “If you’ve been doing this for 35 years than why do you still suck.”

Seriously, this guy didn’t like our view of music especially for church. He thought it was the devil. Lol What happened was I visited an old friends church to perform, but some folks kind of disagreed with our choice of music. Go figure…

The beer bellied bass player wasn’t horrible at bass but I assumed if you’ve been playing for 35 years you’d be pretty amazing and the guy was average at best. The guy was stuck back 35 years ago.

According to Malcolm Gladwells book “Outliers” he states it takes about 10,000 hours or 10 years to master your profession. But those who are geniuses never stop learning and keep striving for perfection.

John Maxwell talks about: experience and evaluated experience. Experience is when an individual learns based on life. Evaluated experience is when an individual not only learns based on life, but also strives for more knowledge and skills for constant improvement. The learning process never ends for someone with evaluated experience.

“Experience is not the best teacher…Evaluated experience is the best teacher.” John C. Maxwell.

I want to learn from someone with evaluated experience, not just life’s experience but also from an individual who is always striving for perfection no matter what age.

There are cycles in our music lives and careers that always turn up when we least expect it. When those cycles return what are you doing for growth and improvement? Are we just “living life” as they call it, or are we actually taking the time and effort to get to the next level of the musical stratosphere?

There are 8 Cycles of Music that tend to always be around and we can’t really get rid of them. These cycles always need maintenance and upgrades.

Here is the list of the 8 Cycles of Music.

1. Musical Skills: This incompasses skills like: technique, ear training, reading, rhythm. Practice should be part of your life,
2. Musical Knowledge: Music theory, biographies of the greats, evaluated experience.
3. Creation: Music is 100% creative. We need to emphasize more on composition than anything else.
4. Social Network: Our network depends on our relationships with the right people. Are you around the right people?
5. Finances (For working professionals.): When we make a decision to make music our profession, proper finance management must be a part of the equation.
6. Body: Without proper diet and exercise we won’t enjoy the fruits of our labor. I believe this is a must and common sense for anyone.
7. Mind and Emotions: Stress is the number one symptom for chronic diseases. Remove yourself from anything or anyone that can create a toxic environment for you. Your attitude, beliefs and value can also determine the health of your career. Adopt the mindsets of the “GIANTS of MUSIC” and other successful individuals and everything else will follow.
8. Spirit: How grateful are you? Everyday you wake up, thank your creator for giving you another day to live, for your family and loved ones. Your talents and career. Though you may not have reached your goals yet, stay grateful. Dedicate to helping and serving others in your field. Discover Selflessness.

From a scale of 1-10, what would grade yourself on all 8 cycles? I don’t believe a “10” would really exist because that would mean perfection, but we can always strive for perfection and that’s by committing yourself to your growth.

The Lesson

1. Become a lifelong learner.
2. Evaluate all 8 cycles of music.
3. Create a plan for long sustaining growth.
4. Execute your plan.
5. Be prepared for bumps.

There you go folks stay the course and excellence will soon be achieved. Feel free to comment in the section below.

If you graded yourself on all 8 cycles of music, which cycle would have the lowest grade?

And man this kid sucked at clarinet. I don’t mean to be jerk but this kid squeaked and squawked every other quarter note. He seemed to be a very studious student, but just didn’t have the talent or skills for music.

One day I was walking back home from school and Robert was walking in the same direction so we walked together. We were chatting about video games and ninja turtles. Then I worked the conversation into music practice, I mentioned I practiced every day for at least half an hour.

He said that he hardly practices only when his mom lets him. He also thought that I never practiced and thought it was a talent that I was born with.

I told him, “I play well because I practice everyday.”

“Hmm…” Robert curiously sounded. “Don’t you gotta be born with it?”

“Uh..no! You have to work at it just like all the greats did.” I responded.

“Wow! I learn something everyday.” Robert said…

The most talented musicians work harder and want it harder than anyone else. Talent is never enough.

So I devised a step by step plan from how to be a terrible musician to how to become a master. Now I’m not calling myself a master. Mastery means you have reached a high level, but there is always another level.

Here’s the list…

To be terrible:

1. Learn some
2. Practice none

To be okay:

1. Learn some
2. Practice some
3. Get involved in some

To be average:

1. Learn some
2. Practice some
3. Perform some
4. Get involved in some

To be good:

1. Learn a lot
2. Practice a lot
3. Perform a lot
4. Get involved a lot

To be Great Master:

1. Learn forever
2. Practice forever
3. Perform forever
4. Teach forever
5. Review forever
6. Evolve forever
7. Get involved forever
8. Live and desire this forever
9. Repeat this forever

There may be something missing from the list…

But, I’ll let you tell me.

Please share this post with a buddy by using the share buttons below.

Peace my friend…

“No, no please don’t!!” Betty shouted.

“It’s the only way to overcome that fear..” I responded.

“Out in the waiting room there are some parents and students just sitting there waiting. Let’s go and entertain them with your awesome talent.” I blurted.

“Please no, pretty please don’t.” Betty stressful said.

“Oh geez, you gotta work on your confidence and this is the only way to gain it. Alright we’ll skip it for now but next week you’re doing it ok?”

“Ok!!!” Betty retorted stressfully.

Fear and stress grips us all. Imagine if we lived a life stress free and totally fearless. Wow, what a world. We would be invincible.

Unfortunately for my old student Betty, she was a really shy yet talented guitarist with low self esteem.

During our private session she would say “sorry” 5 times a minute it was driving me insane! I literally had to tell her to stop being so apologetic.

I was training her for the upcoming singing competition. In class she would sing beautifully but every time I would try to get her to step out of her comfort zone stress bullets fell out.

I get it we all go through the same emotions.

We’re in our room practicing like crazy and everything is spot on. Then the big event comes around and fear turns us white and pale and we screw up every single note.

Why?

I’ll tell you why.

Two things.

1. Emotions
2. Environment

We need to control both. Implementing training for both these areas will make you solid as a rock.

The best practice technique nobody uses is what I call.

Stress Control Training (SCT)

Huh?

The military uses what they call Stress Inoculation training (SIT). They create real world scenarios for training. Check out this video.

Crazy, huh?

What we have to do is place our mind, emotions in an environment where stress is induced and we total feel the real deal. Just as if we are actually at the gig.

If you simulate this at the end of your daily practice routine you can control the fear and anxiety that overcomes you. Eventually you will be able to be fearless and invincible and be able to conquer any stage.

Here is some great info. explaining more about (SIT). Click here..

Conclusion

My bro David has not touched a trumpet in a decade. Last Memorial Day 2014 he played “Taps” on the bugle horn beautifully at church. I thought to myself, “Wow, he hasn’t done that in awhile.”

I had dinner at his place the other day and mentioned about stress inoculation training (SIT). My brother is a psychologist, but he looked at me weird and said, “What’s that?”

“You don’t know what that is? Aren’t you a head doctor?” I said.

I’ll explained it to him and surprisingly he looked at me and said, “That’s exactly what I did to practice on the bugle. I imagined myself at church with tons of people. Then I suddenly started to feel the anxiety and began to practice the tune with no pauses or stops at all. After days of practicing it that way the anxiety left. That’s how I played it so cleanly at church.”

Interesting!

Yes, this stuff works. Try it continuously and you will see the results.

Have you ever applied this technique in your practice routine?

Let me know in the comment section below and don’t forget to share this post.

Peace.

Okay. Okay! I grumbled.

In my high school chemistry class for some reason I always seemed to finish my work at least 15 minutes early. I’m not a nerd I got a C grade at the end of the semester.

In my bag I always carried around my bass player mags. When my work was done I always popped out my mags and read the articles. I read the music lessons also in chemistry class even though I didn’t have my bass with me.

Without being aware what I was doing I was actually practicing. Throughout the entire semester I did this a lot at school. My music skills and sight reading dramatically improved.

I would read sheet music everyday just like I was reading a book. I guess I seemed to enjoy it. I made this routine just a natural part of my life even after high school leading into my teaching years.

Now I can recall why I was pretty good at reading music. Recalling long and hard in the shower ( Hey, I know you come up with ideas in the shower too.) on what was my unassuming process of my music reading development.

I discovered what was the key!

Are you ready?

The key is “Visualization!”

Yes, my friend, visualization. Many successful professional in many industries use this strategy.

As a kid I was not aware that I was practicing visualization. I just did it. I do have a vivid imagination. Now it’s your turn. I have laid out my exact step by step process.

Here is how to double your music reading skills.

Visualization 

1. Before anything. You need to find your time and place where it’s just you, your instrument and your music. No distractions what so ever.
2. Grab your sheet music, and imagination. Take a few big breathers and delve yourself into visual ecstasy. Meaning focus your mind and heart into your practice.
3. Establish the tempo of the song in your head. What I do is playback in my head a drumbeat based on the tempo. Maintaining a tempo is important you can choose whatever rhythm works for you it’s your imagination.
4. Place the sheet music in front of you and observe and practice the rhythms only. Don’t worry about the notes yet.
5. Next, visualize yourself, your hands and your instrument in a video playback. Visaulize watching yourself on YouTube if that helps.
6. Visualize yourself performing the piece. As you read the music slowly you’re playing back the video in your mind of yourself performing the music as you’re sight reading.
7. You can rewind your visual video if you’d like it’s your mind and repeat this process until you have achieved visual perfection in your head.
8. Take it bits at a time. If you’re just a beginner than it could be little tough at first. But your not expected to read Mozart yet, just simple quarter notes and half notes etc. Start with a few measures first, then master that then move on to the next set of measures. You pick your pace.
9. Repeat this process 15 minutes a day.

Conclusion

Scientific studies indicate 15 minutes of visualization equals to about 2 hours of practice time. That’s amazing!

It’s worked for me and if you apply this methodically I’m sure it will work for you

Keep on looking and you will surely find the answer. Matthew 7:7

So, what happened with my magazine in chemistry class?

Well, the teacher took my magazine away thinking it was something inappropriate and gave it to my guidance counselor Mr. Ferwerda.

I still remember him because he was a musician as well. After the last school bell rang I ran into Ferwerda and he asked what happened.

I told him the story,” I finished my work early got bored, popped out my bass mag and started sight reading the music lessons. The teacher (I forgot her name. I wonder why.) caught me reading it and asked me to turn it in, even though I was done with my work.

Mr Ferwerda giggled a bit and smiled and handed me back the mag. ” Don’t worry about it. Here you go.”

My guidance counselor was cool that’s why I remembered his name. Not what’s her face chemistry teacher.

I guess that’s it for right now. Please share this info if you dig it and please comment below and tell me if this visualization method works out for you.

Thanks

Nah! If we do Ill keep getting the munchies during rehearsals. Haha! Jim giggled.

“That’s the eighth drummer we’ve audition and ever single one had their ups and downs. Man, it’s hard finding the right guy..”  I sighed.

It’s always hard to find good help especially in a band situation. You get all kinds of characters. If I were to find the ultimate band member he or she would have all of these qualities.

Ultimately, the leader is responsible for the success of the group. Before you read the list check out the 35 qualities of a music director and see if you fit the standard.

29 ultimate qualities of a band member.

1. Similar Goals: Each band member must have the exact same purpose and destination in order for the band to succeed. Everyone has the right change their mind. But just like Stephen Covey states: “Everyone has to have the end in mind”
2. Music Skills: Each group has their certain style of music. Your ability to obtain the skills to perform the tunes is essential.
3. People Skills: This is very important. If a particular band members social skills needs an upgrade then maybe you should seconded guess his application.
4. Equal Interests: Some band members have nothing in common which can lead to unrest. I have stories.
5. Same Influences: Different musical influences can either make or break your band. There has to be some mutual influences in musical styles in order for the music to gel.
6. Team Player: I love a band member who’s willing to go with the flow.
7. Chops: This is a musical term meaning “great technique”. I definitely look for flash every now and then.
8. Dependability: Nobody’s perfect. I’m guilty of being flakey in the past, but that’s no longer the case. I’m looking for someone I can really depend on.
9. Energy: People can really be party poopers. Look for someone who’s going to bring a new light to your band.
10. Step Ahead: Sometimes they’re band members who are way ahead of me in ideas. That’s great contribution to the team.
11. Learner: I’m a huge learner. A band member who’s always looking to improve their abilities and themselves is a big plus in my band.
12. Selfless: This world is full selflessness. I require musicians who think of others not just themselves.
13. Never Quit Attitude: I played in a cover band years back. Chad the singer didn’t have the voice for funk and RnB, only punk and rock. That didn’t stop him. Chad practice everyday and didn’t quit. We cut him eventually but his attitude was on point.
14. Servants Heart: The drummer always has the big task of carrying the gear. When I  see a band member just standing there not helping I want to kick him in the face. Sorry for the violence but it always happens.
15. Hard Worker: I dont think I need to say much about this quality.
16. Integrity: Two-face people are rampant in the music industry. Honest, consistent, we’ll intentioned folks are key to a successful band.
17. Loyalty: Every band member has the right to play in as many bands as they please. The question is, “Where does their loyalty land?”
18. Experience: This is a no brainer. Of course you need experienced musicians.
19. Like Ability: If the guy or gal is not easy going or like able and can’t take a joke. Then they get the boot.
20. Drug and Substance Abuse: Drug free is the key and alcohol abuse many times leads to poor judgment. Give a drunk a drink and your band will drown.
21. Drama Free: Save the drama for your mama! Not in my band. I want a drama free band.
22. Communication: If there is no consideration in texting or calling someone that you’re not going to make it or be late then stay home forever.
23. Adaptable: Eclectic musicians can switch back and forth with many styles. This is a plus for me.
24. Prepped: Please don’t come to practice saying you had no time to rehearse. That’s total disrespect to the music and your team.
25. Creativity: This is a must requirement. Music is pure creativity and we live in a world full of copycats.
26. Music Theory: Not a must requirement for me but a huge plus for.
27. Great listener: Probably the number one skill in music.
28. Family Oriented: God and family is number one for me. I like to think of my band mates as family members.
29. Musical Passion: Music doesn’t really have to your full time job, but if it is then I know we’re on the same wavelength. My buddy Jermaine works for the gas company but his passion is music and when he’s not reading meters he’s writing songs and gigging every weekend.

Conclusion

That pretty much sums up everything that I can muster that would make up for the ultimate band member. Though I think it would be impossible to find all these qualities in a musician, I’m sure they are out there somewhere. There are certain qualities that are a must for any band.

I hope you dig the list of the 29 qualities of the ultimate band member. Sorry, I couldn’t thumb up the 30th guality but my brain is fried. Please share this post with your buddy by clicking on the social media links below.

Question.

What do you think would be the 30th quality?

Geez!! I can’t stand that annoying clicking sound! Grrr!!!

My student Sandy for some reason can’t overcome the dislike of the metronome. I completely understand the metronome is very rigid and unemotional. It felt like she literally wanted to rip her ear loaves out.

“The metronome is just another musician in the room that wants to join with you and make music” I mentioned.

“Well I don’t like him, can you kick him out the room!” She blurted.

“Nice try Sandy…” I responded. “Let’s start from the top.”

Metronome History link Wikipedia

The metronome or otherwise known as the “clicker” is not a new invention. It’s been around for over 200 years.

In the early 19th century Beethoven was suffering from hearing loss and connected with a man named Johann Maelzel who made him hearing trumpets to help Beethoven with his hearing. Not sure if it helped though.

At the time Maelzel was trying to perfect his own metronome but heard of a man named Dietrich Winkel in 1812 that had a far superior metronome than his own. Winkel refused to sell Maelzel a metronome.

Maelzel ending up stealing a copy of Winkel’s device and pantented it in 1815. Not Cool!

It seems Winkel and Maelzel were both in a race for the first ever metronome for musicians. In reality it was Dietrich Winkel that created the pendulum metronome that we know and love or hate today.

The metronome has helped many musicians today practically perfect the rhythm and time.

For the last 15 years I’ve taught thousands of students and if I can remember the two top issues that most students have is rhythm and timing!

The metronome is pretty much your answer.

10 Causes why your music timing sucks.

1. Identify Mistakes

If you have never used a metronome or rarely use it. Grab your smart phone, because 90 percent of all smart phones have a simple audio recording app.

Play a simple musical piece and record yourself playing with the metronome at the tempo of the musical piece of course.

Play it back! Use headphones to really hear it more clearly.

Now, if you have super Jesus powers than most likely you’ll be locked in the with click. If not you’ll notice that your timing is really off.

Or, you’ll blame the metronome and think it’s slowing down or speeding up. If you have that thought than that means you have poor timing and rhythm.

All amateur musicians that I have played with always say this. Than they fall back and say the metronome is not natural and it makes your too rigid.

We’re inconsistent humans and we will never be as tight and rigid as the metronome.

2. Improves Cleanliness

Once you capture a recording of yourself playing with the metronome and identifying the mistakes. Now, it’s time correct them through repetitions and you’ll see the enormous difference in the cleanliness of your playing.

The metronome works like magic as long as you create and stick to a consistent game plan. Your results will shine.

3. Solid Timing

My boy Stix is an enormously talented drummer who plays for Ariana Grande. His timing and rhythm is so solid it’s ridiculous.

This guy makes the click just disappear. When I get the chance to work with him I sometimes wonder if he turns off the metronome. But the metronome is still turned on.

Stix is so locked in with the click it just fades away. He can create these amazing fills and land right back on the click like a pro.

The key to solid timing is anticipating the click and allowing it to become your practice partner. Practice, practice, practice.

3. Improves Group Playing

Let’s go back to my student Sandy.

If I placed her in a group situation she would be completely lost on where to start and end.

I guess I’m to blame in this situation I need to get her to embrace the metronome as friend not a foe.

Work in progress.

Not everyone can play with a band everyday. The next best thing are metronomes, now in today’s world we have drum machines and live backing track play alongs which are great.

I do however suggest that you start learning the metronome first then move onto drum machines then live play alongs.

This is my science behind it.

The sound and frequencies of a click are very thin and steady with just a simple quarter note rhythm. This will help you identify your timing mistakes easily and help you make corrections.

As opposed to a drum machine or play alongs there are many rhythms being played at the same time and can easily hide your mistakes, thus you won’t be able to identify and attack mistakes.

The metronome helps with your timing and rhythm. Drum machine and play alongs help with your rhythm only.

4. Tightens Rhythm and Feel

Like I said before it can definitely help with your rhythm even though the click is very rigid sounding.

I know a lot of people who are uptight and rigid but that doesn’t mean they walk and talk like robots. No human being acts like this as far as I know.

Metronome apps are great. If you’re like most folks you have a smart phone where you can download apps. I recommend the Tempo app. I use this app 100% of the time I rehearse.

5. Keeps you from dragging

2007, I appeared with my band glorforthepeople at the time on a TV show. Our drummer could not make it so we got Bo from who knows. He seemed like a cool dude.

When we arrived at the SiTV studios for dress rehearsal, we got setup and started rehearsing the tunes.

Bo the drummer starting dragging the tunes during rehearsals. “Hey Bo can you speed it up a bit it’s kinda dragging.” I said.

“Sure, whatever!” He blurted.

“Take 2!” shouted the T.V. producer. And again Bo dragged it.

“Hey bro can you speed it up a hair.” the guitar player mentioned.

“Dude get off my back!” Bo blurted. “Bro we’re going on national T.V. and the tempo is wrong.” Said the guitarist.

“Man I’ll play it like how I want to.” Bo grudgingly said.

Yes, the gig came out poor and that dude was never heard of again.

Practice with your metronome please.

6. Keeps you from speeding up

Years back I decided to become recording engineer and started getting recording gigs recording garage bands and independent artists. I still do it to this day.

I wrote a tune and hired my homie Jose to track the drums. Great young drummer coming out of the woodworks.

“You’re good with the clicker right?” I said. “No prob man.” Jose responded.

I setup all the drum mics and opened up Protools. I signaled him to be ready. He gave me the thumbs up. I clicked on the record button.

Half ways into the songs he stopped. “What happened?” I shouted. “I think the clicker slowed down.” He shouted back.

“Uh no, I’m pretty sure you’re speeding up.” I shouted back.

“Maybe you should remove the click” Jose said.

“Not happening dude. I need to edit you later and if you can’t work with the click I gotta find some one else.” I responded.

That was a very long night. Pretty please work with the metronome.

7. Perfects chops through repetition

Without a clicker you won’t be 100% sure if you’re timing is absolute when you practice your repetitive drills.

Your repetitions will fluctuate in tempo and will not be accurate. The metronome will harness that fluctuation (not the flux capacitor from Back to the Future=)).

8. Master Recording skills

The recording industry has been around since the 20’s and 30’s and it has evolved immensely. 90% of all recordings today are tracked with the metronome or some type of musical sequence.

Back in the 60’s recording with a clicker was rarely used but everybody caught on real quickly when they would listen to their playbacks and heard how badly their timing was.

Studio microphones are like a telescopic lens that zooms right into every nook and cranny of your playing where you can spot mistakes very easily.

Mastering the clicker or metronome will give you that pro edge when you walk into the studio and plug right in and nail the first few takes.

Nailing those first few takes coupled with an awesome attitude and your phone will be ringing off the hook.

9. Allows you to play with top artists

If you ever get the opportunity to perform with professional artists. I would say about 90% of all professional artists perform with click or some type of backing track live.

Don’t walk into a situation thinking the pros never use a click during a gig. More than likely you’ll fall into a situation where it will happen. Please don’t get caught with your pants down.

Been there done that.

Be prepared for all situations.

10. Allows you not to suck.

I’m pretty sure I don’t have to explain this last point. Just don’t allow yourself to suck!

Be excellent and serve others with a great attitude and God will bless you and maybe your pocketbook as well.:)

I wrote a cool tutorial that’s give some pointers on how to use the metronome with a comic twist check it out here.

Conclusion

Selfishness is rampant in our industry and it’s all about me, me, me. The day will come when you will realize it’s not about you. It’s about serving others.

Jesus Christ did not come to this world to be worshipped he came to serve.

Remember that.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 James 3:16

If you enjoyed this post please share it with a friend.

Question.

What issues are you struggling with the metronome?

Com 2: Commentator 2

Ref: Referee

Com: LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!

Good evening my friends and welcome to tonight’s match which promises to be a true battle in every sense of the word.

In the red corner weighing in at 0 lbs 0 ounces from the digital world or the World Wide Web, teaching millions of students with just a single click…….

The undisputed world champion the digital man known only as…

YouTube Video Music Lessons!!!

And in the orange corner, weighing in at 140 pounds known to teach a group of beginning students even though there are none with his hands tied behind his knees…..

MD, Private Music Teacher!!!

And tonight’s prize? WWW Music teacher’s belt.

Ref: Ok, I want a good clean fight between you two. Nothing below the guitar strap and I want a good clean fight good luck to you both. (bell rings)

Com: Well… YouTube has only been around since 2005 and has dominated for the longest time in quality and crappy YouTube music teaching videos and it seems to be a lot more affordable than actual private music class.

Com 2: And that’s really starting to show in YouTube’s early dominance against MD. Youtube’s really come out fighting and he’s caught MD totally off guard.

Point: MD: 0 YouTube: 1

Com: Now MD has made a comeback and caught YouTube’s mistake and got him right in the dislike button.

Com 2: Oh MD is having a field day here, he’s just giving it to him left, right and centre. If only YouTube could be there in person and help correct a students personal mistakes that would be a tremendous help in the students music development. But… MD seems to have hit an early knockout blow (all action happens in super slow mo in background)

Com: – Youtube hits the canvas! He hits the canvas!! he hits it hard Ref: (still in slo-mo) one .two…three…four….five…. (raises hand and hits the ground). .. six….sev –

Point: MD: 1 YouTube: 0

Com: – What’s this? I don’t believe it! Youtube realises he’s hit the canvas and at the age of 9, he gets up to his knees. It’s like he’s been given a second chance- for nine years he has helped millions of students learn music and now he pays them back with interest. Great scenes!

Com 2: Yes, we’re now at about the halfway stage through this awesome battle and it’s pretty even right now. But when a student has a question about a certain technique YouTube has a terrible response time and who’s know if the answer is relevant. MD on the other hand can interact personally and answer many questions and satisfy the needs of the student right then and there. That would be a plus for MD. And youtubes continuing with his good form but it doesn’t matter and is ruthlessly smashed by MD.

Point: MD: 1 YouTube: 0

Com: Youtube is in a bit of a daze while MD is floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee. Which leads to the next question of planning and setting your music goals. YouTube videos can give great insight on how to plan and execute your goals.

Com 2: Very true, but MD throws and unexpected hook and lands right on YouTubes screen. MD can tailor the students education plan specifically to their needs and change it up during the students journey according to their needs.

Point: MD: 1 YouTube: 0

Com: Now, YouTube starts pushing forward strategically landing combos to MD. But can the student always review the lesson on demand?

Com 2: I think not, Youtubes servers are the best out there and MD won’t be able to load up a video of every single one of his students lessons online. It would be a total pain on his end, especially the one YouTube just landed on his face. Ohhhhh!!! That’s smarts!

Point: MD: 0 YouTube: 1

Com: YouTubes coming back with a vengeance and throwing MD off balance. The student won’t get thrown off balance if he asks to learn a song for example. YouTube provides thousands of videos of lessons to basically any song you can think of.

Com 2: If a student asked MD to work on a specific song. MD would have to make sure the tune was at the students skill level. On the other hand YouTube doesn’t care and will provide the tune regardless of the difficulty. I would call this a tie. Point:

Point: MD: 1 YouTube: 1

Com: Now they’re both head to head in this no holds barred match. Both exchanging combos. YouTube seems to provide almost all the material needed all in one site.

Com 2: MD surely doesn’t know every musical style. If a student wants to learn classical he has to search long and hard to find a good teacher as opposed to YouTube where it can be found in a matter of minutes.

Point: MD: 0 YouTube: 1

Com: The heat is now coming from both sides. MD lands a couple of swift blows to YouTubes antenna jarring him a bit. It looks like his feed is getting a little screwy. And…though there are thousands a music teaching videos on YouTube, there are more horrible instructors and bad video productions than ever.

Com 2: True! It is hard to find a good private teacher but just because you can really play on that guitar doesn’t mean you can teach. It’s important to search for that mentor. Another blow from MD!

Point: MD: 1 YouTube: 0

Com: YouTube has helped connect many students through out it’s lifetime but it will never replace building a true relationship with your instructor.

Com 2: If the internet could replace building relationships. Than nobody would travel, have meetings, conferences, parties, or events. When you teach on YouTube you can connect with thousands. What an awesome opportunity…. But it will never replace true physical connection. Physical connection is part of our God given human nature. And now it’s seems YouTube is off balance!

Point: MD: 1 YouTube: 0

Com: But, Youtube recovers and and starts throwing MD off with a few jabs. Will a few jabs be enough to finish off MD. Can YouTube create professional musicians and careers?

Com 2: Well, we all know the most amazing musicians and composers had teachers and mentors that guided them through their journey. Though successful careers were launched though Youtube with certain individuals.

Just look at Justin Beiber. But I never read that YouTube made Beiber and great singer and musician just by watching videos. That’s for sure!! Even Beiber needed a manager and mentor. I heard his mentor was Usher.

Now he finds himself pounding into YouTube. What a move! (Slo-Mo) He has pummelled YouTube and Youtube has hit the canvas! He fought the good fight…

Ref: ONE! TWO! THREE!! FOUR!! FIVE!! SIX!!

Com: ….I simply can’t believe it.

Ref: SEVEN!! EIGHT!! NINE!!

Com: ….MD has done it! He’s beaten YouTube!

Com 2: Oh…it was a great match.

Com: I’d have to agree, and here’s the result…

Ref: And the winner, by way of knockout … I give you …..the new WWW champion …..MD!! Private Music Teacher!!!

Com: WOW!! If I had not been here myself I would not have believed it! It seemed that YouTube was dominating for awhile but in the end the true victor prevailed. Good night.

Scorecard: MD: 6 YouTube: 4

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Until next time….God is good…

It was 45 minutes of funky smooth grooving music that got everybody moving their hips. The band was killing it and the singer was leading the charge with electric vocals at the illustrious House of Blues Hollywood.

Overall what a great gig. After the show you get usual comments of appreciation and feel great afterwards.

I started packing up my gear and got everything ready to load up in my Toyota Yaris. Afterwards I socialized a bit, got some laughs and a few high fives than said my bye byes.

As I said my byes to the singer he mentioned that my check would be in the mail. I said, “No problem.”

Several days later I checked my mailbox and lo and behold “no check.” I text the singer, and he mentioned that he forgot and will send it ASAP.

Couple days passed taking my usually stroll to the mailbox I opened it up and thumbed through the junk mail. Again, “no check!”

“Grrrrrr!!”

I text the singer once again, and he forgot, “Again!”

Finally after a week and a half I got my check for a measly $100.

I know what your saying, ” Hey bro, $100 is not bad for a 45 minute set.”

Of course it is if you have a day job and you gig on the side, but when being a freelance musician is your day job it doesn’t cut the mustard.

First let me explain the:

8 pitfalls of being a freelance musician.

Pitfall 1: Inconsistent Work

Every summer is when touring season starts, festivals, weddings, etc. But this last summer of 2013 it was a little odd for me because gigs didn’t start coming in till the tail end of the summer.

What was I to do?

I had to text, call, email a few of my connects to see if there were any possible future gigs coming up. Nada!

In today’s age the music business has flipped.

Artists are no longer getting record deals.

Record labels are not really pushing or promoting artists like they use too.

Venues and clubs have started the “pay to play” tactic.

Where artists and bands have to sell a certain amount tickets in order to get a cut from tickets sales. Venues need heads to come in and spend money on food and drinks in order to make cash. If an artist or group doesn’t have a following than the venues have to push the artists to promote their own show to get paid.

Yes, it’s a never ending battle. So what do you do?

The answer is find a day job.

“What?! Are you kidding me? I’m an artist. I don’t wanna work for some jerk boss!”

Whoa, whoa hold your horses Mr. Artist. The perfect way to supplement my gig income is to teach music.

Pitfall 2: Inconsistent Pay

February of 2007, I got a great gig with an Asian artist named Francis Yip. I got in contact with her music director though a mutually friend of mine.

We gigged the Pala and Pechanga casinos. They were very pro and great guys to work with. The best part was the check of course. Each gig paid $700.

Yes, that’s $700 for just an hour and a half of music. I made it, or so I thought.

After the awesome gig I had with Francis Yip. I got another gig with an independent artist in LA.

Guess what the check was?

$100 bucks! For an hour show, almost the same amount of time with Francis Yip but for 86% less.

“Well, stop being a baby you gotta pay your dues.” Is what you’re probably saying. Well, I’ve been paying my dues for 10 years at the time and have worked for many known artists and it’s still the same nonsense, the business is In shambles.

Veteran bassist Ethan Farmer still gigs in smaller venues when he’s not touring with Christina Aguilera or Backstreet Boys. Why? Because he just loves playing?

Nope, because he has to pay his bills when he’s not on tour with major artists. That’s why! Is his check smaller? Yep!

How do I know this? I met him though some buddies of mine and asked these questions when I use to go to Cafe Cordiale in Sherman Oaks where he use to have his late night jams with his band.

Pitfall 3: Inconsistent Folks

I worked at Yamaha music for four great years. My friend Nikki who was a great teacher and concert pianist connected me with her friend Wolly, a great Latino pianist.

He needed a bassist for a Latino comedy show he was contracted with. He needed to put the band together. It was a steady gig that was going to last several months.

Finally, something steady.

Wolly, needed a drummer. I know tons of drummers. We got together and started rehearsing. The gig was going to pay about $300 a night, four days a week.

$1,200 a week was alright with me and it worked in my teaching schedule.

A few days before the show I got a call from Wolly. He said, ” Sorry amigo, they can’t afford the whole band and they are going to only use keyboard with backing tracks.”

Another one bites the dust.

This is the way show business thinks. It’s very inconsistent and indecisive, there business model is poor. That could also be why record labels and music publishers are nowhere near in the Fortune 500 list.

The Latino comedy gig is just one example of last minute cancelled gigs or record deals that I’ve had in the past. But that’s another tale to tell.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to find that illustrious steady perfect gig. At this point and time in my life I’m not putting all my eggs in that basket. If you love the hunt then go search for that elusive bear.

Pitfall 4: Dealing with Divas

“Oh Lord, please forgive them for they know not how to treat people.”

I don’t care how famous and rich you are. Everybody has the same feelings as everyone else. Even poor folks treat each other like crap.

The ultimate gig that God blessed me with was when I toured for a couple weeks in Egypt.

Yes, Egypt! I got to ride a camel. Here some pics of me in Egypt with the band.

Anyways, back to the story.

Before, we left the country we had rehearsals of course. One rehearsal I decided to film it with my flipcam. Just for fun nobody seemed to mind. I’ve done it many times with other bands and they never had a problem with it just as long as I post it Facebook.

As I was filming suddenly the singer up and left. The guys were wondering what happened. “Maybe she had to do #2,” the drummer said. We chuckled a bit.

The singer later walked in the practice room walked towards with some disgust and asked me to not film the rehearsal. I asked why. Was it for copyright purposes?

Turns out she doesn’t like being filmed even if it was for fun. Turns out the singers an actor. Go figure right?

There was tension in the room and I didn’t want to get fired because I wanted to go to Egypt. I apologized and everything was hunky dory.

This was not my only taste of diva status. I’ve worked with nobody artists and musicians and even producers that portrayed this diva quality and think they are the shiznit.

Not in my book I’m not working for wannabes who demand only green M&M’s.

Pitfall 5: Tough Living

Making it as a steady freelance musicians is tough enough, but if you really want to make the cash you have to live in LA, New York, or. Nashville.

That’s where all the major artists and bands are gathered.

But, cost of living is insane in LA compared to the suburbs or even further out. I know musicians who have to live in low income neighborhoods to pay for rent. I could imagine New York.

I’m in small middle class town 15 minutes down the freeway from downtown and rent for a one bedroom apartment is between $900-$1000. My dad pays about the same for his mortgage but he lives in Oregon.

Don’t forget in LA you have to have a car to get around and gas is rising, car payments are getting out of hand, inflation is blowing up. I hear Nashville has a lower cost of living, maybe I might swing on down there in the future.

There is obviously more to cover maybe other folks can make it with steady jobs, but not as a freelance musician.

Teaching music is a good way to supplement your income, you can schedule your lessons to fit your busy gigging schedule, and most music lesson take place in the after noon so you can sleep in.

Pitfall 6: Work more than your worth

Let’s do the math for the time I spent prepping for the gig that I mentioned in the beginning of this lesson.

1. Practice at home: 2.5 hours, 12 songs.
2. Drive time to and from Band rehearsal: 1 hour.
3. Band Rehearsal: 3 hours.
4. Drive time to and from gig: 1 hour.
5. Gig: 45 minutes.
6. Total time spent: 8 hours, 15 minutes.
7. $100/ 8hrs 15min = $12 per hour

I guess that’s okay but remember cost of living especially in LA.

I would have to hustle and find several of these gigs that pay more or less depending on the artist or recording gig.

Most musicians don’t even think and calculate the time and effort it takes to prep for a gig. They assume they are getting paid for just the gig itself. It is the employee mentality that gets stuck in our minds. The mentality of when we clock in at work is when we get paid, but musicians are self employed.

Every minute spent practicing, prepping, driving, gas, etc for a gig is work you’re getting paid for. So, start calculating the time you spend on a gig divided by your pay and you’ll see what you get paid hourly.

Recordings, I don’t do much of these especially nowadays with technology everyone is trying to wear many hats in the studio in order to cut costs and save money. Because record labels and studios aren’t making any.

Networking and connections is key in this business. It’s so tight knit. There’s famous business quote.

“It’s who you know, not what you know.”

That’s actually incorrect, here’s the correct quote.

“It’s not who you know, or what you know. It’s who likes you.”

Let’s use the same math example but this time using the Francis Yip gig.

1. Practice at home: 5 hours, 20 songs.
2. Drive time to and from Band rehearsal: 1 hour.
3. Band Rehearsal: 8 hours. This was a whole day
4. Drive time to and from gig: 2 hour. The casinos were way out in the boondocks.
5. Gig: 1.5 hours
6. Total time spent: 17.5 hours.
7. $700/ 17.5 hrs = $40 per hour

I need more of these gigs even though I worked double time and I made almost 3 times more per hour. After the Francis Yip gig I got called for more gigs out of state which was pretty substantial for my career. But just like all good things they never last.

Pitfall 7: Wealth isn’t a choice

Freelancing will not make you wealthy period! Musicians make a living wage by working. Wealthy people work very little if nothing at all.

“Wages make you a living, profits make you a fortune.” Jim Rohn

In college all I took was music courses, there was no prerequisite for taking business courses. I wish there were. Even though what I know now about business, college courses in business is not going to take you far enough.

Musicians need to learn entrepreneurship. There are plenty of musicians out there that are incredibly wealthy including: Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jay Z, even 50 cents. These guys are worth close if not more than half a billion dollars in net worth.

Is there wealth created by their music purely?

Absolutely not! They have invested their hard earned money in investing in profitable businesses and ventures. Record sales is a very small part of it. Song royalties is good part of it as well.

To be wealthy you have to have start off with the right vocabulary.

Do you know the difference between, earned income and passive income?

How about assets and liabilities?

Listen up class, if wanna become wealthy. These are lessons that were taught to me by wealthy individuals that are acquaintances of mine and also that have recommended books that made them wealthy.

1. Earned Income: to earn a wage by physical work.
2. Passive Income: to earn a wage by very minimal work if none at all by means of profitable investments.
3. Assets: are objects or investments that bring a return of investment back to you. Or put money back in your pocket.
4. Liabilities: are objects that depreciate in value and actually takes money out of your pocket.

Memorize these terms and read a book by Robert Kiyosaki called “Rich Dad, Poor Dad, it will save your financial life.

Once you understand these terms you will either quit being a musician because you thought it was going to lead you to riches or keep going going because you love the hustle and music. Or you’re just a stubborn musician in which most musicians are and you’ll keep doing what you always been doing.

Pitfall 8: Music Virus

I have the music virus.

Music to me is like crack to a crackhead. I will be 100 years old in my wheelchair and still thump on my bass.

I pursue music for the love not for the cash because I know there isn’t any. I also love teaching music and writing.

I am a published author and have written the “The only beginners guitar book you’ll ever need.” It brings in at the moment enough passive income to pay for my internet connection which is pretty cool.

I have a whole list of book titles and ideas for the future reference and business ideas to bring in more passive income. I have an entrepreneur spirit.

This spirit should be passed on to struggling musicians so they can still pursue their music, but at the same build passive income to build wealth.

Unfortunately, these are the pitfalls of freelance musicians. This virus makes us insane and all we think about is music, music, music. We don’t feel like doing anything else.

This is our downfall and makes musicians stay broke, crazy and irresponsible in our personal lives.

It may seem that I am complaining I’m just bringing out realities and options to the table, but I love the hustle and interesting people that I get to meet in my life and it’s something that I won’t trade for anything even though I won’t become wealthy in being a freelance musician.

Once again that’s it for now and if you enjoyed the lesson please share it and feel free to let me know what you think in comments sections below.

Thanks my peeps.

Roland