Advice from a Drummer that Translates Well to All

Hal Blain’s advice column (1983) —-

Q. I think I have problems. I’ve been playing since I was eight and I’m 24 now. I live for my drums. Everything I do is associated with them: lessons, the best equipment, writing music. I’m getting my Associate Arts degree in Physical Education. I take Tae Kwon Do and try to practice my drums every day. I’m into health because I believe you can play only as good as you feel.
But, if something doesn’t happen soon, I’m going to cry. I’m running out of bucks.
I don’t even have a place to play anymore.
I’m not going to give up NEVER. But, if I have to go through another 16 years, I’ll probably be too old, broke and starved.
Got any ideas?
BE.
RockIsland, Ill

A. Yours is the plight of so many drummers: flat broke and busted. First of all, you’re doing the right thing. You’re going to school, you’re working on a degree. you’re taking care of your health. When you’ve got that, you’ve got everything. It might be easy for me to say that, but, by the same token, you tell me that you’re 24 years old and you’ve been playing 16 years.
I want to tell vou that I’m 52 and I’ve been playing over 40 years, I guess. I’m healthy, I’ve taken care of myself and that’s an important part of it. If you’re sick and can’t do what you want to do, it’s really tough.
So, a guy like you, into the martial arts, in top shape- -why in the world you’re having these mental problems I don’t know.
You’re only 24. Things don’t really start happening until you’re into your thirties.
You have another six years to think about and, between now and then, you’ll really start getting more of a taste of life than you’ve had before. Soon, you’ll be the one making the decisions about which band to play with, or which school to teach at or which students to take.
There are people——students——who need physical help. There are so many handicapped people out there that need people like you who are physically together. Music is one of the things that consoles people. And here vou are. walking around with all this music and all this health, the perfect example of a guy who can get out and do so much for those who really need the help. You say you won’t give up.
Great! There’s no reason why something good shouldn’t happen. and I’m sure something will.
I don’t want you to get mad at me, but you say that if something doesn’t happen, then you’re going to sit down and cry.
Well, maybe that’s what you need. Maybe you’re so tense that it’s tearing at you and that’s no good. Sometimes a good cry’s better than anything.
As far as running out of bucks, I don’t think you will. If you’re that physically to-gether, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be working in a hospital, doing physical therapy with the handicapped or, with the degree you have coming, in a rest home or helping the elderly. There’s no reason why you can’t be working. Put a band together and go to some of these hospitals and play for these folks. Make them feel good! Those are the kind of things that make other things happen. Somebody sees you, wants you for a party. Before you know it, you’re working parties making good bucks. Get out and pursue it. Find some guys like you, sitting around wishing they were making music, and go make it.

— In other words….