The 7 Habits

[PocketPlayer]

I'm a big baseball fan and as you know, Ted Williams died today. I read all that I could about him and found one comment he made very interesting.
When asked about his success as a consistently high average hitter for so many years, he said his secret was to be free of distractions and remain in a constant state of focus. It got me thinking.

I have my MD poster of their top 25 drummers in my study and partially because I just
like to know things, I have been interested in putting together a list of;
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Drummers

What habits would your list consist of?

[Nikk]

I dunno about my list but I do know that the biggest distraction I face centers around friends and girls. It's incredibly difficult to stay put and practice on a Saturday night when your friends are trying to get you to go out for a night on the town, so to speak. Many times friends have no understanding of the consistency required to develop one's musical ability. So, for me, a constant battle I face is having the ability to say no to my friends and even family.

[jonthibault]

Interesting topic. I just saw a special on Bruce Lee, and he too said that the most important thing in fighting is keeping a totally clear mind and adapting to the other person with no preconceived ideas of what to do. He was really into zen and read a lot of Alan Watts (the MAN, in my opinion). I think this philosophy carries over into sports, music, and anything else that requires a "clear head."

[XNavyDrummer]

Okay here's my contribution to the 7 effective habits.

1) Show up on time.
2) Keep your chops up.
3) Keep your equipment in good working order.
4) Know how to read music.
5) Know how to transcribe drum parts.
6) Know if are you in an environment where anything you come up with is appreciated or are you in a setting where you're there just to play someone's pre-programed drum machine tracks "with a human feel".
7) Listen to as much great music as possible.
8) Be able to convincingly play a huge variety of styles.
9) Practice to feel real comfortable playing to a click track.
10) Listen intensely to the other musicians and to where they're going.
12) Keep a great attitude...especially when those around you are freaking out.
13) On a live gig, when the vocalist is clearly not cutting it at the chosen tempo, gently slow it down until the vocalist starts to groove.
14) As much as possible, get a real comfortable monitor mix for yourself.
15) Make those around you comfortable with your playing and your attitude.

Hope this helps.

[PocketPlayer]

WOW! I just acquired & listened to the entire 75 mins from the Vinnie clinic in '98 when he discusses Zappa grooves and Sting's Seven Days, etc.
I've never heard Mr.C speak at great length before and he clearly covers all the significant "7 Habits" for me here.
Very cool to Bill Murray the 2nd!

[FuseU1]

Whoa! Pocket - where can you get that little gem?!! [Vin clin]

[PocketPlayer]

Hey Fuse
Your profile doesn't have an email address where I can privately notify you. Drop me an email (see my profile). Several have asked about this and it is worth listening to if you like the Vin man.

-PocketPlayer
http://jeffporcaro.blogspot.com

[FuseU1]

Hey, Pocket - you can drop me a line at [email protected] - I tried to e/m you again after you replied back to me [as a result of your last post here], but it was sent back [error?] - thanx.