Some random questions

[burpen]

All you long time players(at least a couple of years) do u use any earplugs or isolation heaphones? hows your hearing?

What steps should you take with your independent band to mkae yourself more money? (besides a cd and website (eventhough we dont have either) Just out of curiosity, how difficult is it to have a website that has the ability to take orders for merchandise that u can answer yourself?

All you drum teachers, were u percussion majors or did your training come form lessons?

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 22, 2004 10:06 AM: Message edited by: burpen ]</font>

[sw_p5282]

I always used (and still use) earplugs when I played, practiced or when I went to concerts. I can't play without them because it hurts! I'm not used to high volume I guess.

For the band thing, I'm not the best person to answer this! I had a 'local' band for several years. We did a CD, played many times for a good fee (or sometimes it was for free) and we had moderate airplay but it just didn't work. I felt there was no reward after all that work. For a while, I don't want to get involved (financially) in a band. I would prefer being hired!

For the third question, I'm still in college.

[XNavyDrummer]

Definitely wear good quality ear plugs. Check out the earplugs at www.etymotic.com The hi-fidelity plugs are great and are about $12 a pair. Most other plugs sound bad and make it hard to hear all of the music signal. I'm glad you're interested in protecting your hearing...the damage cannot be undone.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 22, 2004 01:19 PM: Message edited by: Andy Vermiglio ]</font>

[drumgod1]

I got custom Westone plugs made back in college and don't play or go to shows without them. I've already suffered some hearing loss from monitors and don't want to lose any more. I need to get new ones, because after a few years (12 actually), the shape of my ear has changed. I also use in-ear monitors when I can and have my practice setup using 'em as well. I have a stereo overhead, a kick mic, cd player, mixer, and click, all running through them.

As far as making money with a band, sometimes you have to be in the right place at the right time. I can tell you from my experience, original bands will make no money. They make some, but most of it is rolled back into the band for cd's, merch, stickers, and travel. I play in 2 original bands now and have low expectations for each. It's not that I have little faith in them, they're both very good, it's just that neither sounds like the flavor of the month bands and most of the members of each band can't afford to go on the road to promote because of day jobs, mortgage, car payment, family, etc. If you can find a good local cover band, that would be the way to go to make more money. Most aren't throwing a lot back into the band except for promo stuff (better promo pack=better gigs) and you can come home with some cash at the end of the night. If I would have planned it right, I would be in both a cover band and an original band with the same members in each. One could keep the other going. Around the midwest, people seem to like the funky stuff or 80's bands...it kind of depends on what people will play to see (and what you can stand playing!).

For your teaching question, I have a degree in percussion performance and have been teaching for over 10 years. But, I have felt that what I learned the most about teaching, was from the teachers I've had in college and since college. I've been lucky enough to find some good ones and have gotten great advice on keeping kids challenged, but not going over their heads.

Good luck!

Mike

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 22, 2004 07:07 PM: Message edited by: drumgod1 ]</font>

[likedachuch]

andy,

that was a great link. thanks for all your posts on hearing protection and in-ear monitoring. they were invaluable.

[likedachuch]

btw, andy

which do you recommend for general rehearsals where i don't use in-ear monitors and which do you recommend for when i DO use in-ear monitoring?

[XNavyDrummer]

Hey Chuch,

You're welcome! For playing without in-the-ear monitors the inexpensive high-fidelity plugs are great! They attenuate the frequencies evenly, just like the Musician's Earplugs. Etymotic Research created both the hi-fi plug and the Musician's Earplugs. Westone, Sensaphonics and others make earmolds for the custom Musician?s Plugs. If you're going to be playing for long periods of time use the custom plugs (more expensive but more comfortable).

When using in the ear monitors, custom molds that attenuate the ambient sound level can be great if the sound level in your ear canal is kept at a safe level. The folks at Sensaphonics have gone on stage with many major acts and measured the actual sound levels in the musician's ear canals while they're wearing the in-the-ear monitors. Most people don't have the probe microphone equipment to do this. So, they need to do their best to refrain from cranking up to dangerously high levels.

The other thing to do is get an annual hearing evaluation and make sure your hearing is intact overtime. Keep a file of your results and stay on top of caring for one of your most important pieces of equipment...your ears!

For more info:
www.westone.com
www.sensaphonics.com
www.etymotic.com

[likedachuch]

thanks again, andy! [img]smile.gif[/img]