Sometimes I think about my “career path” or get asked about what I might have done differently… I don’t waste too much of my time dwelling on the past or weighing all of the “what if’s.” There are so many things that I could have done differently, but who knows if they would have helped or hindered me? A career in music is not an easy path. I would not recommend it to anyone else. The competition is fierce, the economics are difficult to juggle, and luck becomes such a huge determining factor. However, it keeps me happy, excited, and fulfilled. I cannot envision doing anything else.

If I lived in some strange alternate parallel universe, and had to pick a different career, I imagine I would still be working in the world of music, Pro Tools engineer, percussionist, music producer. If I were to leave music altogether, I could fancy myself as a restaurant critic. Travel and eat. Wait… that sounds like my current job!

It’s important for me to surround myself with great people. Talented, inspired, positive human beings. I can play “so-so” music with amazing friends, but I cannot play awesome music with miserable people… at least not on a long-term basis.

In regards to networking, there’s nothing better than seeing people, and being seen by people. This means that you should get out of the practice room, and watch other musicians do their thing. And, play with other musicians as much as possible. This is truly the best, most honest form of networking.

The love you take, should be equal to the love you make.

Last night, a friend and I were chatting about “The Future” and he asked me, “Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?” Besides having a robot assistant to run all my errands, answer my phone calls and drive me around town, I think I will be doing what I am currently doing, but hopefully at a higher level. Performing with talented artists. Recording albums. A bit more producing and composing. Maybe a few more clinics per year. This type of balance keeps me quite happy.

I have noticed there are certain skills I have acquired that I didn’t have when I first started in this “career.” For one, I am a better business person with improved “people skills.” I was very opinionated when I was younger. Everything was black or white. Things were either cool, or they sucked. Something was noble & righteous, or it was disgraceful. Over the years, I’ve come to accept a middle-ground in most scenarios. The gray area. This especially helps when dealing with people and negotiations. I look to solve problems, not win wars.

I did not set out to become a freelance drummer. In middle school, I played along to Van Halen and punk rock albums, and I envisioned being in an alternative rock band. However, when I turned 15, I began taking drumset lessons with Tommy Igoe. He showed me a whole other side of drumming. The “side guy.” Touring, doing recording sessions, drum clinics, teaching. He’d invite me to his shows in New York City, and we’d hang out before and after his gigs. I got to see the working-man’s side of music. Not necessarily the MTV rock star life. It helped me transition from student to professional, without having to wait for that one “big break.” Little by little, one gig at a time.

There was not a defining moment in which I chose to be a professional freelance drummer. I just fell in love with drums, and couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my time! The rest happened by accident.