[Bo Eder]

I've looked around and couldn't find a suitable answer - I suppose due to my age, and the stress of keeping a full-time job to make ends meet, but has anyone here ever dealt with apathy?

It seems when I was younger and drumming was my primary income, I was able to stay focused with my craft and was continually honing that craft and networking.

Now that drumming isn't my primary income, some days I feel like I could just let it all go. Days go by when I don't pick up sticks, and then something will inspire me and I'll jump in again, only to find I have to build up again to a suitable level to jump from.

With the job, I probably go out and play maybe once a month, and this is alot different from those days in my 20s when I was playing maybe 2-3 times a week. Because of my current lack-of-networking, many people I knew think I've given up, or am on a new career (which I sort of am), and thus the phone doesn't ring, and when it does ring, it's like I'm auditioning for garage bands again, making my apathy worse.

Is there anyone here dealing with this? How do you continue your inspiration? Maybe I need to take a lesson? A lesson in balancing work life with drumming life? I feel like I've lost something and I'm trying to find it! Please help!

[Der Trommler]

Yes as a matter of fact I have personally dealt with it.

For me it happened in my late 30's (now in my mid 40's) and it was a difficult time for me. I had injured my back in a head on car accident a year prior and couldn't see sitting behind the kit again in the near future. This fueled me to rehab diligently (even using drumming as part of the program) and when I had finished rehabing I had managed to improve my drumming to well beyond the level I was playing at before the crash. All was well, I had managed to get a steady stream of sit in gigs and some studio work out of what had appeared to be the end of my drumming life. I soon lost my drive to play or practice, near as I can tell it was because the reason behind all of the hard work for over a year was my rehab and I reached that goal, after that I had no new reason to continue.

I have since been able to get back behind the set and get back to keeping in shape. To do this I had to make it exciting again by learning new skills and genres. I even started writing lyrics as a way to entice my interest.

Somewhere you have lost the fun behind your passion to drum and you must find that spark again. For me work was a way to pay the bills and drumming is a way to escape the everyday stress of work and bills.

BTW, don't forget VanHalen was a garage band!

[Bo Eder]

I wish I could blame mine on some kind of physical trauma, but I can't. I've been thinking about it alot because I've spent most of my life attempting to get good at this, but then it's like I have to "get back to reality" and deal with all the other things the job takes care of. I guess I'm not growing old gracefully. It's funny - it feels like if I 'lose balance' and really work on my drumming and gigging again, I feel like it would be like a mid-life crisis. Like I'll go out and get a red corvette to scope chicks too...

And I don't mean to say I'm above garage bands - that phase of my life was just so long ago, where you have to spend the time with people just to figure out if the project will be able to get through a 12-bar blues without imploding - it's just something I'll have to get used to again.

You're right, I've lost the all-spark. Maybe I'll call John Hernandez (Oingo Boingo) for a lesson. He really has that Freddie Gruber technique down...

Or maybe a new kit?

[deanc54]

Originally Posted by Bo Eder

I've looked around and couldn't find a suitable answer - I suppose due to my age, and the stress of keeping a full-time job to make ends meet, but has anyone here ever dealt with apathy?

It seems when I was younger and drumming was my primary income, I was able to stay focused with my craft and was continually honing that craft and networking.

Now that drumming isn't my primary income, some days I feel like I could just let it all go. Days go by when I don't pick up sticks, and then something will inspire me and I'll jump in again, only to find I have to build up again to a suitable level to jump from.

With the job, I probably go out and play maybe once a month, and this is alot different from those days in my 20s when I was playing maybe 2-3 times a week. Because of my current lack-of-networking, many people I knew think I've given up, or am on a new career (which I sort of am), and thus the phone doesn't ring, and when it does ring, it's like I'm auditioning for garage bands again, making my apathy worse.

Is there anyone here dealing with this? How do you continue your inspiration? Maybe I need to take a lesson? A lesson in balancing work life with drumming life? I feel like I've lost something and I'm trying to find it! Please help!

Hey Bo,

First of all welcome to the forum! Nice to meet you. Well,..I'm a 56 year old single male, have a full time job, a pet cat, and a huge yard to take care of. I play with a band that does charitable work in senior centers, schools and the like. These events are called 'Artisits in Progress'. The events are structured to provide kids (mostly) and adults a venue to bring their instruments and play on Friday evenings. We play three songs and then they play three songs. We also provide free lessons and instruments to those really motivated and needy to learn and play the instrument of their choice. We charge nothing for our services/efforts. We practice four times a month, and do the events three or four times a month, so I keep pretty busy. You ask about motivation, well, my motiviation comes from seeing these folks work so hard to learn, and the interests we share in music. Everytime I see some youngster working so hard to play a few songs, it motivates me to get better and better so I can be the mentor I have chosen to try to be with them. When they get a song right after working hard for weeks before the event they have signed up to play their eyes light up and a big smile graces their face. They respond accordingley to the applause of the audience and their peers. Those are inspirational moments that motivate me greatly. Another thing that motivates me is that last September I bought a brand new TAMA Starclassic Performer B/B set with all the hardware, cymbals, etc. Being kind of a gadget freak, I was amazed at the innovation and technology that goes into the manufacture of today's percussion instruments. Just going in to see my shiny new drums all set up and ready to play really motivates me, and drowns the apathy. Also, last but not least I had an opportunity to get reaquainted with a guy my age that played drums and guitar in a real popular band when I was in high school. We played in a retirement community where he unfortunately is now a resident. He had a stroke some time ago which shut down the entire left side of his body, effectively shutting down his musical career. After spending some time talking to him I realized How lucky I am to be able to play my instrument at all. This gentlemen would likley give anything to be able to play again, and I can play anytime I want to. This motivates me daily to play and endeavor to be as good as I can be. Since last September, I have missed three days only of personal practice. Perhaps counting your blessings, and going out for some new equipment will dissolve the apathy you are having. Good Luck!

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

[Bo Eder]

Thanks DeanC -

I should really count my blessings. I recall years ago a buddy of mine booked us into Lanterman Hospital (here in San Dimas, CA) and I remember whining about having to do a gig at 11 in the morning. We get there and it's a hospital for the mentally disturbed and physically disabled. They were so happy that someone came to visit - let alone come and play music - I swear I was in tears the whole time, and I swore then that I'd never complain about my lot in life - but that was what, 25 years ago! I'm surprised I forgot. Note to self....

Perhaps this apathy could just be me being satisfied with where I am then? If balancing my musical life and professional-pay-the-bills life means that this is just where I am, then would this be construed as an issue to work out?

I mean, I want to get better and I'd like to play more gigs and eventually be a star like we all do (I mean, who wouldn't want a career like Harvey Mason's?), but at this point in life, if I don't, am I satisfied?

[deanc54]

Originally Posted by Bo Eder

Thanks DeanC -

I should really count my blessings. I recall years ago a buddy of mine booked us into Lanterman Hospital (here in San Dimas, CA) and I remember whining about having to do a gig at 11 in the morning. We get there and it's a hospital for the mentally disturbed and physically disabled. They were so happy that someone came to visit - let alone come and play music - I swear I was in tears the whole time, and I swore then that I'd never complain about my lot in life - but that was what, 25 years ago! I'm surprised I forgot. Note to self....

Perhaps this apathy could just be me being satisfied with where I am then? If balancing my musical life and professional-pay-the-bills life means that this is just where I am, then would this be construed as an issue to work out?

I mean, I want to get better and I'd like to play more gigs and eventually be a star like we all do (I mean, who wouldn't want a career like Harvey Mason's?), but at this point in life, if I don't, am I satisfied?

Hey Bo,

Well, I gave up the aspiration to be a star in anyone elses eyes but mine years ago. That's just alot of self imposed unwanted pressure. You have to be satisfied with yourself before you can be satisfied with anything else I suppose. At least that's the way it works for me. I would say you are in the classic 'rut' my friend. Perhaps it is as you say, 'an issue to work out'. These things are pretty par for the course for most of us, and a daily challenge. But I beseech the powers that be each day for help in realizing just how good life is for me, and believe me I count and give thanks for my blessings. Try giving yourself a drumming challenge each day, and revel in the progress you make. That might help.

[dtxtremeiiispecial]

Just reading this thread, I'm proud to be a part of this forum.

[deanc54]

Originally Posted by dtxtremeiiispecial

Just reading this thread, I'm proud to be a part of this forum.

Hey Dtxt!

I think we should all be proud to be a part of this forum! It really is the best one going! Just in my short time participating I have learned so much and met so many really great people, artists and musicians. I look forward to the posts and learning something new and exciting everyday. Thanks to you, Taino, Der, and skinslapper (and others) for helping to provide this great service!

[Bo Eder]

Again, thanks all for the great replies.

In addition to counting my blessings, just being here has made some difference. I've lurked around quite a bit and was able to impart some info that might be useful to others. It then dawned on me that there's alot of stuff I know (useful or not, would be up to the receiver) and alot of stuff still to learn. Hell, someone here hipped me to Hannah Ford and a Gail (something) - both wonderful musicians I've never seen before. There's so many good players out there.

I'm not one for external inspiration, but maybe it is time for a new kit too....

I'll keep ya' posted. I'm even looking forward to going to work!

[deanc54]

Originally Posted by Bo Eder

Again, thanks all for the great replies.

In addition to counting my blessings, just being here has made some difference. I've lurked around quite a bit and was able to impart some info that might be useful to others. It then dawned on me that there's alot of stuff I know (useful or not, would be up to the receiver) and alot of stuff still to learn. Hell, someone here hipped me to Hannah Ford and a Gail (something) - both wonderful musicians I've never seen before. There's so many good players out there.

I'm not one for external inspiration, but maybe it is time for a new kit too....

I'll keep ya' posted. I'm even looking forward to going to work!

Hey Bo!

This brings to mind..'What a difference a day makes..24 little hours..' So glad to hear your spirits are lifting! External inspiration can be a wonderful thing.