How drummers can find someone to play with part 2

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In Aberdeen Scotland at a traditional Scottish music jam 2017

Part 2 of finding people to play drums with.

The big leagues: Toronto at age 55

At the Jamie Aebersold jazz workshop in Louisville Kentucky I met a drummer from Toronto. When I arrived in Toronto, I looked him up and found that he ran a jam session on Thursday nights in the garage behind his business in the East end of Toronto. I joined in for about a year. What a great bunch of folks. 

My new Toronto jazz drum teacher recommended me to some friends who were looking for a drummer for their classic rock trio that he was retiring from. I spent the next couple of years playing with that band every Wednesday night until the untimely death of our bassist.   We played regularly at open mikes around Toronto and even a street festival one summer. Rock On!

Then I found that one of my new students ran a jazz jam session every Thursday night just around the corner from where I lived. Now this story is going to get truly funny.

1. I head out with sticks in hand. What do I find? Professionals and advanced young bucks from the local jazz academies. I sat in the corner with my drumsticks, nursed a beer and went home terrified.
2. Next week repeat.
3. Third week a guy named Jared says, " listen buddy either you get up and play or I'm taking those drumsticks from you!" I got up. I stayed for years and become one of the gang.  Drumming happiness.

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What to do if you are a Newbie

1. Ask the staff at your music store where the open jams are in your town. Any style don't be picky just yet.
2. Google "community bands" in your area. Go out and ask if you can listen. Tell them the truth, you are learning, and you are curious. 
3. Ask your teacher.
4. Call the local bass teacher and ask them if they have an adult student you might meet. They will be thrilled. Ditto the local guitar teacher. 
5. You can pay to join a band. There are lots of opportunities like that in Toronto and other big centres. 
6. Go to adult jazz (rock) camp in the summer: I have been to the USA 6 times, Italy, and Poland once each. On my bucket list? Brazil That's me on the left playing in New Orleans at Preservation Hall. No kidding. I've played there twice at this point. 

David

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