Follow-up to Compliments and Ego

In the last paragraph of my prior post I mentioned that… “I am usually the best person to listen to when it comes time to access my skills as a musician and, more specifically, as a drummer.” Let me augment that by saying that a good teacher can be a huge benefit as well. There have been many times when I have been looking for guidance and/or trying to expand my horizons and I have sought out well-respected drum teachers.

For example, when I wanted to learn how to play an orchestral snare drum roll, I went and studied with Elden “Buster” Bailey. Buster was the snare drummer for the New York Philharmonic for many years and a good friend of mine told me that Buster was the guy. Well, he was! I learned so much from him and will never forget my time around him. He was very talented and fun to be around.

I have always been glad to put my ego aside in the name of education. Buster is one example and there have been countless others. Respected musicians that I’ve shared the band stand with have also been incredibly helpful with constructive criticism. It’s not always easy to hear some of these things at the time, but it’s always made me a better musician.

To all of the knowns and unknowns who have guided me and will continue to help me – Thank you!