Always Keep Your Gig Notes!

   ALWAYS keep copies of the drum charts you write for gigs. No matter what gig and how unlikely it is you may have that same gig again. Now matter how messy, unformal or coffee-stained. Easier yet is scanning a high-res pic of each. Tons of cheap/free software or apps to undertake this.

   Next time an artist contacts you for a last-minute gig you don't have to repeat the same prep. For cover gigs you never know which band will be doing what song. If you have decent notes - all you'll have to do is listen along with the song while scanning your past notes to refresh your memory. This also becomes even better for those who bring ipads or tablets to their gig.

   If you say to yourself, "How do I go about writing charts for gigs?" please refer to blog entry about the differences between transcriptions, charts and arrangements. Another thing to do is just try doing so. Anything you can do to shorten the time it takes to review a song is going to help. It doesn't always have to be in the form of notation! If you still need help, send me an email or talk to other drummer about what they do!