Nobody likes a young musician :(

[WyrmDL]

Got a call from a band looking for a drummer (yes, I play drums... ).

Asked me for some details, and then asked for my age. I'm 19.

The guy hung up pretty quickly



I know a lot of young people out there aren't what people are looking for, but this has happened pretty much every single time I'm in contact with a group.

Thoughts? Do you like younger musicians?

[gahpg]

I'm 21, the guitarist in my band just turned 39, singer is 30 and the drummer is 26.

We get along fine despite the big age gaps between all of us. Unfortunately, for you, a lot of bars won't let bands play if anyone is under 21. I was in the same boat during high school and the moment I was a month away from 21 I joined my current band. Just work on your chops and give it time.

[bassdoubler]

it's weird....but for some reason, it was really hard for me to gain any kind of musical respect from people from age 18-22....before 18, I always impressed people with my chops, and now at 23 I seem to impress them with my musicality for being in my early 20's, but there were a few years in between where it really seemed like I was invisible and people just couldn't care less and took me as a just some other kid with a bass....the funniest part is I've been doing the same thing for years, I just all of a sudden regained my credibility....

either way, I think if you can play, you can play. Maybe younger musicians tend to play a bit more immaturely since they ARE....but you should never judge a book by its
cover....

[RustyAxe]

Under 21 means problems getting bar gigs. That's the only universal downside of younger musicians. That said, I've run into quite a few young guys who think they're god's gift to the music world ... but haven't paid their dues, haven't developed their talent (if they had any to start), aren't seasoned (experienced), and think they know better than the "old guys". Just like my own offspring, come to think of it ...

But just as often, I meet eager young musicians, humble yet confident, willing to stretch, wanting to work hard, and willing to pay their dues.

Don't feel bad. At 56 I'm often written off as a dinosaur and get the same kind of cold shoulder. Screw 'em, I hope they find a young player of the former kind ...

[hdracer]

Oh don't feel so bad. At least you have something to look forward to. Try getting in a Punk or Metal band when you are in your 50's! All you can find is Classic Rock or Blues band.

[Joe.shaffer]

Don't take it too hard and get used to it. There's alot of people who are closed minded about stuff like that. I replied to an job offer and was told that I'm too young a few weeks back, I'm 22. IMO it's just as stupid as gear discrimination. The whole argument of not being able to play 21 and up places is a case by case basis to me. I say that because I never had a problem. That's me though, I haven't been carded for anything since I was about 16.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by WyrmDL

Got a call from a band looking for a drummer (yes, I play drums... ).

Asked me for some details, and then asked for my age. I'm 19.

The guy hung up pretty quickly



I know a lot of young people out there aren't what people are looking for, but this has happened pretty much every single time I'm in contact with a group.

Thoughts? Do you like younger musicians?

ROFL. Wait until you're 60!

[Munjibunga]

Anyway, my experience with young musicians is they have an abundant supply of either testosterone or estrogen, and drama is pretty much inevitable when the juices flow. Between maturation and dwindling supplies of hormones, the excess energy available for those pervasive eruptions ebbs away, leaving a much calmer gestalt for the creation of music.

[Jazzdogg]

My friend, Charlie, and I began playing together in high school, and were lucky to have been "adopted" by my dad and his extended cadre of professional musicians. We played with our contemporaries, too, but our primary mission was to achieve credibility with the veterans because we recognized the musical gifts they possessed, and understood these guys were the real deal and that they decided who got the call when a substitute was needed for a gig. They led trios and combos, ran big bands and pit bands, and played in shows and symphonies.

During the late sixties and early seventies societal expectations were different than they are today. Lots of young hipsters and WWII Greatest Generation musicians set the standards for those of us coming up, and they weren't reluctant about verbalizing our shortcomings. If we didn't play by their rules, we wouldn't be invited to play with them, much less hang with them and learn about single-malt scotch, investments, instruments, sports, and women.

We were lucky because these guys were straight with us. Some were avuncular, some were no-nonsense, and some merely tolerated us, but all of them shared their truth with us through their comportment and their music; had we failed to listen, it would not have been their fault.

They told us to learn to read, dress like adults, underpromise and overdeliver, always be on time [early], and always be respectful if you want to earn the respect of others. They weren't apprehensive about speaking the truth about playing skills, maturity, reading ability, nor about inviting us in to the fold and hiring us for more gigs as we proved ourselves.

Man, were we lucky! Today, I interact with college students every day, and there seem to be fewer and fewer who comport themselves as adults, invite constructive criticism, and demonstrate personal responsibility in their everyday lives.

Until adults learn to recognize you possess these qualities, your chops are completely irrelevant. Keep showing them what you're made of. There are lots of great musicians who who lose gigs to lesser musicians who are more reliable. If you're reliable, can read, and have big ears, you'll play. Once you get the gigs, then you can wow them with skills that enable to rise to the top of the heap.

Good luck! Don't give up!

[Plantbrain]

Originally Posted by hdracer

Oh don't feel so bad. At least you have something to look forward to. Try getting in a Punk or Metal band when you are in your 50's! All you can find is Classic Rock or Blues band.

+1
Adding to that:
The instrument, not the age is the determining factor, but..........many have a "band look" they are trying to sell, worried about etc.......not the music. I think it's more interesting to watch and diverse group play well together.

A new group looking for a great bassist shall come along fairly fast, or you can start one and pick folks you want to work with.
So practice and get so good none of this stuff matters.
Better to play with folks that live the music. Music comes first and foremost, if not........... run.

I think they did you a favor truthfully.
Rejection can be a good thing sometimes

[mcapote]

Originally Posted by WyrmDL

Got a call from a band looking for a drummer (yes, I play drums... ).

Asked me for some details, and then asked for my age. I'm 19.

The guy hung up pretty quickly



I know a lot of young people out there aren't what people are looking for, but this has happened pretty much every single time I'm in contact with a group.

Thoughts? Do you like younger musicians?

my guess is they had an experience like my band that we had a young singer who basically acted like a kid. temper tantrums when she didnt get her way, a mother who would show to band practices with her and want to give input on songs and gigs, would cancel practices because she wanted to do this or that instead of takign the band seriously, stuff like that. I pretty much said after that I dont want a young singer after firing her. funny thing is though my guitard talked us into auditioning a 22 yo singer this weekend so lets see.... funny thing is though one ofthe best guitarists ive seen in my town is only 19 and he is a mellow dude which i like so I guess he would be the exception to the rule.

[Tampabass]

Quick and easy way to determine which types of musicians -- young or old -- are more prone to age discrimination: Check out the musician's wanted ads on Craigslist or elsewhere. Count how many say something like "under 25 only" or "nobody over 30" or "nobody over 40". Now count how many say "over 25 only" or "nobody under 30" or "nobody under 40."

It doesn't bother me, really (I'm 48), because I'm not really interested in playing in bands that play music defined primarily by its youth appeal/lineup.

But I used to find those "no oldies"-type ads, kind of amusing, like they were screaming, "if you have any playing experience, forget about calling us, we just want amateurs."

When it comes to jazz, my primary musical calling, the deal has always been this: You're either a "player" or you're not, and your age (to a point; under 18 or over 80 could present issues) won't make a whit of difference to the other "players."

[tycobb73]

If you're age doesn't bother any of the bar owners I'm ok with it.

[guroove]

Originally Posted by WyrmDL

Got a call from a band looking for a drummer (yes, I play drums... ).

Asked me for some details, and then asked for my age. I'm 19.

The guy hung up pretty quickly



I know a lot of young people out there aren't what people are looking for, but this has happened pretty much every single time I'm in contact with a group.

Thoughts? Do you like younger musicians?

I usually don't like playing with younger musicians, but the sax player in my band is 19 and he's a musical genius - a prodigy even. It didn't take longer than 5 minutes of hearing him play to change my mind about any age-based bias. I should note, that I never asked him his age before he came down to try out. The guy who hung out sounds like a dumbass, and it's his loss.

[Rickett Customs]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

ROFL. Wait until you're 60!

That's a whole other issue Munji

Does it mean you can hang up on AARP?



j/k.

[IvanMike]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

ROFL. Wait until you're 60!

Heck at 42 I get the "Great playing man, but we need someone young for the 'look'."

GET OFF MY LAWN.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by WyrmDL

Got a call from a band looking for a drummer (yes, I play drums... ).

Asked me for some details, and then asked for my age. I'm 19.

The guy hung up pretty quickly



I know a lot of young people out there aren't what people are looking for, but this has happened pretty much every single time I'm in contact with a group.

Thoughts? Do you like younger musicians?

Well, what can I say, I am 57, what do you think bands say when they hear that/

[elavate7]

as long as you are respectable, show that you want to improve, and accept constructive criticism, you will be fine. being reliable and humble will also get you far!

[MooseLumps]

I have never understood people who worry about the look before the sound. Or at all. It's one thing to present a solid, uniform image, but that should come way, way after finding talented, like minded musicians.

Ten years ago I was underage and playing in bars because I learned 50 songs in a month, sang harmonies, and was relatively without vice( a beard did not hurt either). I did have an ego, but it did not get in the way. I was playing regular gigs and listening to my friends whine about not ever getting to play. My drummer was 50 and my guitar player was 35. We looked nothing alike, or had any real image. We got gigs because people like to hear us play covers.

This said, there is a huge focus on the trivial aspects of showmanship and less emphasis on musicianship these days. If you can master both you will have no shortage of gigs.

[Thor]

Originally Posted by WyrmDL

Got a call from a band looking for a drummer (yes, I play drums... ).

Asked me for some details, and then asked for my age. I'm 19.

The guy hung up pretty quickly



I know a lot of young people out there aren't what people are looking for, but this has happened pretty much every single time I'm in contact with a group.

Thoughts? Do you like younger musicians?

I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt until you
prove yourself, one way or the other.

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

My friend, Charlie, and I began playing together in high school, and were lucky to have been "adopted" by my dad and his extended cadre of professional musicians. We played with our contemporaries, too, but our primary mission was to achieve credibility with the veterans because we recognized the musical gifts they possessed, and understood these guys were the real deal and that they decided who got the call when a substitute was needed for a gig. They led trios and combos, ran big bands and pit bands, and played in shows and symphonies.

During the late sixties and early seventies societal expectations were different than they are today. Lots of young hipsters and WWII Greatest Generation musicians set the standards for those of us coming up, and they weren't reluctant about verbalizing our shortcomings. If we didn't play by their rules, we wouldn't be invited to play with them, much less hang with them and learn about single-malt scotch, investments, instruments, sports, and women.

We were lucky because these guys were straight with us. Some were avuncular, some were no-nonsense, and some merely tolerated us, but all of them shared their truth with us through their comportment and their music; had we failed to listen, it would not have been their fault.

They told us to learn to read, dress like adults, underpromise and overdeliver, always be on time [early], and always be respectful if you want to earn the respect of others. They weren't apprehensive about speaking the truth about playing skills, maturity, reading ability, nor about inviting us in to the fold and hiring us for more gigs as we proved ourselves.

Man, were we lucky! Today, I interact with college students every day, and there seem to be fewer and fewer who comport themselves as adults, invite constructive criticism, and demonstrate personal responsibility in their everyday lives.

Until adults learn to recognize you possess these qualities, your chops are completely irrelevant. Keep showing them what you're made of. There are lots of great musicians who who lose gigs to lesser musicians who are more reliable. If you're reliable, can read, and have big ears, you'll play. Once you get the gigs, then you can wow them with skills that enable to rise to the top of the heap.

Good luck! Don't give up!

Best post I have read today. Well said.

Originally Posted by Tampabass

Quick and easy way to determine which types of musicians -- young or old -- are more prone to age discrimination: Check out the musician's wanted ads on Craigslist or elsewhere. Count how many say something like "under 25 only" or "nobody over 30" or "nobody over 40". Now count how many say "over 25 only" or "nobody under 30" or "nobody under 40."

It doesn't bother me, really (I'm 48), because I'm not really interested in playing in bands that play music defined primarily by its youth appeal/lineup.

But I used to find those "no oldies"-type ads, kind of amusing, like they were screaming, "if you have any playing experience, forget about calling us, we just want amateurs."

When it comes to jazz, my primary musical calling, the deal has always been this: You're either a "player" or you're not, and your age (to a point; under 18 or over 80 could present issues) won't make a whit of difference to the other "players."

Don't stop at 80. One of my favorite musicians in RI is Wally
Bass, a wizened older man close to 90. He sings beautifully
and accompanies himself very well. He has an endless
repertoire of classic country tunes, many that I have never
heard before. (Need to record this guy before he dies, that
music may die with him...) Anyway, music is life, and don't
let age be a barrier to you at any age.

Originally Posted by guroove

I usually don't like playing with younger musicians, but the sax player in my band is 19 and he's a musical genius - a prodigy even. It didn't take longer than 5 minutes of hearing him play to change my mind about any age-based bias. I should note, that I never asked him his age before he came down to try out. The guy who hung out sounds like a dumbass, and it's his loss.

I had a guitar player that was 17 about 20 years ago, he was
a diamond in the rough, I knew he would blossom into an
excellent player. It was really fun to watch him grow.

Originally Posted by IvanMike

Heck at 42 I get the "Great playing man, but we need someone young for the 'look'."

GET OFF MY LAWN.

You mean that funky hippie shirt of yours ain't cutting it?