Wants to be payed for practices

[MultiScaleMale]

As someone who has been in it full time I can assure you that I've played with more than a few part-time musicians ("hobbyist" musician as you like to call them) that can run circles around quite a few full-time, so called "professionals" (in every single department you mention). They could very well be earning living as a musician, but they just chose to make the bulk of their money doing something else. Just because you do something on a regular basis, doesn't instantly put you at 'another level' (unless you want to factor in struggle in the case of a musician). Some people are just born natural performers. Also, I've know some pretty underwhelming full time performers that get a lot of gigs, but not because of their music and musicianship, but rather their persistence and craftiness in getting gigs. In short, not all "pros" and "hobbyists" are created equal.

This is true, there are great “hobbyists” out there. But that doesn’t mean that pros suck. While there is overlap, the average level of pros is higher than the average level of hobbyists. I would much rather do music for fun than rely on it for my livelihood. To those that are making it happen, kudos.

 

[Revolver]

This is true, there are great “hobbyists” out there. But that doesn’t mean that pros suck. While there is overlap, the average level of pros is higher than the average level of hobbyists. I would much rather do music for fun than rely on it for my livelihood. To those that are making it happen, kudos.

I never implied that "pros suck" (that would be ridiculous). My post just wanted to clarify that people shouldn't make 'blanket statements' about either, because you do find 'sub-par' performers in the 'professional world' (they are the minority, of course, and I tend to call them full-time musicians rather than 'pros') and some incredibly talented and seasoned part time performers (not the majority, and the term "hobbyist" doesn't really apply to them in my opinion). Again not all "pros" and "part timers" are created equal (just like pretty much everything in life). Like you very well stated, there is overlap and the average level of a pro is usually substantially higher than that of a 'hobbyist'
.

 

[AcridSaint]

This is the thing. The drummer came in prepared already and he nailed the material. If he can prep that well at home, why does he need to rehearse? If the band has need of him at rehearsal, that's their problem, not his. If the band is actually in the same league, as was suggested by the OP, they should all be doing that level of work at home and they should be able to do this with minimal rehearsal. So these payments would be a non-issue. But clearly, the band wants or needs to rehearse and they want the drummer there for their own purposes.

We are in complete agreement here.

 

[Tony In Philly]

If you play a lot on weekends and you get a 1099 each year, the term "hobbyist" is not really appropriate.

 

[okcrum]

As someone who has been in it full time I can assure you that I've played with more than a few part-time musicians ("hobbyist" musician as you like to call them) that can run circles around quite a few full-time, so called "professionals" (in every single department you mention). They could very well be earning living as a musician, but they just chose to make the bulk of their money doing something else. Just because you do something on a regular basis, doesn't instantly put you at 'another level' (unless you want to factor in struggle in the case of a musician). Some people are just natural born performers. Also, I've know some pretty underwhelming full time performers that get a lot of gigs, but not because of their music and musicianship, but rather their persistence and craftiness in getting gigs. In short, not all "pros" and "hobbyists" are created equal.

Agreed. Man, this thing has gotten loooong.

My DB teacher summed it up for me once. He said "Not all pros are musicians, and not all musicians are pros". OP's band is looking for one of the latter, and the drummer they like is an actual pro musician.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I've never heard of having to pay your co-workers, so even if it is a 'job' this doesn't make sense to me. If you're all in it together, then you should get paid the same way. Look for someone else to avoid resentment and conflict.

That is an overly simplistic view of working as a musician. That seems to fly over several heads

For example...in legal terms I'm an independent contractor, sole proprietor. I get 1099 documentation, I pay taxes, have business expenses and assets.

Pretty safe to assume that the drummer in this case is in a similar situation. He's not being paid by his co-workers.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Drummers...we’ve had 8 of them and they always seem to have some sort of problem; I think it has something to do with the mentality it takes to bang on something in rhythm - and the 2 who could really play and fit with the music weren’t loud enough or didn’t vibe with the singer/guitarist.

If this guy is such a “pro” that he has to be paid for practices then he needs to find another band. Period. Unless he’s going into an established, major (signed) band who tours 150 or more days a year, being paid for practice is completely ridiculous. I would tell that guy to move to Nashville or LA and become a studio musician if he wants to be paid for practice.

Sorry but this is ridiculous. This thread has several examples of people not doing what you state AND getting paid for rehearsals.

And one more time, this doesn't have squat to do with practice. It's about rehearsals... clearly many don't have a clue about the difference.

 

[okcrum]

So, although I can play shows without rehersing, those shows will not be "Great" unless the band reherses.

You're on the right track. Keep at it, and I can assure you with certainty (my favorite quote from my college physics books) that it is definitely possible to play great shows cold.

Here's my canonical example of a consumate pro I know. He gets a show recording and a plane ticket a month before the gig, then flies to Switzerland and plays a Toto show. Cold. Band intros are at 20:00 and David gets some high praise from Steve.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Sounds like a young dreamer.
He needs a dose of reality.
Next !

Seems like many need a big dose.

 

[TBird1958]

This has runs it's course.