How To BREAK Into Professional Drumming (Do These 3 Things!)

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

If nothing else, I hope this video inspires you to go after what you really want in life! ►Make constant progress on the kit with DBO Academy: 👉 bit.ly/DBOAcademy

[@pjcShorts]

thx

[@amelitaalabado8592]

Gabe how did you find brian

[@RC32Smiths01]

Fully committing to a musical career is definitely not easy, especially at the beginning. Really appreciate the knowledge and advice!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Could not agree more! It's my pleasure!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@DrumBeatsOnline Yeah!

[@BrandonScottDrums]

Dammit Gabe I’m legit editing a video talking about my entire drumming journey...😂 🤦🏻‍♂️ Not really about finances but the life side of it. HEYYYY THAT CELL PHONE EFFECT JUSY POPPED UP I LIKE IT... ❤️

[@shadowspear9639]

I'm always waiting for your videos :D

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Wait, you mean a video like this?!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p37MhoiYfa2erLM Haha I'm just kidding man, that happens to me all the time!

[@thebrilliantrj]

imagine how we felt after buying all that cornstarch and water a few weeks ago...

[@SimonRileyDrums]

Can’t wait to see this one as well! Much love to both of you dudes🥁

[@SimonRileyDrums]

MAN!! This is SO DAMN RELATABLE to me and made me feel so much better! I just got out of the military 10 months ago after serving 8 whole years just to pursue my dream of becoming a professional drummer. KZbin has been my main focus and although I’m not at the point I want to be yet, I’m getting closer and closer everyday and it’s videos like this that motivate me even more! Thanks Gabe for sharing your story and here’s to continuing the grind🥁

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Heck yes Simon! You are a killer player, you’ve got this bro! Keep pushing forward!

[@joelwallace5326]

Thanks for the advice bro Within the past 2 years I took music way more seriously and I would love to do it full time but I keep doubting if it will actually work. You've encouraged me to believe that I can do this.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

That's amazing Joel. You've got this! #keeppushingforward

[@joelwallace5326]

@@DrumBeatsOnline Much respect bro

[@MehulShaRma]

THIS US WHAT MY DREAM IS , and also want to be a great Drummer and KZbinr too

[@theunbanned4553]

For me it's planning things out. I'm a very chaotic person and planning things helps me improve to focus better on the drumming and the things I need to get done. Thanks for telling your story, it inspires me even more. For real thanks!

[@Pugnare-et-vincere]

This guy just casually mentioning he is the drumer of one of my favorite bands. Seriouly. I was following this channel on and off for a few months, but I never noticed. Keep on rocking dude. You and youre band are just awesome.

[@thepilotdrummer]

You are the key of motivation

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@rghelguera]

You are the picture of success: Making a living doing what you like best! I may do that someday....hopefully soon...

[@cuzwell]

I'm under two years into drumming and I already have most of my gear. I'm trying to decide if part-time work is better than full-time so I can spend more time drumming and improving. Great to see a fellow Michigander having success. I may start streaming here and there just to get out of my comfort zone and possibly watch back later to see where I can improve.....which is everything lol.

[@DrumsWithTaylor]

I'm in that working full time and playing Friday and Saturday stage right now. All kinds of gigs, just making it work. Making videos when I can, and just trying to enjoy music! This was very insightful.

[@brianquiles3435]

You are an example of never giving up, it amazes me how humble you are no matter how much you have accomplished. You always have your feet on the ground. God bless you always and go ahead brother. Greetings from Puerto Rico

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Thank you for the kind words!!❤️❤️

[@donfisherjr.2404]

Very good advice from a young man who was focused on his career goals that provided fulfillment rather than just a steady paycheck at a boring job. Great video!

[@JoeyRam.]

You give me more reasons to keep looking for that moment in life to jump on stage and play. I'm so so proud of you 👏🏻 and feel lucky that I found one of your videos in KZbin. 🤘🏻🥁🤘🏻

[@thejohnnydavidson]

Gabe! You offer so much more than just "how to play drums"! I appreciate how open and willing you are to help the drumming community. Thanks so much! I wish I had time to join DBO...

[@brettclurdrums]

That's awesome, Gabe! I'm so stoked to see all the growth. I was watching your videos since before you had the dedicated drum space/studio :D I'm on a similar journey. One thing that I've found that has really unlocked earning potential has been writing articles for drum gear websites. It's become my main source of income. I hope to grow that so that I can eventually quit my full-time teaching job and then create a website with some courses as well as grow the KZbin channel. Thanks for all the inspiration, man!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Awesome dude!

[@pravinjogdand]

I've been watching this 3 times, and whenever I feel I'm struggling in my musical journey I watch This video and it helps me to be energized.❤❤

[@mishaDorjan]

I’ve never heard of this band of this guy before but this video literally helped me find a reason to keep going. Thank you.

[@willdrum516]

Gabe I have followed your videos and your career for some time. This is really pulling at my heart. I’m currently 27 years old and I have been drumming for 15 years. I have felt so lost and like nothing wants to happen for my drumming career but I couldn’t feel more sure that I have to pursue what I love and this video definitely put it out there for me. Thank you so much ! I love everything that you have done and what you share with the community 🙏🏽-Will R

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

This really means a lot! I’m so glad to hear that I could help motivate you in some small way to keep pushing forward. You’ve got this!

[@joshuamaltez4704]

Go for it! Best of luck!

[@Strider258]

Very Harry Miree-esque man, I like it!

[@hectatusbreakfastus6106]

Pretty great video. I'm stuck in a job that takes me away from my kit for months at a time. Granted I've only had my kit for a little over a month but I'm certainly going to miss playing and all that time away is going to really hurt my playing.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Better get a pad to help in the mean time!

[@abhishekaby941]

Thank you Gabe for sharing your journey please put more playthroughs

[@chrisr7692]

It's always good to hear from someone who is so passionate about teaching and learning. I'm grateful even though my Pearl decade was stolen, along with all of my harmonicas about 2 months ago. I have hope and I appreciate your candidness and encouragement. I'm living in an area that should hopefully get me some paying gig's starting in March. Hoping to have a decent sounding kit before I get the gigs. Anyway, thank you for sharing this me.... it's what I needed to absorb and I know it's not going to be easy but it's sure worth it when you're doing something you love and helping others along the way. Keep up the great work and continue to educate us in all areas of the drums, cymbals, hardware. ect., and maybe the most important, a positive attitude with knowledge and experience, willing to help me out and reveal the hope of being a full time musician is still very much possible. Grace and peace to you and your family always. Chris

[@oretokin2905]

The most important drum video for me 😀 thank you so much . I got great feedback from this video that I am on the right path 😀

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loganlakedrums]

This is just the video I need! I’ve committed to finding a way to do this for a living and I’m so ready to do whatever is necessary. I’ll jump through any hoop at this point, and this video definitely helps make things clearer and reinforces the fact that I really do want to do this for a living!!!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

So happy to hear that Logan!

[@joesalter4212]

Thank you for this video. I'm currently at the beginning of this path, although a bit older (nearly 24). I just worry too much that I won't be able to sustain a liveable lifestyle if I make the transition. I currently teach online alongside my day job(pharmacist) but have always wanted to be a full time musician. This video may have been that little bit of inspiration I need. Thank you ❤️

[@Robzilluh]

Just found the channel today. From michigan myself! Love the insight. This info is so valuable to people on the outside because not a lot of people talk about how they made it to be a full time musician.

[@lucachiostergi]

Finally someone talking real shi*...my story is I'm a longtime drummer, but after covid hit a big downslope in my personal life and started doing odd jobs, like literally anything (bike mech, AV tech, stage building, sous-chef, bussy boy..and so on). Now I'm seriously fed up, have enough of people being passive-aggressive on workplaces and treating me like I know nothing, bosses bossing around, always feeling like people don't really know what I'm good at. But this all was a great teaching experience, personally and financially speaking. I'm at the point you were and just want to be a drummer cause it's the thing I can do best and somehow it'll happen. Great video man, loved it, it's real as real can be..respect

[@jan-michaelneumann2077]

I really can feel the struggling you´ve been through in younger days. I´m in the same situation (24y now) for the last 6 months and now I´ve been told that I have a big talent at the drums so I started this journey and this is what I am most passionate about. I watched your video and it´s like I was looking at myself in a mirror. I appreciate what you are doing Gabe and I personally will do it similar to you 🤘

[@lonnienorton.]

I really appreciate your channel, I enjoy watching a new video all the time with coffee in the morning before I go to my kit for my daily drum lesson. I've been lucky enough to play the drums for the past 35 years and I love the fact that we as drummers are always learning and hopefully progressing in what we love. ❤😁👍

[@PreKDrums]

This ones Probably my favourite video, it was super motivating watching you explain your story and the struggles. I’m in the beginning phase of being a full time drummer and it’s so dope seeing all the success you’ve had after years of grinding hard 🔥🔥🥁🥁

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

❤️❤️❤️

[@XanderTheAwesome]

So much excellent content in this video. Thanks Gabe! Also the production value of your videos these days is outstanding!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I’m so glad you liked it!!

[@RiKkaeLla08]

Thanks very much having this video.. it really help me realized not to stop my passion. More power to your channel from one of your zealous subscriber here in the Philippines.

[@claytonrath8033]

That snare mic at 3:57 slightly off center is bothering me 😅 great video Gabe!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Haha sorry!

[@khrashingphantom9632]

This was amazing! Although I'm glad you mentioned living with your parents it really should have been a MUCH larger point. ALMOST NO ONE in the U.S is living off $1100 per month while paying full average rent. So "budgeting" (while EXTREMELY important and necessary) alone doesn't cut it. To become successful in ANY pursuit (music especially) requires a lot of luck, hard work, and HELP. Thank goodness for your parents letting you live with them and (even indirectly) investing in your dream. I'd say they saw how hard you were working to make this happen (NO DAYS OFF from what you described. Maximum grind. Lol) and just gave you what seemed like a stable base of operations to grow and expand. Congrats on the website and KZbin success you've gotten so far and I hope you get that 1M plaque because this channel is quality! Thanks for posting. Also to the parents/guardians out there if you see you young one REALLY going for dream they have help them along if you can. You never know how far they can take it. Thanks again.

[@bhaveshsolanki6485]

What a great video to put out into the world! Full of helpful advice for anyone wanting to becoming a pro drummer!

[@TREBLEBOOSTER65]

This video is the #1 thing I need at this point. I need to replace my job and this is my biggest passion

[@jacques_mw]

This video is really inspiring and just what I needed to see as an aspiring professionnal drummer, thanks for sharing your experience Gabe!

[@mihaimunteanu2059]

Hey Gabe just got an ocasion to join a new trash metal band here in my city...The thing is I used to love double bass but nowadays I dont use anymore and I find it funny how I am in the same situation you were in when you joined I prevail. Also I wanted to say thank you, keep up the good work and happy birthday

[@skithunter8990]

So inspiring. Happy for you. I’ll never be a pro drummer, but it’s inspiring for other avenues.

[@adelekejames6537]

Definitely not quitting🥁💯💯 I feel pumped with this great video of yours.

[@IlichBezpaleva]

Thank you so much, for a great drum inspiration. For me, sinking now in personal hard times inside - it is the best of.

[@maxschubert176]

The glasses fit to the "Church Gabe" very good

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

😂😂

[@lessgoofyone]

This might be the most inspiring drum video I've ever seen. I'm doing this shit.

[@robbiesmith7468]

I am actually curious on how touring musicians bring in money. Revenue from touring and steaming music.

[@drummerdan95]

Merch is a big one. Arguably the biggest source of income on a tour.

[@PunkMarioBros]

I’m in school now and I’ve learnt 5 instruments now which is to try and improve the amount of session work or instrument lessons I can do to earn money doing what I love and maybe one day go somewhere with a band

[@blaazdrum6816]

Probably the most inspirational video I've seen of you.. I'm in this period where I try to find as many ways to make money as possible as a drummer: I started teaching, joined a few bands and started gigging again, so I totally relate to your story! Thanks for those precious advices!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I appreciate that! Keep pushing forward dude, you've got this!

[@julesdrums6167]

Awesome man. Thank you for sharing-from a fellow Michigan drummer. Currently play out of a garage in Dexter right next to AA.

[@loadedares3523]

You are an inspiration Gabe. I wanna make drumming my career as well but my family and relatives don’t want that because they think that this is not good for me and I will eventually regret this in the future. I don’t blame them because every parent wants the best for their children but I want to be a full time drummer. That being said I honestly don’t know where to start my drumming career.♥️♥️

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I can totally relate to this!

[@Professor_Gamble]

Dang Gabe, you're awesome and so humble. I think that the biggest lesson here is putting in the work. As you said, what if you hadn't kept up with your drumming and your lessons? You get the call from I Prevail and then they just go, nah, not good enough. Your hard work paid off and it made you a better drummer with more experience. Stay true my friend. I hope you come to California soon and I can meet you in person.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I appreciate the kind words and am so glad you learned a great lesson from this video!

[@DrummerJawKneeD]

This was awesome! Thanks for inspiring us to follow our paths. I’m going to do it!

[@Prof-Sanstixx]

Nice things to hear from you bro, I wish I will be as you have achieve yours, and the main thing thats bordering me is my parents and the nature of the environment.

[@jimmyfafard2709]

Holy shit I have just starting watching your youtube drumming videos, and I didn't even know you were in I Prevail. I started listening to your band about two years ago and really love the music!! Love your drumming, hopefully some day I can be as good as you!!

[@richardlewis8500]

This was a very good video. I was there a long time ago but had zero ideas and no internet back then. Still working 9-5 and drumming as a "hobbie". Painful. Young guys think about this but be smart. Very inspirational.

[@mateoorozco2720]

I’m going to find some gigs and maybe start doing in person lessons since things are starting to open up again. Like you said it’s not so much about the money, it’s more about inspiring others and helping them get better as a whole. Definitely my goal is to tour with one of my bands since I’m in like 4 different bands haha so I’m trying to be involved in as much music stuff as possible to get good connections with other musicians in hopes to possibly one day get that break point too.

[@scottgraham2530]

Thank you for this ... I had to get a day job but always wondered how ... so awesome

[@xcodychaosx]

Just getting started down that road got a band with most of the music done just need vocals been looking into music distribution services so far leaning towards cd baby also been thinking about giving lessons i find it really helps to learn when you teach others my guitar player is in a cover band as well makes about 100 bucks a show so ive been learning some reggae and classic rock jams so we can do some cover gigs this video came at a good time

[@benjaminwoodman]

Dude I live in Michigan too and it seems impossible. This is really cool how close of a background we have.

[@silvanoolalla]

Thank you so much for the video, I think I couldn't find any better help. I'm a 17 year old drummer and my dream it's to be a full time musician, and you have encouraged me so much to go for it, taking small steps.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

It’s truly my pleasure. You’ve got this!

[@justanotherguygeorge128]

Congratulations man you did it and you give us ideas about drumming. Thanks a lot.

[@milesvaniglia7854]

Love it man! I feel like I could do KZbin videos and gig out. I also think getting involved at my church would be good too. They’re always looking for drummers. I also thought moving to Nashville might be a good idea. I mean the proximity of other musicians could lead to opportunities.

[@clip_caruso]

Thanks for everything Gabe! You're a great guy! 🤟

[@627172340]

Thank you for sharing !! And thanks for being an forerunner and example to us. Really appreciated

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I appreciate the kind words! It’s truly my pleasure.

[@jasoneilersdrumvideos939]

I’m actually moving to the Michigan suburbs in a few weeks to join my band full time. Starting this now doesn’t seem too bad of an idea.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Ha that’s awesome!

[@Jester_jester415]

Awesome Gabe! Thank you. But despite that I still work at a day job (but I fond money in two records of my band). And I’m almost 37 now. And I’m kinda frustrating😕

[@AtomGill]

0 dislikes for a reason! You're an inspiration brother 👊

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

❤️❤️❤️

[@lukemc7930]

This is definitely a video I needed to see Gabe! I'm glad you've made it with music and with teaching, I can imagine it's not easy so it's cool to see you living it. This has for sure inspired me to think about the next step to take, just need to plan it out. What do you think about playing drums on cruise ships? Might venture down that alley.

[@NativeIntelligenceCheckMyDJmix]

Super real video, love the breakdown, Gabe ..ur the ultimate drum hustler, honestly I got tired just hearing how hard you work. lol.

[@bogdyscripcaru5929]

Thank you for everything,Gabe!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

You are very welcome!

[@drummergonzalez13]

🥁❤️I want to be a full time Drummer and do KZbin like I already started. But, I would like to do it more Learn and play more. I’m excited for more videos!!

[@andyalexander5816]

I found this incredibly useful. Thank you so much for it, having you explain your steps from the start helped me out a lot and I relate to it almost to a tee. I could give you a kiss for this video! Mwah 💋

[@jacksonsilverman5790]

Great video Gabe, I’d love to see more content like this in the future! The practical yet inspiring breakdown of this information was really helpful!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I’m so happy to hear that Jackson!

[@gijsdries4141]

Nice man, mad respect for making the jump!

[@destruction7367]

Thank you so much for making this video. Appreciate you man, rock on 🤘

[@DJ2Legit007]

This is a very inspiring video! I have a similar story. You have inspired me to make a video and share my story with all the DJs out there. You remind me of a young Mike Johnston. It's amazing to me that your KZbin channel has greatly surpassed his in such a short time. AMAZING!!! Btw, I am a drummer too, but now a full-time professional DJ. It's never too late in life to switch careers and be successful.

[@kathrynwright2075]

Thank you for sharing the details of your story. - Very inspiring!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

You are very welcome!

[@DontMakeMomCry]

Words of wisdom! Thank you Gabe -AW

[@andrewwarrendrums8969]

This is such an awesome video! This is something I’m working on getting started and seeing your journey makes me want to keep striving for more!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

❤️❤️

[@cgDRUMS.]

Appreciate your blueprint

[@poppunkmark305]

Gabe you're such an inspiration and where did you get that jacket

[@JakeHussDrums]

This video is priceless, man. Thanks so much

[@justdrumit9031]

Hey man, this video really inspired me. I want to become a drummer but my patrents don't. I started at age of 14 and i think that this is too late. I joined a band and we have one song together and we want to record an album. I don't know what to expect. When started playing more and more because of the band my grades started going down and my parents are being mad at me. They always say that school needs to be on 1st place and i understand that but the bad thing is that i am still 15 and i can't find money for gear. Mom and dad aren't helping me in anyway nd it is really hard for me. I need to change my drum heads, need to buy a new pedal, because my old one is broken and a new cymbal. It is not easy but i keep pushing because i want to make my dream come true. I know that it will be hard to achieve because i come from a small country in the middle of nowhere and i am a girl, but i will push as hard as i can to become a drummer. Thanks to everyone who read that to the end! I hope this comment will inspire someone and no one will give up! The only thing that can stop you from succeeding are only your negative thoughts. Believe and things will happen the way you want!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

There you go! I love the positivity. I know it can be a very difficult road sometimes, but keep pushing forward and good things will come.

[@mondragon9282]

Great video, dude!! Drumming is something I really started taking seriously over the last few years, and now that I'm feeling more confident with what I'm able to do, I'm starting to look for opportunities outside of my band to try and make some extra money. Not gonna be dropping my job any time soon (I actually enjoy my full time job), but being able to make a little extra cash with something I love to do would be awesome!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Heck yes Mike!!

[@edwinsonsantos7100]

This is very inspiring man! It motivated me to make small steps forward. I'm from the Philippines ☺

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Happy to hear that!

[@cyntosphotography7483]

wow you inspire me despite of my challenge

[@THEDRUMMER3779]

What's your advice on finding bands/live performances that need drummers?

[@adambell2068]

Dude you are so inspiring!

[@tea2920]

I've been playing drums for 4 year and producing and playing keyboards for 3 years, right now I'm learning bass and to mix/master im 15 and i wanna go to collage (archeology) and then open a studio

[@Thegamesdungeonyoutube]

awesome video, thank you Gabe!!

[@ARDrummer]

Awesome stuff! Seems like you have worked really hard to get where you are...all the best to you man!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Thanks so much dude!

[@johnedwards5147]

I am a guitar and Bass player, in the midst of learning the drums at the ripe age of 66, older perhaps but not dead. The worship team's that I play on most of the time, has me on the Bass. I have played drums a couple of time there, but two other actual drummer's can be called on to play, and I'm stuck on the Bass. Any suggestions on putting my foot down to break away from my other instruments to play the drums on a more regular bases? Telling the worship leader is one step, and I'll do that today; but I also want to gig on the weekends with country groups any suggestions there? Thx!

[@coreyroberts47]

Dude. So sober. I love it. Ima make it work. Any suggestions on how to prepare/learn in order to give lessons?

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

My biggest advice is to try to think about how you wanted to learn when you were first starting out. If you happened to forget, try playing lefty for a little bit and you’ll remember again 😂

[@simonr9870]

Great video !! I actually had a request would you be able to do a video on music business for drummers, like, law on copyrights and royalties etc i.e. hired guns vs actually joining a band. Keep up the great work and cant wait to see I prevail live !!

[@declanwrightmusic]

Heck yeah! I would love to see a Part 2!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Alright!

[@sorayajimeno]

Cool video!! Could you give advice when taking these steps? How to make good youtube videos, tips for band castings, how to be a professional drummer, teacher... Thank U!!!

[@toms4888]

wow! gage! great to hear! wow!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

❤️❤️

[@damf5488]

This is so inspirating im about to cry

[@Jaythedrummer]

Hey Gabe, been a fan of your channel for a while. I too am an online drummer, which I just do for fun. As much as I do think that, if you want to be a full time musician, then finding out how much money you make, probably means you are getting into it for the wrong reasons. However, I do believe that a follow up video on your current financial situation since getting the “I Prevail” gig, and you other various sources of income, could potentially be the push to a younger audience to think “yes I can do this”. In a way, the same as some of the top business owners, can inspire other entrepreneurs, when Forbes list their net worth. But this is at the end of the day, your income. Don’t feel pressured to do so, and as always with your videos I always learn something new, even if K have been playing for over 25 years. Look forward to a follow up if there is one.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment James! I totally agree with you!

[@ronaldzeoli7528]

Those who are serious about wanting to have a musical career and can read sheet music try auditioning for one or all of the military branches. You get to play all the time and in different places. Its a great option.