Should I Go to College for Music? A Drumming Grad's Perspective

[@ronisize15]

As a marimba player, the comments about marimba was harsh, but true, haha

[@janetremsing6988]

ronisize15 Could be worse, could be a CAJON! 😩😁😂

[@punchtoy4546]

the way i see it, the marimba is just a piano u hit with hammers. so its way cooler.

[@trashstack]

hey marimba rocks i hoped i could play marimba

[@punchtoy4546]

@@cspahn3221 clearly not a lot. i didnt know there was marimba elitism either, but here we are

[@Rockumentary6789]

Frank Zappa. You’re welcome.

[@ShartimusPrime]

I had a great drum teacher that encouraged me NOT to major in music for the same reasons you mentioned here. I went with City Planning, which I dont use now either. I will say the skills I learned from that degree do help me now with my current career. 16 years later, and in that time I've toured the US several times with a couple of different bands, played all types of gigs of different styles, and teach drum lessons.

[@redman9230]

ShartimusPr

[@BeardedWhiteGuy99]

This is a great video. It's like received advice from a musical version of Ferris Bueller. Great info here.

[@Ebidle]

Holy CRAP!! I never expected to see my favorite toy unboxing channel to comment on my favorite drum channel (drumming/music is my life and passion). Had no idea you played drums

[@persianskeptic4814]

My teacher said the same thing

[@kmm2442]

What is your career now?

[@TheNoladrummer]

I wasted a year and a half and thousands of dollars at Loyola's music school learning music that wouldn't put food on my table. When I quit and began an actual musical career, I quickly realized that only @ 15% of the other musicians I played with understood music theory anyway. You know what would have been useful? Courses on record contracts and performance contracts.

[@Deeksha257]

Dayumm good one

[@រៀនអង់គ្លេស-ត6ខ]

You learned music that put food on your musical table. Not everything is about putting food on the table. If it was about that, why are you a musician in the first instance? Become a lawyer or accountant

[@TheNoladrummer]

@@រៀនអង់គ្លេស-ត6ខ I know it sounds crazy, but before you were born, musicians actually made their living playing music. Maybe not in the shithole you come from, but definitely in New Orleans. You’ll find your idealism disappears when the rent is due, the lights get shut off, and you don’t have anything to eat.

[@yesand5536]

@@រៀនអង់គ្លេស-ត6ខ Only if you imagine that music is your 100% focus and MUST be that. Someone is paying for your rent etc., so where's the money coming from?

[@busterquin1185]

These are excellent observations. Here are some other thoughts from a recreational player with 55 years of experience. An analogy: In youth soccer programs you have participative leagues and competitive leagues. In a participative league you get to play at least half a game if you show up for practice. In a competitive league, you get to play if you are one of the best players. In the spectrum of ways to participate in the music life....make sure you know what kind of game you want to be in. You can have a whole lot of fun throughout your life as a "participative" player. If you want to play in the "competitive" music arena, you have to work at improving your game all the time. You are competing with the best in the business for the best jobs. You must treat it as a serious business. You must prepare and you must practice. You must manage your personal recreational choices to not interfere with your goals. You can't be a prima donna...you are not the only competent drummer in the game...everybody is good. You must master the basics. To converse with other players, you must understand a bit of song construction basics - chord changes, song idioms (country, latin, big band, good ole rock n roll etc), a broad repertoire of songs from every decade since at least the 40's, you must be able to read charts (see Nashville number system that Harry discusses). You must have a lot of experience actually playing with real human players - the whole band is greater than the sum of the parts. You have to be able to receive and give good feedback. You have to manage your ego. Your equipment has to be in good shape. You have to meet your commitments. As a recreational player, you need a good day job to pay the bills. You can go to college or trade schools and still advance your musical knowledge. Take lessons from the best teachers you can find. Listen to the best players around. Pick their brains. Practice on a schedule. Network. The connections you make will last a lifetime. I still play or interact with former band mates from 30-50 years ago.

[@Xerceis]

Great post

[@Devikah]

Great points for this young drummer to ponder. Thanks for that. ^_^

[@CaeSharp]

In some countries you get paid for taking a education. In some of these countries universities are just buildings stuffed with lots of good equipment and people who can answer and discuss your questions, both musically and teoretically. I dont have to work on the side, but its nice to get paid by the state for offering free drum lessons. I dont think this would be defined as a game, as there are no oppnonents, no rules and no goal.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

💛💛💛Pure gold. Thank you.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

⤴️🐄🛎

[@tgg_music2]

I completely agree. I spent basically 5 years as a music student. But only because my family wanted me to have a degree. I have accrued $27,000 in debt from loans, while changing my major from music to communications, back to music, and lastly to general studies. I knew what I would be getting into as a university music student because in high school I was a band geek, and was in the talented music program. I actually enjoy some of the other percussion instruments much more than drum set; the marimba and timpani particularly being two. I didn't enjoy the theory, or the dreaded music history classes; both of which I failed more than once. At the end of my high school days, I was really getting into electronic music, and music production. I majored in music ed. however, mostly because I was told a music performance degree wouldn't get me anywhere. As it turns out, neither would an education degree. There were no schools near me that offered a production degree. Oh, and it's also important that you should know I started hosting the weekly EDM radio show at my school as well; a job that I still hold to this day, despite not being eligible to get paid, as I am not enrolled currently but my boss likes me and I did a good job. To sum it up, I just finished taking my first semester off after 5 years of college. I have been making electronic music for the past few years, and recently started taking it seriously. After 8 months of working hard for it, I play my first DJ gig next week. I have still been keeping up with my drumming, but have been reduced down to just some sticks and a practice pad. While I was in school, I had access to the plethora of instruments, including 3 drum sets, and didn't need to purchase any of my own gear. I start classes at my local community college to finish my general studies degree. I hope to one day have a live setup playing drums/ percussion, and DJing at the same time. If anyone is interested, some good names to look up on what I mean: KJ Sawka, Robert DeLong, Lido, and Tvboo, who is actually now a good friend of mine. Also, Harry, I've only seen a few videos now, but you turned me into an instant subscriber. I hope that if you see this, you leave me your thoughts to my response. :)

[@madvlasters2836]

Every time I’m depressed I just watch your videos because you have such a glowing personality that it just warms my heart

[@llpick3415]

Think you missed your calling, SNL needs someone like you.

[@tazmon122]

the same can be said about any art education. if you're a visual artist, and your work is in no way rooted in commercial product, then don't even bother applying to a not art specific college. a HUGE thing people don't do is research. look through faculty lists, and google professors//what the focus of the each program is. this is a huge part of why i chose Massart instead of SMFA or Ai. believe me, it's the stupidest thing in the world to ask a 17-18 year old kid who's spent half of their time in high school asleep in the back of the class to pick ANOTHER school that will determine the rest of their life...but for artists, whether music, fine art, literature, performance, or any other medium college can be less of a "find myself for the rest of my life", and more "i might ccome out of this $24k in debt, but at least i have a safe space surrounded by peers and professionals where i can really focus and hone my craft". if you have a self funding way of doing that....DON'T GO TO COLLEGE.

[@ercussio]

So damn true. Not to mention, that 17-year old is surrounded by baby boomers telling them that they need to "follow their dreams" and that any college degree means guaranteed success!

[@NerismaStudios]

TL;DR - I agree with him. If you decide to go to college, choose another major, do music somewhere else, and I would seek a drum teacher if you really wanted one. I went to college for music (which, although it was a state university, I could actually study strictly drumset at this one). I learned a lot from the music school and it HAS helped me, but if I had to say the two biggest benefits from said college they were time to figure out exactly what I wanted, and also nearly everything from general education courses. But honest truth is if you're looking to get into media at all, literally everything you learn in college you can learn from other sources, and it's a field where you get better from DOING than just completing assignments. However upon graduation I can tell you that I got little to no help at all for gigs. I was lucky to end up in the band that I am in now because of a well-placed ad at the right time. And I am STILL learning after graduating over a year ago, not because I have to, but because I want to. If you do decide to go to a college for music, go to one that studies jazz: you will get a TON from it. But with that said, remain incredibly open minded and with eyes open to what is happening in the world musically. Jazz institutions teach jazz from around the Miles Davis era, and modern jazz is a whole different monster than it was then.

[@williss11]

Yeah your right. I've always researched the topic and most of the time people do it on the side thing while in college for another

[@Michael-Oh]

Michael Ozayu. your right, Jazz drummers and jazz choruses are a whole different breed of fish. Even for my band when I here "rock drummer" I'm a bit sceptical, but when I here "jazz drummer" I have full confidence in the drummers ability even before playing with them. Every drummer should learn the jazz route and not the rock route in my opinion. Sorry I'm a bit bias as my bro is a jazz drummer and he's a shit hot player compered to the shitty rock drummers.

[@user-wj9mo4ns1h]

Thanks for posting this man it makes a lot of sense to hear and I really needed to hear it. I can't find a way to explain this to my dad without sounding like I'll be mocking myself 10 years later

[@guitarsoundstar]

I've just competed my university degree in Audio Recording and Production. it was a great way for me to explore my love for music, yet give me the necessary skills to work in many many other fields of media. was it worth 3 years of hardwork and being in debt? maybe not, but it was better for me to go and get a degree, rather than just sit on it for the rest of my life wondering if I should have gone.

[@LanceWillMakeIt]

+1

[@kamikazi5144]

Nice tattoo dude

[@collwyn1]

dude u are truly awesome. i watched 3 of your videos so far and i think u've made more sense than all the drumming vids i've looked at for the past 3 months

[@Ephremjlm1]

honestly as someone who has completed all of his theory courses and IS a drummer I have to agree with you on this one. I played and toured in reggae and hardcore bands and when I got to college I quickly started to see that it was all based around music that was very niche. I love the fact that I got to learn a ton about classical and jazz variations and it did make me a better musician overall, but if you are someone who wants to have any impact on the modern musical world then beyond the bachelors degree I dont see the point. Just practice harder stuff to keep your chops going and weasel your way into doing studio work, record and play with as many different bands as possible. Sometimes you have to short yourself to get an in but at least your actually going somewhere and are seeing tangible results.

[@insanedrummer89]

I did. Got my degree. Opened a teaching studio. Love your channel. But Iv actually made thousands of dollars teaching music through my studio from lots of the aspects I learned in my Music Education degree. Keep making bad ass vids though man. Btw the whole music school thing was hilarious, but I love Theory and teaching so it worked out for me

[@lakerrod2379]

Get a good private teacher. Do it on your free time. Music degrees don't amount to any money.

[@garryraines2028]

Hi Harry, Garry here. I'm retired and we have nothing in common except I love drums too. Your delivery/editing and enthusiasm pull me in and I listen intently. Keep it up, and when you run out of subject matter, start again. It will be interesting to see how your perspective changes. The beat goes on!

[@tommynikon2283]

As with all degrees in any subject matter....schools can teach subject matter, but they don't teach you how to HUSSLE. HOW to get ahead. After school. And in most artistic endeavors, be it music, the arts, photography, etc.- innate talent ISN'T enough: You HAVE to hussle. You HAVE to be motivated. Most success is achieved by grinding. Or as a Jewish businessman magnate told me years ago...."Ya gotta have big elbows. Ya gotta make that call." In my own case, a non-music major, I have a degree in applied photographic sciences, 1980. A solid tech background, my own degree DID open a ton of doors because I had technical chops that allowed me to work in a variety of different industries....and NOT have to shoot weddings. However, I can't say the paper impressed anybody, but the knowledge acquired- did. Starting out, serving as an assistant to the primary photographer (like interning)....my knowledge base became the hiring point. Secondly- DON'T be a douche! "Right" personality types are key, and learning to STFU in new situations, knowing when to speak up, learning how to get along/collaborate w/ others.....is key. Only assholes enjoy working with other assholes. But what the fuck do I know? I'm only 63 and in the biz for the past 41 years.

[@abcd12221]

I'm glad you made this. I hope it helps some youngsters realize the importance of self-education through the internet.

[@AeoffMann]

I watched one of your drumming videos and enjoyed it...and wanted to share something with you. I've been "playing my steering wheel " while driving and my kids yelling "Mom Two hands on the wheel!!" Fine. I stopped in a drum shop to get sticks, and saw an electronic drum set, and tried it. Shoot, shouldn't have done that. I went back and bought the drum set same as they had it set up. They put together the stand and I put on the drums when I got home. I don't know the difference between any of them or how to "tighten". I close my eyes and can see the back of a drummer (which is me) on stage and the drum set in front of me. So when I bought the set of drums, while some might think its crazy because I don't know the first thing about drumming or had a lesson, but I knew I would know how to play them when I got them home. And I did. I think a drummers soul is emerging from me. I decided that the 2nd time I should record it to watch and see if I am "on" with the song/. (sorry for the length)... I hooked into my lap top and would pick a Pearl Jam song, any one, and improv. Freaky freaky. I could anticipated what to drum next, I saw the path before I was supposed to do it. I know totally weird - -bare with me. So I recorded 3 songs, and watched as closely as I could with the music and I am on. Never playing before in (this) life... I can now for some reason. I would share the video with you but not on this page. Would love to hear from you. Thanks..

[@woodrumma81]

Great insight for drummers thinking about going to school for music. I did it backwards... played in rock and metal bands through 2 attempts at college. (neither of which I took seriously.) Finally, my 3.96 High School GPA mind kicked back in and took my 0.4 College GPA self to school for MUSIC EDUCATION. *Well DUH!* Now, I'm in my 9th year of teaching elementary music and still being able to play drums as much as I possibly can. Yes, I don't get to tour with a band or stay out late nights to play, but I am having a blast with my kiddos at school and hopefully impacting their lives for the better! :)

[@mikkovaltonen3564]

My college has music "core curriculum" of theory, ear training, orchestration etc. plus piano, which every music major has to study for at least three semesters. Then you can specialize in performance, music ed or commercial music, which includes composition, technology and business. I'm studying drums and percussion while having the music business concentration, because it helps me understand the industry and good ways to run my own career. We have quite a variety of ensembles, of which I play drums & perc in contemporary and classical ensembles and since I've played bass for years as well, I play bass in the jazz combo. So basically I'm getting a bunch of new instruments and knowledge about music industry at the same time with getting better at drum set. My professor is also awesome and arranges gigs for students when we do well and he knows we can cut it. So I think it's worth it, but I understand your point that super old-fashioned and bureucratic music school can be a real pain in the ass.

[@heftyalan1152]

I did a year college and at lunch played mini gigs playing Motorhead songs, only band we could I agree on they were metal and I was a punk. We left and went on the road. Didn't work out and went back to do another subject which is what I do now. I was lucky and found I had a second talent but whether 4/4, 5/8, primes or setting up a probability hypothesis it is all numbers.

[@billsabiadrums]

I can totally relate. I couldn't get into the school of music at Ohio St. because my instrument was the drumset and I didn't know how to play the 5 octave marimba or the timpani. So I've studied privately over the years and developed my own "educational course." Now I play the drums, violin, and the xylophone. I did learn that classical musicians are not good improvisers. Thanks for your video.

[@msmusik2]

My dream is to compose music for film and TV, possibly be the supporting band for a big act one day. I don't exactly want to be in the spotlight but just a part of making something beautiful. I feel like I'm getting pretty good at composing yet I'm very slow at reading music...is this something people look for when they hire for tours and concerts? I feel like that kind of field they'd want a resume of some kind. Anybody have advice? I'm 20 and going to community college for film...yet I feel like something keeps pulling me back to music.

[@harrymiree]

+msmusik2 Resumes seem to work a little differently in the touring music world. In my experience, your next gig often comes from someone who already knows you from past gigs (or even just socially), so there's never a paper resume as much as a reputation driving those decisions. My advice would be to make music with people you like to make music with and they shall be your resume!

[@joshuanesbit]

I'm a well-rounded pianist; play pop and contemporary styles by ear. I used to be a bit like you, but I'm at a music conservatory and when I started found it very difficult to adjust. I felt intimidated by everyone else's talent, and the standard that was present in the conservatory. I now started to discover my love and appreciation for Classical Music, and have become very well classically trained. If you analyse any pop song, there are roots in the Classical tradition. Look: music is music. There is good and bad, in every genre. You just have to open your eyes ;)

[@rhinojaxx4197]

I will go to music school... to meet musicians with the same dream I have cause tired of feeling alone... and if they teach how to read sheet music... I will run away!

[@sivadyert]

Dude, your videos are top notch. Keep 'em comin! --former music school graduate. ;-)

[@LiamHosty]

Santana used a marimba on their version of she's not there and it also had a drum set on it

[@richardforbes943]

Yes with all of that said ..If u love your instrument..the drums.That is all that matters..do you and what it is that makes u happy!! I know happiness doesn't pay the bills,but with that I know many successful people that aren't nearly as happy as myself.So keep on playin and loving life man!!

[@MJSmith541]

I agree whole heartily Harry. I only have one problem with the College degree. I play in a couple of bands with teachers and they like to brag about a drummer who has a college degree who plays with so en so. It's like at some level they look down on my ablities because I didn't go to school. Sure I studied with one of the best private drum instructors out of Toronto but that doesn't count. The thing is I don't see any of them making a living off there playing or wait the are TEACHERS.

[@jeffreyalexander7504]

Dude...I watched another video you made while I was looking at some adverts for Zildjian cymbals and stumbled on your Carter Beauford tribute. 1) you play very nicely. 2) your a funny guy. Keep up the good work and big blessings!

[@theovergoat]

I'm starting uni in February, and it's a Bachelor of Music. My course will be about song writing, studio production, performing and critical listening. Later in the course I can pick what I want to really focus on, when I've been given time to experiment with a little bit of everything. And I auditioned on a drum kit.

[@movingpictureproduction981]

Thanks a lot.... could have used this advise a looooong time ago. Now what do I do with this piece of paper?

[@Deeksha257]

Decorate it somewhere in your house, maybe in the washroom :PP

[@kcampbell3045]

Ringo recorded Timpani on "Every Little Thing" in '64. I think "Beatles for Sale" sold 14 copies. Thanks for the vid because I've been debating doing a late in life music degree on drums.

[@Roopardua]

Love you, Harry. You’re the best man

[@steviedelacruz]

WHAT IF you play multiple instruments along with singing?!? I am 17 years old and in my case, my primary instrument is guitar. For me, college seems like it would be a great occupation so i dont get kicked out of the house😞....plus, i feel that it can greatly benefit me. I dont want to make the wrong move either though and this is a big decision for me. Can anyone help with my situation? 😣

[@blueburnsred]

Stevie Delacruz if you feel like you need to, go to college. Maybe take a music theory 101 course for some basics but don't major in music. If you want to play contemporary music, a regular music program is a complete waste of time and money.

[@Tenji772]

I'm still majoring in music no matter what!

[@drumgit1]

great great vid! last line is a classic, good sense of humor mate, cheers!

[@BLUEPLANETJAZZ]

First--I wish I had found Harry years ago--I feel like I am not part of the conv any more--he's probably lost the URL to this. Second--I started in college in music (drummer), but switched to economics when I heard them calling albums "units" as in, if you want to "sell a million units..." I didn't. I wanted to drum. Third--one of the cool things about Harry is that he got a music degree from arguably the best music school in the country, but he never talks about the school. Didn't even mention it here. How cool is that? In contrast, everyone I have ever met who went to Harvard, even if it was 50 years ago, you're going to learn they went to Harvard within 60 seconds of meeting them. Bottom line: Harry is wise, naturally funny, and the best new drummer I have come across since I met Keith Carlock. GREAT VID!!!!

[@epadpro]

Really enjoy your videos, Keep up the great work!

[@tylerpruittband3505]

This is some great wisdom with humor drizzled in I love it man it’s very helpful

[@paulberg19]

Great insight. Honorable career in using your god given talent. New subscriber, great series. Keep up the great work.

[@lvn4x]

Nice. Consider his comments before going down this road.

[@ascentqalaa6800]

ye im analyzing sheets atm... feel you

[@steffenrussell2741]

cool vid. Going to MI to finish after droping out in the 90 s so my situation is a little diff. Want tomwork as a session player , so MI is the best investment. Rock on and keep the faith

[@jamesloo5251]

you are hilarious!!! i love these videos so much!

[@OJimenez]

Good stuff, bro. You're a character, an enjoyable character.

[@osborndrums]

I wanted to go to college for music back in high school but now I am studying Computers and might possibly minor in music. I still play music at college though in jazz band and with friends!

[@kaifassbinder5967]

I actually go to a music college (in Germany, another system probably) Here i learn more the orchestral playing, timpani, classic snare and all this mallet stuff, but I also have a pretty good teacher for Drumset. But it's definitely not the main focus of my courses. So if you are interessted in orchestral playing, go to a college. Actually, if you want to get a job in an professional orchestra, you need to. If you want to learn to be a drumset god, dont go there.

[@heinzketchup7384]

Kai Fassbinder Thanks, I needed this

[@braaaaaains]

What a good and honest video. My advice is to find a degree that you would potentially want to work in the future. Take music electives on the side so you can meet other impassioned students and also join a band. It's all just knowledge and learning and that is the true secret to becoming a musician, whatever the hell that even means.

[@Feedback13]

Brilliant! I went to college, majored in Music Ed. and now teach little ones how to play, and give them very similar advice. If you can play, no one gives a crap about some piece of paper from some archaic institution. How many people pick up a Katy Perry album and then put it down because she didn't go college? Or how many people gravitate towards Sting because he has a degree in English Lit? You wanna be a pop musician? Go practice your ass off and make connections. Of course, if you want to be a symphony musician, college might not be a bad idea. All of these insights are available in my book "How to Become a Kick-Ass Rock-Star in a Weekend." Available on Ebay.

[@TheShakyArtist]

I concur...the only thing is, back when I got my degree in Music as a percussionist, it qualified you to pursue orchestral/opera/theater work. If I were a drummer, wanting to specialize in playing my drumkit, I would go to a college like Berklee. Take all the courses possible at a state college to save $ and take the core studies at Berklee. You get great networking, etc. They're more "modern" in their approach. Just my 2 cents. :)

[@cwkooper4954]

The way you edit your videos in the way you talk it reminds me of the guy that does the subway cartoons

[@FollowJesus777-KING]

CW Kooper he somehow doesn't have to breathe when he talks. And for some reason he doesn't articulate his words at all lol

[@VforVendetta0626]

Dude your videos are awesome and you are a badass drummer! I also admire your tasteful use of the cowbell :)

[@winston6368]

Dude, I love you...well not love YOU, but your videos....They are Awesome!!!!

[@nealfallon1879]

It's really technician versus artist. All of my friends went to Berkeley school of music and came out snobs telling everybody what was good and what wasn't they were all technically great, but never made any art after that. I've spent my whole life being an artist and I've had a great time and I own a lot of stuff and I'm happy they all live in apartments or rented houses and keep thinking that they're gonna get some big break waiting for some artist to take them on tour it's not gonna happen.

[@MooseheadStudios]

This is awesome. im glad to have found your channel

[@Michael-Oh]

Hey, if your a kit drummer pls go to a contemporary music school or a jazz drumkit course, you must know a different style of music theory and song writing that encompasses contemporary music and a live band dynamic. Also orchestral percussion should really only be taught by major world renowned music conservatoirs. If you want to get into an orchestra playing percussion and you have an M Mus from an unknown university then your fucked. You won't get any jobs cause you'll be competing agents alumini from the RNCM, RCS, Juliard or the RCM.

[@janetremsing6988]

👍😂 But don’t worry bro, you always have a future playing the cajon!! 😂😅😵‍💫‼️

[@JJ-vg9du]

I think also an important part is enviroment. Donati said on Drumchannel try different Teachers, see what works for you. If you're not going to a do college music program or here in belgium you can go to music school takes 9 years and you still need to study extra if you want to be a teacher! erm turtle speed to nowhere.. The most important part and this can be tricky when your young and in the fast life, make sure there is a plan. You can spent ten hours on drums and still be distracted.

[@jacobjosefsberg7824]

I'm going to Berklee College of Music on enough scholarship money to pay my tuition, so that takes care of a couple issues with majoring in music. I hope my experience with music in college will be more fulfilling than many make it out to be.

[@marmar8671]

Was it ?

[@tigersteele9552]

LOVE YOU DUDE!!!

[@michaelaugust9021]

Great vid my DUDE!!

[@victoreijkhout6146]

I'm all for 400 year old music, and for many musicians it enriches their understanding of music, but for drummers? I feel your pain.

[@diegoperaltaruiz994]

This foo looks like Gerard pique

[@jflopezfernandez]

With the difference being that Harry Miree can probably stop someone from scoring a goal

[@drummero1drummer]

I See where your coming from... I live in the UK, and went to a Music College and studied popular music, with one2one drum lessons ect. Now that I've graduated I sometimes feel I should have made different choices when picking a carer path, BUT I think its a good place for musicians to meet musicians. If I hadn't had gone to music college, I think it would have taken me a while to get involved with other musicians and I might have missed out. ... Yeah there is always someone better than you, and I experienced it like you said. But I think if you create your own sound and be involved with people, I think people will get on. I am a full time muso because of going to music college, gigging on the weekends. and playing for UK Country musicians. IF I can give any advice, I would say, Do your research on where you want to be studying.

[@petemichalski487]

i studied music here in australia (drums also) and it killed my passion for music.

[@TheJoaovicente]

Danny carey actually did study music at college

[@treeratrecordings]

"music is a broad term and like all powerful words it can be use for good or evil"

[@martin-krzywinski]

You go to college for music if you want an academic (research, writing) or teaching (college) position. If you want to be a creative performer, then you don't go to college for music. If you simply "like rock" and want to "play rock" then you're not likely going to get much satisfaction out of post-secondary education. And just because everyone is analyzing the same sheet music from the 17th century isn't necessarily bad -- all literature students have the same reading lists, too. This is because these materials were seminal and are part of the history of the field.

[@eamonjosephus]

makes sense.. 👍🏻

[@jamesbarron601]

To a large extent I agree with you however it also depends on how driven you are rather than how talented. I went to UNT with the likes of Keith Carlock, Rich Redmond, Jim Riley and so many others. These guys absolutely busted their ass to get as good as they could get as well as network their ass off. There was a guitarist who at 17 submitted his audition tape to the school of music. That tape put him straight into the One O'clock lab band which if you're not familiar with UNT that's the top lab band at the school. This kid was(is) truly gifted but very naive. Several years later he and Keith Carlock get the call to join Will Lee in NYC as a session trio. Keith being the driven guy that he is networked endlessly and got involved with musicians who kept connecting him to others higher in the industry and the rest is history. The guitarist to my knowledge still plays frequently but "works" in IT. While there will always be a certain of luck involved with success, it really comes down to how bad do you want it and what are you willing to do to get it. BTW I love your videos!

[@joshuahand407]

I have a degree in anesthesiology. I'm in my 30s and I just started playing drums. Everything he said is absolutely correct.

[@nternetrat]

THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS

[@lylaznboi01]

If you're planning to be in a rock band or being involved in the music business, don't major in music. Although learning about theory is cool and doing ear training, all I wanted to do was play music. I lost motivation from being a music major for the year and a half. I was in liberal studies for a bit then switched to communications right after because I can still be involved in music in some way or form without dealing with numbers and theory. I got my motivation back and constantly gigging locally. I'm glad that I'm not a music major anymore.

[@christophercook9962]

Right on! My experience as well

[@geoffreygklein]

I love drumming, it comes very naturally to me and music has always been something I've been very passionate about. However it's quite the reality check when you apply to those special schools. I can read music, but I'm not the best. I can drum really well and have had some success with a few bands, but a word of caution, you'll know you're limitations the second you hear someone else's audition. So I found a major that worked for me in order to graduate and stuck with music as a hobby. I have this bitter-sweet association with college now. I have a decent job that during my interview college looked good but it has nothing to do with my major what so ever. I'm still playing with a band I found about a year ago. I have this if I didn't go this, this, and that thing wouldn't have happened sort of feeling towards now.

[@robertd1211]

Timpani..."The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Otherwise, correct.

[@TrashDrummer]

Haha great stuff man! Great stuff!

[@joshcastilleja306]

You just changed my life man.

[@Deeksha257]

Omg, the first video I heard from you cos, as you said, I'm in tremendous pressure to figure my next steps to music (AHH) I could listen to you all day *_* you are a literary Queen And you made me laugh out all the stress I've been consuming about this stupid stupid dilemma of whether I should waste my life in Music school or not SUBSCRIBED ! :D

[@jaybertulus]

mentioning danny carey first uplifts this video

[@StatischBenutzer]

Man I hate it when people say "I want to start a band but I want to have 100% knowledge of music theory before I do." I have actually seen a comment like that before and it makes me feel sick. Honestly if you can hear what you're playing you should be able to tell if it's good. You don't need music theory.

[@gregthesalad495]

I'm going to play the devil's advocate, knowing music theory can help with understanding music and learning it faster

[@heliosho]

Music isn't magic. Inventing music isn't either. It is hard work. Writing songs without challenging yourself will probably lead to boring music without anything interesting about it.

[@aditwani6562]

Agreed 100%. I have a strong dislike for those elitist nerds that are like "xyz has 9101901 time signature switches."

[@tommynikon2283]

Spoken by a dude who can't even READ music.

[@Hisa1shi]

You said a marimba hasn't shown up in a popular album in 100 year. You are forgetting about Frank Zappa! The Mothers of Invention featured a marimba player, Ruth Underwood, who played a big role in creating their unique sound. You can hear her in songs such as Peaches en Regalia.

[@jeremy144713]

Paramore actually uses marimba in their last 2 records as well

[@jacobdavidson2242]

Here's my question though. How did you get into a school for music in the first place without playing marimba or timpani? People always act like music is the most selective major there is, and that freaks me out for college since I'm a junior in high school considering music as a major. I just don't know if I'm good enough to get in. I'm the principal percussionist at my school, but I feel like I might be way behind other people outside of my school.

[@FJBCmonMan]

I 100% relate to you man. I just got a bachelors degree in music from SUNY Oswego lololol...It was hell. I love music, but getting the degree was such a bitch. Plus, the majority of the time I was forced to take classes that had nothing to do with music. And then the classes that did have to do with music were str8 bull shit for the most part. Even the music theory classes. In music theory pretty much all we did was study four part writing which was the biggest waste of my time. Now I got a degree and have no idea on what to do in terms of a job. What did you do after getting your degree?

[@charlessingula7143]

I heard Harry on Working Drummer Podcast today and he talks about this! auditions auditions auditions DUDE

[@FJBCmonMan]

Charles Singula What was his specific points?

[@JakeRosen635]

I definitely want to do music as a career, but I'm so interested in learning many other topics for college, too. Should I major in music, or not?

[@l1nk987]

I have the same views, but ended up with a different problem; I racked up a debt of 100k in Australian dollars to get a bachelor degree in music; I don't even enjoy touring; or spending time on other peoples songs; that's all I was doing when I was there; I have passion in teaching drums though; but unfortunately for me I chose the instrument that's the most tiring.

[@Rustee9]

I heckin love you Harry

[@cassiuswallace700]

It's almost sad to say but this guy is totally right unless you want to play in an orchestra somewhere. It took me 5 years while I watched people geting degrees in other majors that took 4 four years and half the amount of classes. You will take a whole lot of classes that make you wonder why are you there. I'm very proud of getting my degree but I would not reccomend it to anyone.

[@elementarymusicrocks5984]

Lean the oboe=1 credit. Learn the trombone=1 credit . Play almost daily in symphonic band=1 credit…. 😂

[@charlessingula7143]

YES! WISDOM!!!!! so what college did u go 2

[@jeffreyavanis9518]

Harry went to Berklee College of Music. We were classmates. He is literally a GENIUS. At parties we would sit on the piano and he'd name all the notes coming out.

[@geraldaugustus739]

I'm gonna hard disagree on this one. Except that if you study classical drumming you're likely to get very little drumkit experience (/value) out of it. I went to school in a jazz program in Toronto, specifically Humber, and it was actually an amazing 4 years (even if by the 4th years I was hella done and ready to go). For one, learning jazz IS learning to play the kit and much more related to learning the fundamentals of playing in just about any modern music setting. And for two, the program was super diverse in what was taught. Some of the classes WERE just to join a band (lead by a teacher, usually a pro musician in their own right) and the styles ranged from country to funk to hard bop, to literally anything, you name it. Not everyone, but most of the people I know left not playing jazz anymore but being really well connected to the toronto music scene, and really diverse in what they were able to do. I'm definitely not saying you NEED music education to be that kind of drummer, but if you're looking to just get good and formal education feels right for you I would highly recommend (some) jazz programs.

[@damzadlib4177]

+harry miree my big dream is to learn music and go bigger than i am right now i started singing and i wanna get to music university or as cool or even a college but i don't know if its the good step or i will stay and write down my songs and recording so tele what u think pls ?,

[@diremelbourne]

This is for Harry or anybody reading, If my goal is to be a session drummer, is it reasonable to think I could accomplish that by studying with a private teacher, practicing loads and playing in lots of different bands? I'm not a fan of educational institutions but I don't wanna shoot myself in the foot and not do a course if I need it on my resume

[@owenhenahan8658]

Do you want to do session work full-time or have another job and take session work part-time?

[@diremelbourne]

Owen Henahan part time preferably, I'm interested in lots of other music related things, mostly composing and recording

[@oblongjr]

yes i'm interesting in knowing this as well. Would really love to be a part-time guitarist but i dont know what it takes

[@owenhenahan8658]

Well, you could maybe try to get a job in a recording studio, perhaps even as a producer. That would give you opportunities to record, compose music, and also use yourself as a session drummer. That said, it's getting exponentially harder to make it in the music industry, as I'm sure you know. My personal advice, and take this how you will, would be this: find a full-time job doing something you don't hate that will get you enough money to live comfortably and explore hobbies a bit. Then, you can use that money to put together some recording equipment in your own house and you can record drum parts for people out of there in your free time. That way, you'll have no issues if the session work gets dry for a little but, but you still get to pursue what you love in your free time. Working as a drummer is a lot more enjoyable when you don't have the constant fear of going broke hanging over your head. Your biggest issue if you follow my advice will be getting your name 'out there,' so to speak, so you can get work. I would start using that recording gear to make high-quality drum covers that showcase your skill and let everyone know that you're available as a session drummer as well. That should help get some interest, or at least get you pointed in the direction of people that may be interested. All the best!

[@oblongjr]

Thanks for the informative reply! So to sum up your points: 1. Get a job at a studio ( I assume I'd need some sort of credentials, grade exams maybe?) 2. Get my name and skills known ( KZbin or IG is probably good for this?) Brb planning my next move.

[@AriesAries-qs5yq]

real people are hard to find. and you might just be one..! keep the music alive!

[@babayaga1767]

hmmmm, sweet emotion has marimba and many many modern songs have tympani such as life in a northern town, sorry for the wet blanket

[@alexbougiemusic]

Just gonna toss out there that I did an undergrad and master’s in classical music. Loved every minute of it, and more than happy with my journey and where I am today because of it. Not trying to discredit this video in the least, but it paints classical music and it’s education as quite negative, which is a bit one-sided in my opinion.

[@WhatKeepsMeRunning]

Well played sir!!!! (Thumbs Up)

[@rydersonthestorm7175]

I wonder if getting private lessons but majoring in some business degree might be a better suite to play. That being said, I played it safe and went to med school, so what the hell do I know? haha

[@sunlit2590]

KZbin is the new music school lol. Although, you don't get your "recipt" to frame on your wall.