Someone Has To Tell You This, So I'll Do It!

In this video lesson, "Someone Has to Tell You This, So I'll Do It," I wanted to address the common frustrations that many musicians face. As a musician myself, I've received countless messages and comments from talented artists who feel like they've done everything possible but still haven't achieved the success they desire. So, in this video, "Someone Has to Tell You This, So I'll Do It," I take on the responsibility of sharing some hard truths. I talk about unrealistic expectations, making excuses, the importance of continuous improvement, connecting with the audience, and the need to embrace the journey rather than seeking instant gratification. This video serves as a reality check while also motivating musicians to stay committed, focused, and resilient. So if you're a musician who needs a reality check or some motivation, be sure to check out this video "Someone Has to Tell You This, So I'll Do It."
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[@mattbayne2012]

Quincy - I could safely say and speak for almost everyone - WE TOTALLY TRUST YOU.Blessings

[@erwinballings9155]

Hello Quincy, I fully agree with you. I am 63 years old and retired beginning of this year. Now that I have the time I am behind my drum kit almost every day, still trying to improve my drumming and reading skills. For me it is a hobby that I do with heart and soul. I play in a band that is playing music from the 50's and 60's. When doing gigs I try to get the best out of myself, and it gives me pleasure when the band swings. I told you before that I have a great love for Jazz music and have been working on it for several months for example by using exercises I downloaded from you. These are a great help to me, it is a luxury that there are opportunities on KZbin like your videos. I will never be a jazz drummer or a professional but that doesn't matter to me. I like to play and what I can learn gives me pleasure. I believe Jojo Mayer once said drumming is like walking up a staircase that gets wider and wider the higher you go. I want to thank you once again for the time and energy you put into creating these wonderful videos. Greetings Erwin.

[@drumqtips]

Much respect to you Erwin! I hope I still have the hunger like you at 63. Cheers to you sir!

[@richp4449]

I did the same thing, Erwin, when I retired at 65. I am now 73 and still playing, gigging once a month and having a great time with it. But it was all about learning and trying to get better everyday. We are so lucky to have this great instrument that brings us so much joy. All the best and keep on groovin.’

[@erwinballings9155]

@@richp4449 Indeed we are the lucky ones, best wishes 😃👍🎶🥁

[@TomKontos]

Truly inspiring words of wisdom, and just what I needed at this late but early stage of my 55-year drumming voyage. At 65, I now have time to phase out my day-job career and focus much more full-time on advancing my drumming, but breaking into the scene has been tough as far as getting the number and types of gigs I’d like ideally. Nevertheless, I keep telling myself, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” and a few things have started to come my way via playing at local jam sessions, sitting in with working bands, etc. Thanks so much, Quincy. You’re not only a great drummer, but a good man, and that, as much as your playing and instruction, comes through and is what draws folks to your posts.

[@drumqtips]

Love that you're still pushing and trying to improve and YOUR HONEST with yourself. Cheers to you my man!

[@rbrown4431]

💯 I feel like I have delivered this very message to students 1000 times over, but as I listened today, I considered applying it to the band I run and my approach, our practice, our philosophy. Totally applicable!

[@drumqtips]

Love that! Thanks for watching.

[@davidkral7317]

What always amazed me about Ringo Starr is that he claimed he never just sat down at the kit and beat on the drums by himself. He played with other musicians and made music.

[@drumqtips]

Love that about Ringo!

[@QuamonFowler]

You preaching good Biahop!

[@drumqtips]

I hope the folks in the back payin attention🤣

[@mrmisfit635]

Great message for all musicians to adhere to. Thanks for the kind consideration for even caring to share your thoughts, Q, I think that's the mark of a legendary drummer.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for caring to watch!

[@chrismccraven4059]

FANTASTIC advice for all artists!!!

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Thanks for the wisdom Q! We all need to hear this ,even intermediate amateurs like myself. I have always been a part timer at music,it is very hard to make a living in New Zealand with music even some great players need other jobs. I always look up to and learn from pros like yourself. Our band Hot Club Soda is playing tomorrow night in Palmerston North then we have our monthly Jazz Jam at the library on Sunday. Now back to practise....

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Simon! Much respect to you sir.

[@Hus-Band]

Yes, you are so right. ✌️

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@manuelgchapajr2000]

The GREATEST musicians PRACTICE every day! That’s how they got where they are.

[@drumqtips]

That’s right Manuelly!

[@omarpercusion]

Hello from Mexico, I lost some ability that I had obtained from the past because of a health problem, anyway, I have been working on recovering my old techniques and by doing this I have become more aware of how far I am from the Quality I would like to reach, it's too much, but thanks to you, some other teachers here and great books and friends, I have recovered the taste for improvement. Thanks for your words and the great drum lessons!

[@drumqtips]

Love to hear this Omar! Keep going my man👍🏾

[@victormarshall9765]

Well said Quincy.. Thanks for sharing your gift. You have been a inspiration of sharing your knowledge. May 2024 be a continuous journey of love in your art

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Vic! Same to you my man.

[@roccosamuele9323]

Q, I love this message.🙏 Thank you for putting so much care into your videos. Man, your comments on “quality” and “being good at being mediocre” are powerful. When I focus on improving deficiencies - like really focus, with patience, control, and intention - often I get the feeling that I have to sacrifice breadth, because of the time it takes to really focus. Intuitively, it feels like I’m falling behind, but on the flip side, that level of focus is a kind of meditation, and I find other aspects of my playing improve as well, which is a great feeling. I think of your interview with Tyshawn Sorrey often. He said that sometimes he’ll practice his ride cymbal pattern for a week straight. And I’m like, a week?! If Tyshawn is practicing his ride for a week - and that’s it - I should be practicing it for a decade straight 😂 Focus on doing a few things great, then the next few things, etc… I have to tell myself this each day. Thanks for the inspiration, Q. Appreciate you, man 👊 🙏 😊

[@drumqtips]

Love that word "focus" that you used Roc. When we really focus when shedding, the progress and improvement is glaring. Thanks for sharing your thoughts my man. Hope you're well!

[@MarioCalzadaMusic]

Difficult worlds to say man, glad you did… someone needed to listen to it

[@drumqtips]

I basically just made this video for me Mario. Quincy needed to hear Quincy’s words. 😂 😂

[@MarioCalzadaMusic]

@@drumqtips maybe me too

[@PabloTruckerShow]

I love it! Thanks for the real talk, Quincy. We need it now as much as ever.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure, Pablo!

[@woody4269]

Thank u. Grt vid. Def got a lot out of your words Quincy. Maybe i misunderstood what u were meaning about improvement each time we're behind t kit. From my experience with sport, and or, anything(drums) that requires specific body movements, learnt by creating habit...muscle memory, no thought. If we're not improving each time we practice we should not b getting better each time. We reach levels of skill. Learn something new. Then go a bit backwards until that gets engrained, and then we pass that previous level. Again, learn something new, go backwards again. Then engrain that, and jump to another level better than t previous. Etc etc. But, like i said, i might have misunderstood your meaning. 🤙

[@drumqtips]

That’s spot on Woody! Thanks for your comment.

[@bdubzdrumz]

Very salient points made here and in the last video Q. Appreciate your honesty and your insight. My list of things that I struggle with are things I’ve been struggling with since day one lol.

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed my rant videos my man. Yeah we all have our list of deficiencies. I feel mine is longer than anyone’s🤣🤣

[@w.sanmarco]

I've been playing drums for 30 years. But now focusing on jazz. I'm *ok* with my jazz playing. Not for the money. My problem is I'm not happy with ok. So I continue to woodshed and woodshed. But right now I need to play with other musicians. And develop in that environment. Life is short get out there and make some music.

[@drumqtips]

Listen, practice and play. You always want to have a healthy diet in all of those areas because they help us musically grow. Good on you for recognizing that you have to do more playing.

[@Joethedrummer]

Great. The talking head stuff is a hit, maestro. I like to say, regarding oneself, be critical but not judgemental 😁

[@drumqtips]

Right on Joel! Always good to hear from you my man.

[@aadabimfmkad6041]

Thanks Q! great words and tasty outro

[@drumqtips]

Glad you liked it and thanks for making it to the end of the video:)

[@wayneweston706]

Yes Quincy you're 100% right in every word you said.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks West Wayne!

[@jmfs3497]

Sometimes it's about attitude, personality, and resilience more than musical skill. You have to be patient, available, prepared, and supportive. After a certain level of technical skill, a more technically proficient musician might be passed up for someone with slightly less experience, but a healthier attitude.

[@drumqtips]

💯!

[@jimbonito9810]

Thank You for that kick in the Butt ... well needed ...I definitely do not have a big Head , concerning my playing , I'm my own worst critic . I do need to get down to my Kit everyday ,many days I don't and that is Bs ..hearing you ...reinforces the need to practice as much as I can , there is absolutely no reason that I cant practice everyday yet I don't ... That must change ...I,m retired , I have the time ...loved hearing what you have to say , I want my fellow musicians to feel, wow Jimmy is a dam good drummer ...Not ahhh he's ok ...now I must see what comes out of this .... Thanks Very Much Quincy 🥁

[@drumqtips]

Right on Jim! Thanks for sharing.

[@massimodemajo]

Amen, Quincy. Thank you. There is an old Japanese proverb saying: "When you point your finger against someone else, you have at least three fingers pointing at yourself."

[@drumqtips]

That’s it Massimo! Grazie

[@mattbayne2012]

.........a opposed to giving THE finger ha

[@scotthartman6440]

This is valuable information, well said. Thank you!

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Scott!

[@drummin4jesus175]

Though I have been playing all my life, I will always consider myself a student of the instrument! Hey after all, thats why I still practice all the materials I have purchased from Q! :)

[@drumqtips]

That's awesome! We’re all students of the music and life. Glad you’re enjoying materials. Might be doing some coaching sessions down the road so stay tuned.

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Amen good brother !!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you agree Chris. Thanks for watching my man!

[@ddrumcorner4682]

idk man .. i think you should post this video once a month.. or week 👌!! love the straight talk! dope as always Quincy

[@drumqtips]

Ha! I think people would eventually get sick of my tryin’ to preach weekly but sometimes I just feel like preachin’ a little because of things I see and hear around me. Thanks as always for watching my man👊🏾

[@lonewolfmgtow7187]

There is an old saying that goes like this you get what you put out and the problem is is that a lot of people want all the accolades, but they don’t want to invest nothing that’s not how life works real talk

[@drumqtips]

Exactly! Can get water from an empty well…🤷🏾‍♂️

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

One step at the time, I know how to get my playing better and I work on that area, awareness is the key, and to DO the best you can with what you have where you are. Some years ago I found myself on situations trying to do "better than what I could do" It kind of falls in the same case that what you said on your last video "to show off". For me that falls in to the "mediocrity" case. In any case, great thoughts and wisdom. BTW I'm keeping a track on all these "trad grip videos" on Instagram, really inspiring and as a person who did not have a traditionnal grip teacher It helps me a lot!

[@drumqtips]

We’ve all fallen victim to trying to show off. Takes maturity to realize that’s not the thing. Yeah these traditional grip videos have been fascinating!

[@michaelstevens8]

Great Video Quincy. Important career advice. Sometimes a musician just isn't ready yet. It's important to not only Maintain your Strengths but also Improve your Weaknesses. At the same time, we have to recognize that there have been many changes in the Music Industry over the years, especially the past 20 years or so. On the one hand fewer Jazz Clubs and Labels. But on the other hand a whole new group of Opportunities because of the Internet and Social Media. In other words if you feel and think your ready, don't wait around to be "Discovered ". Become your own Director of Marketing and Make It Happen For Yourself. This book can certainly help. Making Money With Music. Generate Over 100 Revenue Streams. Grow Your Fan Base, and Thrive In Today's Music Environment. By Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan. This is what I tell my students when they say they want to play Jazz for a living but are worried they might not earn a living. Do you have any Advice on this Quincy? Thanks.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Mike! I tell students their main focus should be to get better everyday…if they truly want to make music their career. Life tells us when to worry about making money, like when you don’t have enough money to eat or pay rent. But I tell them to hold off as long as possible thinking about that stuff. It’s inevitable to have to deal with that stuff as we get older. But I also don’t want them to be oblivious to the fact that they have to figure out how to earn a living playing music. I could go on about this but thanks for the comment and the book recommendation.

[@Arbigale]

Drumeo should get you to make content

[@drumqtips]

I’m too small time for them🤷🏾‍♂️

[@SAHBfan]

I haven’t a slightly different problem, here. Where I live there is a shortage of certain types of musician. Keyboard players that can read and play jazz are like hen’s teeth…. But so are drummers that can read, play big band jazz and have drums and transport. I have drums, transport, enthusiasm, some limited ability and I can read - so I am actually in demand, I am always being persuaded, tricked, strong armed, bullied into playing with people. My problem is - I feel out of my depth, out of my comfort zone. I am really just an amateur bar- band drummer that plays cheesy rock covers. In a few weeks I have a gig with a big band that is playing a strict tempo dance gig and I am TERRIFIED. I know I am the weakest link and the drummer, unlike the 3rd trumpet or the fourth Trombone, has nowhere to hide.

[@drumqtips]

Wow! That is a unique position you are in. It might be good to get a lesson or two before your gig with the big band just to give you some ways to approach that kind of a gig effectively. But most importantly, listen to a lot of big band drumming and don’t get caught up with, any of the fancy stuff. It’s all about time and feel. Let me know how it goes.

[@drumtwo4seven]

contrast, the traver barkers for example they show you can become extremely successful financially and in public opinion while lacking talent perhaps politically incorrect to say but it's true sometime in the 90s a metal drummer was on the cover of a magazine called modern drummer because he played drums on the bands (his bands) eighth album so modern drummer featured him by putting him on the cover a pre traver barkers or an og barker the entertainment industry is not based on talent I say play for the love of playing and out of appreciation for the art

[@drumqtips]

I hear you my man but I don’t even worry about other drummers like that. No need to bash other cats. Plenty to bash about ME🤣

[@drumtwo4seven]

Just being honest. No one ever talks about it. With that said I wasn't bashing anyone. He didn't play on his first seven albums, that's not bashing. My point was you can "make it" in the music industry even if you're arguably not talented. Seems like anyone can get sponsored make their own KZbin videos and trick the public. You can make it while lacking talent

[@drumqtips]

Understood. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts!

[@cheezruff]

Truthful helpful advice! Another reason for the pursuit of quality is the numbers regarding the market. There are a limited number of gigs and top tier online positions. It is unrealistic to expect a limited market to accommodate an overloaded market of participants. Quality musicianship and quality people skills are always important goals.

[@drumqtips]

Well said! Quality is hard to come by these days.

[@FrankParente]

I find myself telling people all the time: If you want to be good at something you have to do it every day, but if you want to be great at something you have to do it as often as you possibly can. This has no exceptions. You want to be great at music, basketball, math, reading, anything…follow that motto. Music is the best because there is no end game. There’s always something to learn, there’s always an avenue for growth. Thanks for helping us grow Quincy. FP

[@drumqtips]

Thant's right Frankie P! No end game in sight. The end game is to be better tomorrow. Then a new end game is created. The next day, and the next and the next! Cheers to you my man!

[@FrankParente]

Outside my classroom I put this quote “I’m not there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday”.

[@tomcarr4630]

So true! You are one of the people with the unique ability to both play AND teach at a high and enjoyable level.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks as always brother 🚙!

[@lucaszamora842]

Yes! Absolutely! Gotta keep practicing hard but practicing smart!!! Unrelated but would you consider doing a video going over latin styles? Mainly samba/bossa/baiao?

[@drumqtips]

Hey Z man. I could do a video on those styles, but I don’t feel I’m qualified, so not sure I’ll be doing any but I’ll think about it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@lancephilip9322]

Well said Quincy. Love to hear more about the 10% and what that is more specifically… including a priority check list of what to work on would just be gold🙏

[@drumqtips]

That’s a good idea Lance! Thanks for the idea.

[@harrisonmurphy2304]

College student here trying to internal transfer into jazz, completely needed to hear this today! Thank you Q!

[@drumqtips]

Best of luck to you as you try to make your transfer!

[@PaulMarangoni]

Until the laws change (and are enforced), there is no point in dreaming of a career as a musician anymore. Those days are gone (for now). Playing and writing music is valuable but will not sustain an individual monetarily (at the present time). The few gigs that there are will be paying less than similar gigs paid over 30 years ago. Streaming platforms pay hundredths of a penny per stream, so that isn't going to be of much use either. If you really want to be playing in a live situation, I suggest auditioning for cruise ships or Cirque du Soleil. Otherwise, get a job doing something you can tolerate while you work on your music/playing on the side (as a hobby).

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for your thoughts Paul! Definitely not easy to make it as a full time musician these days but it’s definitely still possible. I have many students who are doing quite well as full time musicians. But it’s certainly not for everyone. As long as the person is willing to work hard, is good at what they do, gets along with people well, has their business together, and is willing to diversified their method of making money within music (playing different styles, teaching, Music business). I don’t think one has to get a 9 to 5 that just pays the bills so they can play music though that is definitely a way of doing it that has worked for a lot of people I guess what I’m saying that everyone’s situation and interests are different. So instead of painting, a broad stroke on the general career of a musician, these days, I would rather make sure musicians are aware of their options, pitfalls and the challenges of the career as a musician, and leave it up to them to make the choice, some folks don’t really care about money while others do because they’re trying to support a family or something.

[@danf8172]

You’re so right that this applies to everything. Even in my research career as a PhD student… focusing on high quality and professional work, and improving on your weaknesses

[@drumqtips]

Exactly! Much respect to you for getting your PhD👊🏾

[@constantkiffer7924]

Hi Quincy, I would like to buy your CD (« Vision ») but as I life in Europe (Luxembourg) it seems as it cannot be shipped overseas ..🤷🏻‍♂️ Isn’t there any other possibility to be able to buy ?! Best regards Constant🙋🏻‍♂️

[@drumqtips]

Email me at Quincy@[e-mail].

[@mikeanscombe9883]

Can’t argue with anything that you’re saying here, Quincy…your channel is terrific because of the high quality of the advice you give out - technical, musical and spiritual… Keep on keepin’ on, guv’nor!😎

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Mikey! I appreciate the kind words. Just trying to pass on what was passed on to me.

[@peterevans366]

Another great insight and wisdom from the heart🙏 I also think and from experience one can also try/chase to hard.. When I let go and just focus on the music and the enjoying of... things generally take shape naturally 🙏🥁

[@drumqtips]

There it is PE! It actually makes things a bit easier in a way when we can just focus on our form and not the outside noise. Cheers my man!

[@plok6669]

This year I think my goals are: I want to get my ride cymbal together, learn traditional grip, play my subdivisions more cleanly, work on my brush playing and I want to dig deep on like three jazz drummers this year. Those are my goals for this year. Last year, I really honed in on technique and went super deep, my feet and hands feel and sound great. There's just so much stuff to work on and put together.

[@drumqtips]

Good goals my man! Now get yo work my friend:)

[@yannmounier2123]

Spot on Quincy,pearls of Wisdom from you,Man ! Thank you for that...

[@drumqtips]

Right on dude!

[@JulianFernandez]

Take care of the music, and the music will take care of you...

[@drumqtips]

Boom! Love that Julian.

[@GreggermannMusic]

Great lesson! Thanks as always for the knowledge!

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Gregg!

[@wannabeadrummer]

I'm definitely one of those "Why can't I do this" people, Nobody's Fault but Mine because I don't put Time into it, if I'd done the hours when I first started back in 77 I'd be a lot better than I am at 63, great advice from you Quincy

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching and much respect to you for sticking with it for so long!

[@wannabeadrummer]

@@drumqtips Cheers Quincy, I've had many long breaks on this journey but am putting the effort in now, your lessons are amazing.

[@jchynow3]

Whoa, great and much needed message. Thanks again Q!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nicklobe]

Best video in regard to art on the internet

[@drumqtips]

Wow that’s very kind of you. Glad you enjoyed it Nicky!

[@diegoelizarraras4845]

A golden reminder muchas gracias

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Diego!

[@DerekKelly-q8e]

I've been ignoring things like double stroke rolls which are inconsistent

[@drumqtips]

Time to pay attention to them now my friend:)

[@DerekKelly-q8e]

@drumqtips yes thanks quincy I haven't been drumming much lately because my kit is in storage because I'm in a motel and have been since April with a rental crisis in my home city Melbourne Australia but that's no excuse I shouldn't let other frustrations get to me I do after all have my practice pad with me and there's no better time actually to get my rudiments up to standard because drumming jobs is a very competitive environment and no one will give anyone a job out of sympathy your video is one that was overdue for a lot of drummer's who need to put frustrations out of their mind and just get on with the art of drumming

[@Templestone]

In all of life, one should never rush becoming the best that they are. It seems counter intuitive to think otherwise. Thanks for your message.

[@drumqtips]

That’s right. Thanks for watching!

[@tasmanager3530]

So many people forget that they aren’t guaranteed SHIT, regardless of how much they feel they are. They are quick to blame it on external factors instead of taking the introspective. Thanks for the reminder ❤

[@drumqtips]

Exactly!

[@coconutandrus4944]

As usual, THE TRUTH from the boss ! It’s always tough to be honest with yourself and I’m no exception . Thanks for so honest .

[@drumqtips]

You are so welcome my man!