Keeping the Beat – No Matter What!
As Americans wait to see who will win the presidential election, everyone is on high alert. Many wonder how this will affect their lives or their businesses.
One thing I do know is this: No matter what, you have to keep the beat. In drumming and in life, you have to just keep going, even when unexpected things are thrown your way.
Learning to improvise
As a percussionist, I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to improvise. This skill has helped me in life as well. I’m often called in as a last-minute add-on or as a replacement for a drummer or percussionist who couldn’t make it. This means that I often jump in and play with the band without any practice or even without a set list. I don’t need music sheets but it does help to know what song is coming next.
Even if I happen to know the songs, sometimes the lead singer or the drummer changes the tempo. That requires a good ear and a quick adjustment on my part.
However, there have been times when bizarre things have happened right in the middle of a gig. These include the screws of my conga stand popping off, causing me to grab the conga drum before it fell over – all while continuing to play the song! I’ve had some interesting things happen during speaking gigs and drumming classes as well.
How to bounce back
From performance blunders to my accident in 2011 (Who gets run over by a speeding bicyclist?!), I’ve learned that you can’t predict everything. Things happen that you didn’t expect. Here are some tips that may help:
1) Be flexible! If things didn’t go as planned, get ready to shift.
2) Be creative! Think of alternative solutions.
3) Be resourceful! Find what and who you need to help you move forward.
4) Be kind! Try not to lose your temper or blame others. Be kind to others and yourself.
5) Be strong! Know that you will get through this and you will bounce back. Keep the faith and don’t give up!
If you missed my Halloween video about tricking your brain to do hard things, check it out!
Staying the course
There have been many times in the past several years when I’ve thought that maybe I should be doing something else besides “this drumming thing.” However, I’m reminded that I started offering drum therapy nearly eight years ago. I’ve seen amazing results on myself and many others. I’m committed to making this work. It’s my Divine Assignment. Even though I’m not doing all the live events I thought I’d be doing this year, I know that I can still help people. I also know that God has plans for me and my gifts. This is just the beginning. You can rise up and rock – no matter what!
Dori Staehle, MBA is from the Raleigh, NC area and is a certified drum therapist, percussionist, mentor, ADHD specialist, Toca percussion artist, and owner of Next Stage Drumming. Dori has bounced back many times. She empowers women to use their gifts and move forward. Dori is also an inspirational speaker and author of Find Your Divine Rhythm: A Creative’s Success Formula. She will soon be releasing her second book, which is about rising up and activating your purpose. Dori is able to deliver talks and training virtually to anyone all over the world.
