How to Apply Angela Duckworth's 'Grit' to Drumming and Building a Music Career
Angela Duckworth’s groundbreaking book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance has become a bible for anyone striving to achieve long-term goals. Whether you’re a drummer honing your craft or an aspiring musician dreaming of a successful career, Duckworth’s principles offer actionable insights. But how exactly can you apply grit to drumming and the unpredictable world of the music industry? Let’s break it down.
What Is Grit, and Why Does It Matter for Drummers?
In Grit, Angela Duckworth defines the concept as a combination of passion and perseverance. It’s about sustaining your commitment to long-term goals and pushing through challenges with resilience.
As a drummer, grit matters because:
Consistency Beats Talent: While natural ability helps, sustained practice and effort are what elevate drummers to the next level.
The Music Industry Is Tough: Building a music career requires persistence, whether you’re booking gigs, networking, or dealing with rejection.
Progress Isn’t Linear: From struggling to nail a tricky paradiddle to growing your fanbase, setbacks are inevitable.
If you’ve ever felt like throwing your drumsticks across the room after hours of practice, remember—that’s where grit comes in.
Step 1: Cultivate Passion for Drumming
Passion is the fuel that keeps you motivated over the long haul. But passion doesn’t mean unrelenting joy every time you sit at your kit. Instead, it’s about having a deep connection to your craft. Here’s how to build it:
Connect With Your "Why"
Why do you drum? Is it the way the rhythm feels, the joy of creating something unique with friends, or the dream of playing Wembley? Write it down, keep it near where you practice and revisit it during tough times.
Explore Different Styles
Boredom is the enemy of passion. Challenge yourself by exploring genres outside your comfort zone—jazz, Afro-Cuban, or even electronic music. These can reignite your enthusiasm and expand your skill set.
Share Your Art
Passion grows when shared. Post drum covers, play at open mics, or teach beginner drummers. Engaging with others reminds you why you love drumming in the first place.
Step 2: Develop Perseverance in Practice
Perseverance is the daily grind—the sweat and tears behind the scenes. For drummers, this means disciplined practice and sticking with their goals even when progress feels slow.
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Break down big goals into manageable chunks. For example:
Long-term goal: Master polyrhythms.
Short-term goal: Spend 15 minutes a day practising specific exercises.
Embrace the Power of Routine
Success doesn’t come from motivation alone. Build a daily or weekly practice schedule and stick to it. Use tools like a practice log to track your progress.
You might like: Become the Best Drummer You Can Be in 2025: 3 Practise Tips to Boost Your Progress.
Overcome Plateaus
Plateaus are inevitable. When they hit:
Change your practice approach—try practising slower or isolating tricky sections.
Seek feedback from a drum teacher or peers.
Remember that plateaus often precede breakthroughs.
Build Stamina—Physically and Mentally
Drumming demands both physical and mental endurance. Incorporate exercises like running or yoga into your routine to boost your stamina and focus.
Step 3: Apply Grit to Your Music Career
Building a music career takes as much grit as mastering drumming. Here’s how to channel perseverance into your professional journey:
Network Relentlessly
Networking is the lifeblood of the music industry. Reach out to venues, collaborate with other musicians, and stay active on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. (Speaking of which, follow me on Instagram!)
Handle Rejection Like a Pro
Rejection isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. Whether it’s an audition, a gig, or a pitch to a label, analyze what went wrong, adapt, and try again.
Diversify Your Skills
The more you can offer, the better. Learn basic recording techniques, explore songwriting, or dabble in production. Diversifying opens up more career opportunities.
Manage Your Finances
Success often takes longer than expected, so budgeting is essential. Rein in unnecessary expenses and invest wisely in your gear and marketing.
When I’m not teaching, you can find me drumming for Winter Gardens & Coco & The Lost.
Follow my journey on Instagram.
Step 4: Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Duckworth highlights the importance of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and learning.
Learn From Feedback
Accept constructive criticism with grace. Whether it’s from a producer, a teacher, or your bandmates, feedback is your fastest route to improvement.
Celebrate Small Wins
Recognize and reward your progress. Did you finally get that double-stroke roll to 150bpm? Treat yourself. Small victories keep you motivated for the big ones.
Stay Curious
Approach challenges with curiosity instead of frustration. Every obstacle is a chance to learn and grow.
Step 5: Build Grit as a Band
If you’re part of a band like I am (shoutout to Winter Gardens), collective grit can make or break your success. Here’s how to cultivate it:
Align on Goals
Ensure every band member shares the same vision. Are you aiming for world tours, or are you happy playing local gigs? Alignment minimises conflict.
Support Each Other
Grit doesn’t mean going solo. Lean on your bandmates during tough times and offer support in return.
Commit to Longevity
Treat your band like a marriage. There will be disagreements, but stick together, communicate, and keep the bigger picture in mind.
Conclusion: Take the First Step
Whether you’re practising rudiments or navigating the music business, grit is your secret weapon. Start by reflecting on your passion and setting small, actionable goals. And if you’re serious about levelling up, check out my drum lessons or follow me on Instagram for tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Let’s turn passion and perseverance into progress—one beat at a time.
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