Going to jam sessions is on of the most effective ways for drummers to make contacts that lead to more gigs. It’s a pretty easy way to meet new people because you know from the very beginning that you have something in common. You’re both passionate about music, or you wouldn’t be at the jam session. So you already have something to talk about, which can otherwise be very awkward when meeting new people.

In addition, other musicians get a chance to hear you. They also get to play with you. This makes it an ideal situation for networking with other musicians.

Jam sessions can also be a lot of fun. They’re great social events. Many times I’ve felt like going to a jam session was like going to a great party. However, if you’re goal is to make jam sessions networking opportunities to meet musicians that could actually lead to more paying gigs, there are several things you can do to make them more effective.

Jam Session Tips For Drummers

Attend the same jam session repeatedly. Most of the time people won’t call you for a gig until they get to know you. You won’t get to know them very well the first time you meet them.The same jam session tends to attract the same musicians. So along with getting to know the house band that’s hosting the jam session, you’ll get to know the musicians who sit in.

Attend as many jam sessions as you can. This way you will cast your net wider and meet more musicians.This may sound contrary to number 1, but it’s not. While you want to attend the same jam session repeatedly to really get to know the musicians, you also want to continue to expand that circle to include more and more people.

Prepare for jam sessions in advance. If you’re going to to jazz and blues jam sessions, learn the standard songs in those genres. That way when you sit in with the band, you’ll sound much better than if you’re always playing songs you don’t know.If you go back to the same jam, and notice the musicians always call certain tunes, make a list, and learn them at home.

When meeting people for the first time, talk to them about the most interesting subject in the world-themselves! Ask them where they’re from originally. As them where they work, etc.

Instead of handing someone your card, ask for their card. If they don’t have a card, have them writing their name, email and phone on a piece of paper. Then hand them yours. This way you have a way of contacting them, rather than waiting for them to contact you.

After making new contacts, follow through with them within a few days. Send them a short email that says, “Hey John, I really enjoyed playing with you the other day at ______. I hope we get a chance to do it again.”

Expand the relationship beyond the jam session if possible. Find out where they’re playing and go see their band if possible. Sometimes you’ll get an opportunity to sit in with the band they’re playing with, which can also lead to more gigs.

Avoid appearing too needy. If you go to the same jam session every single week, month after month, the musicians may start to think of you as more of a wanna be than a professional drummer. So after you start to get to know people better, it may be best to drop in occasionally, rather than every single week.

Look at the other drummers at the jam as your peers rather than your competition. If you encourage them, they will probably encourage you as well, and you will play better. They will also sometimes recommend you as a sub, or allow you to sit in on their gigs.

The last piece of advice I have for jam sessions is to be persistent. It can take awhile for your efforts to pay off. You have to get to know people, and then the timing has to be right. They won’t call you until they need you. You’re goal is to make them aware of you, so that when they do need a drummer, they think of you first.