Seemed to have picked up the cough/snotty bug that EVERYONE around me has - mostly my bandmates but also the students. With barely a voice, the primary school felt like a bit of a struggle today, especially I was trying to get them to up their game and push on to more technical things.
Took Mum for her weekly food shop and she's a bit down as it would have been her sister's birthday today (she died in August) and it's the anniversary of dad's death next week. Tough times.
Then over to the college to teach for an hour and a half, feeling a little flat and tired, as were the students.
Cracking private lesson and then home to write. I need more time to write.
Thursday, 29 November 2018
Tuesday 27th November 2018
Went to watch A's school's nativity in the morning, having been invited to make up the numbers. I thought it would make me festive but if anything, as I was the only audience member without a kid there it just felt weird - and they're all very young so kept forgetting their lines. Still, done my bit as a good boyfriend.
After that went to grab some lunch from a nearby bakery and watched, awkwardly, as the owner sacked his member of staff for being "fucking lazy" and then struggled to deal with the fact that he had six customers lined up as she walked away. Was there for nearly half an hour just to get a bacon roll.
Got back, sorted out my NINE double-bookings for next week and then off to Bottisham for the first lesson of the day, then Cambourne, then 2 in Cambridge. All fine, but there's probably a more logical way of organising these lessons as I'm spending so much on fuel.
Wrote till late...
After that went to grab some lunch from a nearby bakery and watched, awkwardly, as the owner sacked his member of staff for being "fucking lazy" and then struggled to deal with the fact that he had six customers lined up as she walked away. Was there for nearly half an hour just to get a bacon roll.
Got back, sorted out my NINE double-bookings for next week and then off to Bottisham for the first lesson of the day, then Cambourne, then 2 in Cambridge. All fine, but there's probably a more logical way of organising these lessons as I'm spending so much on fuel.
Wrote till late...
Monday, 26 November 2018
Monday 26th November 2018
One more of the actors has got back to me (one of the ones who never replied in the first place) saying she'd do it, but is quite busy. She also called me 'Richard' which doesn't bode well considering we're doing a show together next May. Let's just release this one as a book and forget about filming it, I've got the West End show next week to worry about.
Did manly things today such as going to the tip and disposing of all the spare flooring/old carpet etc, that took quite a while. Got back, tried to work out my many diary clashes and decided to leave it for another day. There's just too many, mostly because I accidentally took on too many Santa shifts...the plan was to only do 26 hours this year but I seem to have somehow agreed to 78.
Private lesson number 1 was great (as it always is - my first ever student, a year and four days ago, and still a favourite weekly 'customer'), second one wasn't as aggressive as he was last week (although he still hit my shins several times with a drum stick when he couldn't get the timing right), third one felt flat but he's a very great student and he felt bad because he'd not been practising all week, the fourth one was excellent.
Home to a lovely dinner with A, before doing a spot of writing for next year's stuff.
Somebody has put/left a cuddly toy inside my bass drum and I'm really confused by this.
Did manly things today such as going to the tip and disposing of all the spare flooring/old carpet etc, that took quite a while. Got back, tried to work out my many diary clashes and decided to leave it for another day. There's just too many, mostly because I accidentally took on too many Santa shifts...the plan was to only do 26 hours this year but I seem to have somehow agreed to 78.
Private lesson number 1 was great (as it always is - my first ever student, a year and four days ago, and still a favourite weekly 'customer'), second one wasn't as aggressive as he was last week (although he still hit my shins several times with a drum stick when he couldn't get the timing right), third one felt flat but he's a very great student and he felt bad because he'd not been practising all week, the fourth one was excellent.
Home to a lovely dinner with A, before doing a spot of writing for next year's stuff.
Somebody has put/left a cuddly toy inside my bass drum and I'm really confused by this.
Sunday, 25 November 2018
Sunday 25th November 2018
The actors still haven't got back to me about the Christmas monologues. Reckon it's because I sent them all by FB messenger at 3am? Either way, got a Christmas special of HOP in the West End just confirmed so I need to worry about that now.
Ended up being a late night, last night. Gone are the days when we'd have a crazy aftershow party (like we've EVER done that in FH, apart from that one night where we nearly got chucked out of a Travel Lodge in Swindon), instead we had a cheeky bar in a nearby hotel and went our separate ways, like professionals do. A and I stayed up, enjoyed a bottle of wine and some Twiglets, whilst listening to an Amazon 'chilled indie' playlist, like the modern, sophisticated couple we are.
Slept in till much later than planned, then we spent 3 hours clearing out the conservatory. It's all very grown-up, and I need to do a big run to the rubbish tip tomorrow with all the surplus flooring and stuff we don't need, but the house is starting to feel like a proper home now. I looked in the conservatory earlier and just felt really happy - the dining table is there, as is the (always full) drinks cabinet, my record player and vinyl collection under some not-Christmas-but-basically-Christmas lights around the top...this is home, and we can be very happy.
Popped out to teach my regular Sunday evening drum class, and then back home again for dinner and trying to work out the double bookings I have for next week and how to solve them all.
Ended up being a late night, last night. Gone are the days when we'd have a crazy aftershow party (like we've EVER done that in FH, apart from that one night where we nearly got chucked out of a Travel Lodge in Swindon), instead we had a cheeky bar in a nearby hotel and went our separate ways, like professionals do. A and I stayed up, enjoyed a bottle of wine and some Twiglets, whilst listening to an Amazon 'chilled indie' playlist, like the modern, sophisticated couple we are.
Slept in till much later than planned, then we spent 3 hours clearing out the conservatory. It's all very grown-up, and I need to do a big run to the rubbish tip tomorrow with all the surplus flooring and stuff we don't need, but the house is starting to feel like a proper home now. I looked in the conservatory earlier and just felt really happy - the dining table is there, as is the (always full) drinks cabinet, my record player and vinyl collection under some not-Christmas-but-basically-Christmas lights around the top...this is home, and we can be very happy.
Popped out to teach my regular Sunday evening drum class, and then back home again for dinner and trying to work out the double bookings I have for next week and how to solve them all.
Saturday 24th November 2018
Another long day, but this one was totally a cracker. Great lesson in the morning with one of my regular students who wasn't in great spirits last week but was totally on it today, which was nice. New songs learnt, all is well there.
Home, total re-tune of the kit as it's having a few issues - mostly because it's being used for both gigging and teaching, so it's bound to need a bit of TLC.
4pm soundcheck with the band in Cambridge, an hour and a bit getting the sound right then a nice meal with the guys.
Album launch show, the band has had so many problems recently with so much tension but this was all totally out of the window. A glorious show, I wouldn't go as far as to say it was "the best gig ever" (as much as a few people have said it was) because it all felt very controlled, tight, professional. For me, the best gigs ever are the ones that I don't expect to be brilliant, but we always knew this one would be...it's a well-gigged set, in a venue we know, in front of a home crowd...no excuses, really, apart from the emotional ones as G is off soon. Still, totally nailed it, every second of it.
A fan gave us all presents as a thank you because the band has "saved" his life, not literally, of course. The present, one for each of us, was a two night holiday away for two people...how lovely is that? Actually being bought a holiday by a fan. Guys: I think I've made it.
Cracking night.
Home, total re-tune of the kit as it's having a few issues - mostly because it's being used for both gigging and teaching, so it's bound to need a bit of TLC.
4pm soundcheck with the band in Cambridge, an hour and a bit getting the sound right then a nice meal with the guys.
Album launch show, the band has had so many problems recently with so much tension but this was all totally out of the window. A glorious show, I wouldn't go as far as to say it was "the best gig ever" (as much as a few people have said it was) because it all felt very controlled, tight, professional. For me, the best gigs ever are the ones that I don't expect to be brilliant, but we always knew this one would be...it's a well-gigged set, in a venue we know, in front of a home crowd...no excuses, really, apart from the emotional ones as G is off soon. Still, totally nailed it, every second of it.
A fan gave us all presents as a thank you because the band has "saved" his life, not literally, of course. The present, one for each of us, was a two night holiday away for two people...how lovely is that? Actually being bought a holiday by a fan. Guys: I think I've made it.
Cracking night.
Friday 23rd November 2018
Ridiculous day, to be honest. I always say that Friday is my most exhausting due to the amount of schools I have to teach in (which is logical because they're all within 20 minutes of each other, but not logical because it's near-impossible to squeeze everyone in) and that was made even more difficult by the fact that the middle school keep giving me extra students. Which is, of course, extra money, but it's getting to the point now where I don't have time to eat between 8am - 3.30pm so I have to grab a pasty and have my lunch on the move and there's no time to go for a piss. Not that I'm a big pisser, anyway, but it's nice to have the option.
The kids were all in good spirits and it was fine, I did a good job I think.
From that, off to 2 private lessons, both of which I enjoyed, and then finally home by 9pm. A is as exhausted as me, so pizza and a movie it was. We mustn't make a habit of this. Slightly alarmed that she'd never seen The Naked Gun before, and even more alarmed that she didn't like it, but she's pretty awesome otherwise.
The kids were all in good spirits and it was fine, I did a good job I think.
From that, off to 2 private lessons, both of which I enjoyed, and then finally home by 9pm. A is as exhausted as me, so pizza and a movie it was. We mustn't make a habit of this. Slightly alarmed that she'd never seen The Naked Gun before, and even more alarmed that she didn't like it, but she's pretty awesome otherwise.
Thursday, 22 November 2018
Thursday 22nd November 2018
Yeah, I think I am turning boring. I feel a bit anxious today about it all, not sure why. Well, okay I guess it's simple: I've written a bunch of lovely monologues, 11 of them, have approached the five actors needed (it's two each, I'll do the spare one), three have got back to me saying they'd do it but, having sent them the scripts over a day ago, I've not heard anything back since.
My fear is simple: this isn't a great script. I really, really like it...it's not a major departure from what I normally do, but the characters have warmth and depth and I think the dialogue is very naturalistic. But two of the three actors are only actors I've met at the fringe this year and all they know is Little Sparks and whatever solo show of mine they saw. Maybe this sort of stuff isn't for them? Or maybe, it just isn't very good? Not being arrogant or anything, but I was just expecting a little more enthusiasm about the script in return as I've spent longer on these than I have on many other projects.
Also a bit anxious about my right eye, which is doing strange things. The eyelid is, at least. When I Googled it all manner of scary things about cancer came up, but when I saw an eye specialist (who just happens to be the mum of one of my students) on Monday she was quite relaxed and told me it was simply lack of vitamin C. I've had the cream on for three days now and it still looks a bit...well, black. I'm sure she's right, she is the expert after all but I feel a bit, well, even uglier with an eye like this.
Also, feeling anxious because I am clearly turning boring. Thursday is typically a nice day for me - no teaching until 4pm, so plenty of time to write during the day. What did I to today? I did my tax return, over two months before the deadline! I would write, but maybe nobody thinks I'm a good writer because maybe the Christmas stuff is shit?
Either way, good to get it done and paid for.
I know I have much to be grateful for, really...this time last year I was swimming in my overdraft and struggling big style. I'm comfortable now. This time last year I hadn't even taught a private drum lesson yet - that was on 30th November 2017, a student who I still teach weekly and is one of my favourites. I've got my life in shape. I've sold two of my 'become a drummer in a day' courses - if I sell 20 of those over the next 8 months and keep the money aside, it will totally pay for my Edinburgh Fringe 2019 including accommodation.
Today was fine, I did boring life admin, then taught 2 cracking drum lessons with 2 cracking students and then went to a cracking Thanksgiving meal around Lachy's parents' house - great food in very fine company. Maybe being a grownup isn't so bad, after all?
My fear is simple: this isn't a great script. I really, really like it...it's not a major departure from what I normally do, but the characters have warmth and depth and I think the dialogue is very naturalistic. But two of the three actors are only actors I've met at the fringe this year and all they know is Little Sparks and whatever solo show of mine they saw. Maybe this sort of stuff isn't for them? Or maybe, it just isn't very good? Not being arrogant or anything, but I was just expecting a little more enthusiasm about the script in return as I've spent longer on these than I have on many other projects.
Also a bit anxious about my right eye, which is doing strange things. The eyelid is, at least. When I Googled it all manner of scary things about cancer came up, but when I saw an eye specialist (who just happens to be the mum of one of my students) on Monday she was quite relaxed and told me it was simply lack of vitamin C. I've had the cream on for three days now and it still looks a bit...well, black. I'm sure she's right, she is the expert after all but I feel a bit, well, even uglier with an eye like this.
Also, feeling anxious because I am clearly turning boring. Thursday is typically a nice day for me - no teaching until 4pm, so plenty of time to write during the day. What did I to today? I did my tax return, over two months before the deadline! I would write, but maybe nobody thinks I'm a good writer because maybe the Christmas stuff is shit?
Either way, good to get it done and paid for.
I know I have much to be grateful for, really...this time last year I was swimming in my overdraft and struggling big style. I'm comfortable now. This time last year I hadn't even taught a private drum lesson yet - that was on 30th November 2017, a student who I still teach weekly and is one of my favourites. I've got my life in shape. I've sold two of my 'become a drummer in a day' courses - if I sell 20 of those over the next 8 months and keep the money aside, it will totally pay for my Edinburgh Fringe 2019 including accommodation.
Today was fine, I did boring life admin, then taught 2 cracking drum lessons with 2 cracking students and then went to a cracking Thanksgiving meal around Lachy's parents' house - great food in very fine company. Maybe being a grownup isn't so bad, after all?
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Wednesday 21st November 2018
Four hours sleep - we got back late last night, and then I woke up at 4am and told A to "stick to the one, snare on the three..." and she told me the time, and reminded me we were not in a drum lesson. I went back to sleep.
So tired, but my students - absolutely all of them today, we're totally on it, a joy to teach. At the school, at the college, both private lessons...easy, so easy. Just a reminder that I've got this right; a day full of people who respect me, who listen to me, who are getting something out of this. As Monday's lesson suggested, there will be hurdles, but it's mostly all good.
So many diary clashes for December.
So tired, but my students - absolutely all of them today, we're totally on it, a joy to teach. At the school, at the college, both private lessons...easy, so easy. Just a reminder that I've got this right; a day full of people who respect me, who listen to me, who are getting something out of this. As Monday's lesson suggested, there will be hurdles, but it's mostly all good.
So many diary clashes for December.
Tuesday 20th November 2018
Treated myself to a load of sleep, got up at 10am. I'd moved my Tuesday lessons to Sunday to give myself more time today, and had a productive one - got chatting to my preferred actors about filming the Christmas monologues. Three of them have said yes instantly, the other two haven't replied yet, but I think they'll be onside soon.
Did a spot of writing for next year's fringe and then re-tuned my kit. Met up with the guys and off to London for our big show there. I don't know why, but this one didn't do it for me tonight - we had a big enough audience, but the set felt too long and, a rarity for us, it dragged a bit. I think we've had a great run recently, and this gig went down well, but was hardly a highlight.
V got annoyed with me on the way home when I said to her, "not every gig can be the best gig we've ever played, that one was just fine" and then L got annoyed with me because I got annoyed with him for suggesting we drop Ghost Town for the next gig, because I'd rather drop Earthquake. We're on different pages. Not always a good sign.
Andrea has booked me up for a cracking big show for next year and more musical projects in the pipeline, my diary is filling up with lots of lovely stuff for next year.
Did a spot of writing for next year's fringe and then re-tuned my kit. Met up with the guys and off to London for our big show there. I don't know why, but this one didn't do it for me tonight - we had a big enough audience, but the set felt too long and, a rarity for us, it dragged a bit. I think we've had a great run recently, and this gig went down well, but was hardly a highlight.
V got annoyed with me on the way home when I said to her, "not every gig can be the best gig we've ever played, that one was just fine" and then L got annoyed with me because I got annoyed with him for suggesting we drop Ghost Town for the next gig, because I'd rather drop Earthquake. We're on different pages. Not always a good sign.
Andrea has booked me up for a cracking big show for next year and more musical projects in the pipeline, my diary is filling up with lots of lovely stuff for next year.
Monday 19th November 2018
Really productive morning, after an exhausting weekend. Just confirming more tour dates, venue negotiations, finishing off some of the Christmas material. All in all, pretty good.
The first drum lesson of the day was fine, one of my regulars who was in good spirits and I know what he needs to learn and how to get there. The second lesson though, well...where do I start? Let's just say it was a difficult one, a rare stumbling block on my surprisingly easy run as a teacher so far. The kid just doesn't want to learn, and he kicks off about it, constantly, and won't listen. It's been the same for weeks now. Today, his grandparents were in the lesson watching what was happening, trying to discipline him but struggling, he was out of control. Lesson ended with me well aware that I have a waiting list, and I'd rather teach somebody who wants to learn, but with the Dad running after me wearing only a bath towel asking me to come back next week. I will because I like the family, but the kid needs to calm down. Or the parents should stop making him do something he doesn't want to do?
My third lesson of the day was a total joy with one of my regulars, a lovely bloke and he did his first gig at the weekend and was buzzing about it. THIS is what it's all about. Evening ended with a double lesson with my usual Monday night students, both of whom were on good form.
That felt like a long day, but I'm learning all the time that this teaching thing is different every day. Better than being sat in an office all day, I guess?
The first drum lesson of the day was fine, one of my regulars who was in good spirits and I know what he needs to learn and how to get there. The second lesson though, well...where do I start? Let's just say it was a difficult one, a rare stumbling block on my surprisingly easy run as a teacher so far. The kid just doesn't want to learn, and he kicks off about it, constantly, and won't listen. It's been the same for weeks now. Today, his grandparents were in the lesson watching what was happening, trying to discipline him but struggling, he was out of control. Lesson ended with me well aware that I have a waiting list, and I'd rather teach somebody who wants to learn, but with the Dad running after me wearing only a bath towel asking me to come back next week. I will because I like the family, but the kid needs to calm down. Or the parents should stop making him do something he doesn't want to do?
My third lesson of the day was a total joy with one of my regulars, a lovely bloke and he did his first gig at the weekend and was buzzing about it. THIS is what it's all about. Evening ended with a double lesson with my usual Monday night students, both of whom were on good form.
That felt like a long day, but I'm learning all the time that this teaching thing is different every day. Better than being sat in an office all day, I guess?
Monday, 19 November 2018
Sunday 18th November 2018
Long day as Santa. Bit of a tension, the other Santa accused me of wearing his beard, I may have called him a prick, the head elf has resigned...all good vibes in the grotto, then.
Lots of kids in today, felt quite festive and I could feel like I was doing it well, I'm not the most natural Santa but it works well.
Two private drum lessons after were fine, the new flooring in the house is looking amazing (not that I'd usually have opinions on that sort of thing), feels like we're building a nice home together here.
Lots of kids in today, felt quite festive and I could feel like I was doing it well, I'm not the most natural Santa but it works well.
Two private drum lessons after were fine, the new flooring in the house is looking amazing (not that I'd usually have opinions on that sort of thing), feels like we're building a nice home together here.
Saturday 17th November 2018
Quite happy to be out of the house, what with the flooring being done and all that. Two hour private lesson which felt more stressful than it needed to - the student wasn't getting it first time and they kept getting angry with themselves about it...nobody gets everything first time, if they did, I probably wouldn't have a job.
Private gig with FH, a long night - an overlong drive because we got lost, a lot, then the gig itself was 2 hours, followed by so much chat afterwards. Great gig, though, to a sold out and very appreciative audience who loved every second of it, but so much waiting around.
Private gig with FH, a long night - an overlong drive because we got lost, a lot, then the gig itself was 2 hours, followed by so much chat afterwards. Great gig, though, to a sold out and very appreciative audience who loved every second of it, but so much waiting around.
Friday 16th November 2018
A typical frantic Friday, in which I rely on a) good traffic and b) at least one student being off ill in one of the schools to keep my schedule on track. Neither of those things happened today, but just about got away with it again - 3 schools in a row followed by 2 private students.
Got back, exhausted but we had to spend the evening moving EVERYTHING out of the lounge (including the piano) as we have the new flooring in tomorrow. This is awfully domesticated, I feel like a changed man. Got excessive junk food after to make up for it.
Got back, exhausted but we had to spend the evening moving EVERYTHING out of the lounge (including the piano) as we have the new flooring in tomorrow. This is awfully domesticated, I feel like a changed man. Got excessive junk food after to make up for it.
Thursday 15th November 2018
I couldn't be more double-booked if I tried. Well, I probably could, but you know what I mean. That's all for next week, and a bit of stuff for next May, mostly.
All four private drum lessons were a total joy today, everyone seems totally on it this week.
HOP tour dates for next year are piling in, as are the tour dates for the new play I haven't started writing yet.
All four private drum lessons were a total joy today, everyone seems totally on it this week.
HOP tour dates for next year are piling in, as are the tour dates for the new play I haven't started writing yet.
Wednesday 14th November 2018
Parents annoy me sometimes, demanding that their children get to play in the school assembly etc...it's not my choice, I'm just the teacher, but they send so many emails about it. The lessons were fine, but it's all the admin that gets to me, sometimes.
Too Mum shopping and she hates the new car because it's so high-up. She'll have to get used to it.
Drum workshop at the international college was a total joy, as was the private lesson afterwards - until I got a parking ticket afterwards whilst being parked outside the student's house.
Evening meeting with FH about G replacements...went on a bit, no real resolution.
Too Mum shopping and she hates the new car because it's so high-up. She'll have to get used to it.
Drum workshop at the international college was a total joy, as was the private lesson afterwards - until I got a parking ticket afterwards whilst being parked outside the student's house.
Evening meeting with FH about G replacements...went on a bit, no real resolution.
Tuesday 13th November 2018
Finished writing the Christmas stuff, which is great, even if I'm a bit behind schedule.
Laura came around for a percussion lesson which was great fun and then over to Bottisham, and then Cambourne and then Cambridge for drum lessons. The new car is certainly getting a good run out already.
Evening Bants show...typical tiny audience, but oh so generous - the bucket at the end was one of our best yet. The acts were all great, I tried doing a non-cajon set and felt weird about it...back to what I know next time.
Laura came around for a percussion lesson which was great fun and then over to Bottisham, and then Cambourne and then Cambridge for drum lessons. The new car is certainly getting a good run out already.
Evening Bants show...typical tiny audience, but oh so generous - the bucket at the end was one of our best yet. The acts were all great, I tried doing a non-cajon set and felt weird about it...back to what I know next time.
Monday 12th November 2018
Popped by to see my mechanic chum to get the boot fixed on the 'new' car, such a top bloke and he did it for free. I quite like the new car, it's missing all the comfort of the old one, the seats are tough and the engine is loud, but it's pretty robust.
Got back, did some writing and then taught four cracking lessons today, being a drum teacher is awesome when it all works like this!
Got back, did some writing and then taught four cracking lessons today, being a drum teacher is awesome when it all works like this!
Sunday, 11 November 2018
Sunday 11th November 2018
First day back as Santa. The grotto isn't as good this year - it's basically just a shed. Last year it felt more Christmassy...there will be complaints, I'm sure.
Nice to hang out with the elves, got on particularly well with trainee-teacher-so-has-to-be-an-elf-in-the-meantime-to-pay-the-bills Rebecca, that killed the time whilst we had no visitors whatsoever. Not one child in to see Santa? But it is 11th November, I guess. Bit early?
They let two of the elves go at lunchtime and I was allowed to leave an hour early. As I was just down the road it made sense to pop in to see Mum for dinner, and she also had my sister over...having everyone in the house made the dog a bit mental with excitement.
I'm liking the new car already, mostly because it's so economical - the Volvo was costing me about £80 in fuel just for Cambridge stuff. In this 'new' one (it's still 17 years old...it's a Richards car, after all) I've driven to Mildenhall, Shelford, Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge in it and I've worked out it's only cost me about a fiver so far. Which is probably normal, but either way I hope it will eventually kind of pay for itself. The only problem being (apart from the boot not staying open, but I'll go to my garage mate tomorrow to fix that) is that it has a cassette player...and it's not one of those ones you can take out and replace with a CD player, it's part of the dashboard. I know there's things you can do with plugging your phone in and going digital and all that, but I've gone the other way and I've decided to get into tapes. It'll be a great way of getting me into other music - I'll pick up tapes from various charity shops, and listen to them all on long-distant trips back from gigs, and find new influences, and new stories from them.
And so now here it's where '50 Charity Shop Cassette Tapes: An Edinburgh Fringe Show' is likely to start.
My mum gave me 2 tapes today, too - a Roxy Music album and the best of Squeeze. It'll be fine.
Ended the day teaching at the lovely American family's house, where the daughter, aged 7, played the anniversary song for the parents, who had their anniversary today (the song they had as their first dance), in front of the parents, the piano teacher, the maid, 2 siblings and the grandparents, with a speech at the start. It was a song we'd been working on for the last few weeks secretly (before performing the very easy Ghostbusters to the parents at the end of each lesson instead) and I was the only person in the room who didn't cry. Being a teacher is amazing, sometimes - I think I tend to get more of these 'moments' than your average drum teacher, mind.
Nice to hang out with the elves, got on particularly well with trainee-teacher-so-has-to-be-an-elf-in-the-meantime-to-pay-the-bills Rebecca, that killed the time whilst we had no visitors whatsoever. Not one child in to see Santa? But it is 11th November, I guess. Bit early?
They let two of the elves go at lunchtime and I was allowed to leave an hour early. As I was just down the road it made sense to pop in to see Mum for dinner, and she also had my sister over...having everyone in the house made the dog a bit mental with excitement.
I'm liking the new car already, mostly because it's so economical - the Volvo was costing me about £80 in fuel just for Cambridge stuff. In this 'new' one (it's still 17 years old...it's a Richards car, after all) I've driven to Mildenhall, Shelford, Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge in it and I've worked out it's only cost me about a fiver so far. Which is probably normal, but either way I hope it will eventually kind of pay for itself. The only problem being (apart from the boot not staying open, but I'll go to my garage mate tomorrow to fix that) is that it has a cassette player...and it's not one of those ones you can take out and replace with a CD player, it's part of the dashboard. I know there's things you can do with plugging your phone in and going digital and all that, but I've gone the other way and I've decided to get into tapes. It'll be a great way of getting me into other music - I'll pick up tapes from various charity shops, and listen to them all on long-distant trips back from gigs, and find new influences, and new stories from them.
And so now here it's where '50 Charity Shop Cassette Tapes: An Edinburgh Fringe Show' is likely to start.
My mum gave me 2 tapes today, too - a Roxy Music album and the best of Squeeze. It'll be fine.
Ended the day teaching at the lovely American family's house, where the daughter, aged 7, played the anniversary song for the parents, who had their anniversary today (the song they had as their first dance), in front of the parents, the piano teacher, the maid, 2 siblings and the grandparents, with a speech at the start. It was a song we'd been working on for the last few weeks secretly (before performing the very easy Ghostbusters to the parents at the end of each lesson instead) and I was the only person in the room who didn't cry. Being a teacher is amazing, sometimes - I think I tend to get more of these 'moments' than your average drum teacher, mind.
Saturday 10th November 2018
Spotted an advert for a car I liked and, on a whim went to see it this morning - still aware that the Volvo is probably not roadworthy. Liked it, sorted all insurance stuff etc and bought it. It's the right thing to do, it's a bit of a grown-ups car, a people carrier, but it's what I need for my drums at the moment.
The Volvo went back to the garage who sold it to me, they're giving me £100 for it. I paid them £300 for it 30,000 miles ago. Felt weirdly emotional dropping it off...it's a car I bought when I was at probably my lowest financial point and it got me through, I'll be forever grateful for what it's done for me. This year has been weird; meeting a girl, moving in with her to her nice house and plotting a future together, my drum teaching business really taking off...changing car to something that doesn't leak fuel and is just a bit, well, not as quirky (the Volvo was often described as being my 'Del Boy van' by some friends) and is just more progress. I mean, I'm about to buy flights to Germany for a "winter break"...I've changed, I know I have. I think it's for the better.
Taught a lovely drum lesson, and then had a shambolic jazz rehearsal - they were all pissed/stoned when I turned up. We have a gig next week, could go either way.
Evening with A, went to a murder mystery night with Ali, Rob et al - lovely people, great fun, great food, great drink and I was the murderer. Really top notch.
The Volvo went back to the garage who sold it to me, they're giving me £100 for it. I paid them £300 for it 30,000 miles ago. Felt weirdly emotional dropping it off...it's a car I bought when I was at probably my lowest financial point and it got me through, I'll be forever grateful for what it's done for me. This year has been weird; meeting a girl, moving in with her to her nice house and plotting a future together, my drum teaching business really taking off...changing car to something that doesn't leak fuel and is just a bit, well, not as quirky (the Volvo was often described as being my 'Del Boy van' by some friends) and is just more progress. I mean, I'm about to buy flights to Germany for a "winter break"...I've changed, I know I have. I think it's for the better.
Taught a lovely drum lesson, and then had a shambolic jazz rehearsal - they were all pissed/stoned when I turned up. We have a gig next week, could go either way.
Evening with A, went to a murder mystery night with Ali, Rob et al - lovely people, great fun, great food, great drink and I was the murderer. Really top notch.
Friday 9th November 2018
A bit of a different Friday: Santa training day. I'm still not sure if I should have taken this job on again, last year I did it because I was desperate for cash but this year I'm doing okay and only doing it because I'm a total Christmas weirdo.
Still, the team seem nice and friendly, the 'training' was mostly about how to get each visit down to less than 3 minutes per child...it's a bit corporate, but it's a clever business, this whole Christmas malarkey.
I'm only doing 26 hours this year, bit of pocket money and all that.
Taught a really lovely drum lesson with my favourite Spanish family - really great fun, as always I end up staying for longer as it's such a nice, warm atmosphere and the kid is really progressing.
Evening spent at a gin tasting session around Pascal's...because that's the sort of guy I am these days. Although I don't like gin so drank whiskey all night.
Still, the team seem nice and friendly, the 'training' was mostly about how to get each visit down to less than 3 minutes per child...it's a bit corporate, but it's a clever business, this whole Christmas malarkey.
I'm only doing 26 hours this year, bit of pocket money and all that.
Taught a really lovely drum lesson with my favourite Spanish family - really great fun, as always I end up staying for longer as it's such a nice, warm atmosphere and the kid is really progressing.
Evening spent at a gin tasting session around Pascal's...because that's the sort of guy I am these days. Although I don't like gin so drank whiskey all night.
Thursday 8th November 2018
Up early and over to check out a car which I'd spotted online...my trusty, lovely, amazing, thirsty old Volvo has it's MOT on Monday and I very much doubt it'll pass so I think it might be time for a new car. Looked at the car, it's newer, shinier, within my budget, started first time...hated it.
Got back in the Volvo and felt happy again.
Taught an assembly at the primary school and then my regular trio of three private lessons.
A was catching up with friends, so I picked her up (she was drunk, bless) and did the good boyfriend thing.
Got back in the Volvo and felt happy again.
Taught an assembly at the primary school and then my regular trio of three private lessons.
A was catching up with friends, so I picked her up (she was drunk, bless) and did the good boyfriend thing.
Wednesday 7th November 2018
Last night was so much fun...this daft little show has given me some great nights (very little will top *that* performance in Birmingham earlier in the year, but it's all good).
Today back to normal reality - back in the school for the morning, all of the kids on good form, and then took Mum shopping. Afternoon lessons and drum workshop at the international college and then a couple more private lessons.
Home, chance to catch up with A, but we're both so incredibly exhausted. Still, stayed up till 2am writing...
Today back to normal reality - back in the school for the morning, all of the kids on good form, and then took Mum shopping. Afternoon lessons and drum workshop at the international college and then a couple more private lessons.
Home, chance to catch up with A, but we're both so incredibly exhausted. Still, stayed up till 2am writing...
Thursday, 8 November 2018
Tuesday 6th November 2018
My days are either manic or very slow, and today was a quieter one but it meant I could write - I've really got something special going on with this new Christmas piece, it's developed into something a lot more than just a bunch of monologues.
Wrote for 4 hours, and then caught the train up to London for the West End performance of HOP. It's a small venue in an outstanding location (right near to Leicester Square tube), but having woke up to a message saying we'd only sold 2 tickets in advanced, I wasn't feeling overly optimistic. 26 turned up in the end, which in a 40-capacity space felt more than fine. The show was lovely tonight - my little team of Rachel, Matt, Dan and Mel worked a treat, it felt more controlled than normal but the audience were totally onside within the first 10 minutes and the rest of it flew by.
So, I'm now technically a West End performer. Awesome! Got a pizza baguette to celebrate and was home by midnight. Lovely night, my 'career' feels okay on nights like this.
Wrote for 4 hours, and then caught the train up to London for the West End performance of HOP. It's a small venue in an outstanding location (right near to Leicester Square tube), but having woke up to a message saying we'd only sold 2 tickets in advanced, I wasn't feeling overly optimistic. 26 turned up in the end, which in a 40-capacity space felt more than fine. The show was lovely tonight - my little team of Rachel, Matt, Dan and Mel worked a treat, it felt more controlled than normal but the audience were totally onside within the first 10 minutes and the rest of it flew by.
So, I'm now technically a West End performer. Awesome! Got a pizza baguette to celebrate and was home by midnight. Lovely night, my 'career' feels okay on nights like this.
Monday 5th November 2018
As I'm not about on Friday, I did a bit of my school teaching work today instead, and whilst I was in the area I used it as another excuse to see Mum and take for (extra) shopping.
Four private lessons in a row followed, coupled with frustration trying to get through Cambridge city centre traffic whilst there is a massive firework display going on.
Done by 10pm...long day.
Four private lessons in a row followed, coupled with frustration trying to get through Cambridge city centre traffic whilst there is a massive firework display going on.
Done by 10pm...long day.
Sunday 4th November 2018
Was supposed to be in a choir band rehearsal, but as that gig now looks like it's not happening (they lost the venue) it allowed me time to have a nice lie-in, do a few hours of writing and actually spend some proper time with A. We've even started cooking together and everything. this feels like proper grown-up stuff!
Naturally, I couldn't allow myself to have the whole day off, so went out and taught for an hour and a bit, but all in all probably one of my sleepiest days of the year.
Naturally, I couldn't allow myself to have the whole day off, so went out and taught for an hour and a bit, but all in all probably one of my sleepiest days of the year.
Saturday 3rd November 2018
Bit of a hangover, but my Saturday lessons are always super lovely so it's never a problem. Great double lesson (2 hours) with one of my regulars.
Then met up with the band and then off to Northamptonshire for this evening's gig. Promoted by a good friend, I am the house 'comedian' there, but this time that was complicated even more by the fact that the FH were the headline band.
Having performed my History of Pop show at this event last time, I wanted to give the audience something different this time - which is a risk as it's basically a music night and my comedy is far from conventional at the best of times. Did my Edinburgh show and it shouldn't have worked, but it really did - you know, not everyone was always onside, but a majority of them were and I really got away with it. Back to the History of Pop stuff next time, but I'm glad I did that this time.
The FH set was a stormer, reminding me how good we can be when we're really on it.
Then met up with the band and then off to Northamptonshire for this evening's gig. Promoted by a good friend, I am the house 'comedian' there, but this time that was complicated even more by the fact that the FH were the headline band.
Having performed my History of Pop show at this event last time, I wanted to give the audience something different this time - which is a risk as it's basically a music night and my comedy is far from conventional at the best of times. Did my Edinburgh show and it shouldn't have worked, but it really did - you know, not everyone was always onside, but a majority of them were and I really got away with it. Back to the History of Pop stuff next time, but I'm glad I did that this time.
The FH set was a stormer, reminding me how good we can be when we're really on it.
Friday 2nd November 2018
Friday is always my busiest day, this one was particularly intense - one school, and then another school, and then another school, and then 2 private lessons.
Taught 21 students individually today, but it was helped when a parent came in to the school and thanked me for 'saving' the child as drums is something he's really latched onto and he suffers from depression. He's a great kid, drumming will sort him out.
In the evening caught up with Phill, Alan, Richard, Michael, Anna and Patrick for beers. I think I agreed to write an Edinburgh show for Richard, not sure, I was drunk anyway.
Taught 21 students individually today, but it was helped when a parent came in to the school and thanked me for 'saving' the child as drums is something he's really latched onto and he suffers from depression. He's a great kid, drumming will sort him out.
In the evening caught up with Phill, Alan, Richard, Michael, Anna and Patrick for beers. I think I agreed to write an Edinburgh show for Richard, not sure, I was drunk anyway.
Thursday 1st November 2018
Was writing till really late last night...I have the perfect setting for it here - the 'office' space looks out to the back garden, which is effectively a wood and there's all sorts going on out there. Plus, A goes to bed really early because she has a proper job with regular hours so I don't feel bad for locking myself away and cracking on with a potential masterpiece.
As a result of that, though, I overslept and woke up a bit late. Made it to the school in time for the afternoon assembly, though, where I was watching a bunch of my students perform, and then I had to perform what was effectively a drum solo for ten minutes. Odd life, this one, isn't it?
After that I taught three private lessons, all of which I enjoyed a lot, and then over to a long, slightly tired FH rehearsal, in which we plotted our plans for the remaining dates of the tour.
As a result of that, though, I overslept and woke up a bit late. Made it to the school in time for the afternoon assembly, though, where I was watching a bunch of my students perform, and then I had to perform what was effectively a drum solo for ten minutes. Odd life, this one, isn't it?
After that I taught three private lessons, all of which I enjoyed a lot, and then over to a long, slightly tired FH rehearsal, in which we plotted our plans for the remaining dates of the tour.
Wednesday 31st October 2018
Everything feels like it's in place; got the girl, living in a nice house, got one cat I'm getting on with (the other is a dickhead) and it feels like the final piece of that jigsaw is the office space - which is the old spare room and I'm writing so much at the moment.
Had a late writing night last night which meant today was a bit of a slog as I had to go out and earn money. Red Bull got me through my 4 hours in the primary school and the couple of private lessons that followed.
Got back, carried on writing this Christmas stuff. I know it's technically still October, but Christmas makes me happy, which probably adds to the spring in my step...
Had a late writing night last night which meant today was a bit of a slog as I had to go out and earn money. Red Bull got me through my 4 hours in the primary school and the couple of private lessons that followed.
Got back, carried on writing this Christmas stuff. I know it's technically still October, but Christmas makes me happy, which probably adds to the spring in my step...
Sunday, 4 November 2018
Tuesday 30th October 2018
Literally spent 7 hours writing Christmas monologues. Felt brilliant. Now to finish them, and get my actors (Jonathan, Alan, Emma, Lubna) to read them on camera and we have a bit of YouTube festive magic, hopefully.
Taught three private lessons and got very angry with the very terrible A14.
Evening first session in the studio with Greg - we've known of each other for a while, he likes my drumming a lot and I like songs a lot (I'm quite a fan) so this was less of an audition and more of a 'make sure we actually sound okay playing together' type thing. It was absolutely amazing, all of it...I mean, I know FH is on the rocks so it's probably logical to be looking elsewhere anyway, but I wasn't totally in the market for a new band. But this one sounds great, it feels right....and it's not too many gigs so if FH does continue it shouldn't be a diary clash. Went for beers after to discuss it all, realised we have a lot more in common than we thought (both screwed over by the same agent in 2005 etc). Not wishing to sound arrogant, but I know my worth as a drummer, and this is a band where my talents are going to be well suited.
Taught three private lessons and got very angry with the very terrible A14.
Evening first session in the studio with Greg - we've known of each other for a while, he likes my drumming a lot and I like songs a lot (I'm quite a fan) so this was less of an audition and more of a 'make sure we actually sound okay playing together' type thing. It was absolutely amazing, all of it...I mean, I know FH is on the rocks so it's probably logical to be looking elsewhere anyway, but I wasn't totally in the market for a new band. But this one sounds great, it feels right....and it's not too many gigs so if FH does continue it shouldn't be a diary clash. Went for beers after to discuss it all, realised we have a lot more in common than we thought (both screwed over by the same agent in 2005 etc). Not wishing to sound arrogant, but I know my worth as a drummer, and this is a band where my talents are going to be well suited.
Monday 29th October 2018
I do feel sorry for A. I mean, not only does she have to date me (I'm mostly okay but clumsy, messy and I don't get on with one of her cats, an issue which is escalating a little), but even though she's jetlagged she has to get up super early for her work.
Me? I'm freelance, and got up at 11am. Productive day, though - signed two new contracts for two schools I already teach in (but it's nice to know they're trying to tie me down to longer-term teaching), replied to a bunch of emails, walked to the post office in the village, designed a tour poster for next year's show etc.
Taught four private lessons in the late afternoon/evening, all went well. I'm in a weirdly contented place, whilst not feeling 100% creative. Tomorrow I can be creative.
Me? I'm freelance, and got up at 11am. Productive day, though - signed two new contracts for two schools I already teach in (but it's nice to know they're trying to tie me down to longer-term teaching), replied to a bunch of emails, walked to the post office in the village, designed a tour poster for next year's show etc.
Taught four private lessons in the late afternoon/evening, all went well. I'm in a weirdly contented place, whilst not feeling 100% creative. Tomorrow I can be creative.
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