Last night felt like a huge achievement, even if it went on for ages - 28 songs in just over 2 hours. Woke up to so many nice messages from parents. I'm doing the right thing here.
Leisurely drive over to my regular school, which was fine, and then took Mum shopping.
No college today as there's exams on, and I'd given both of my Wednesday students the week off having played the gig last night. Instead I caught up on admin (currently at 0 emails in both of my accounts), wrote for a bit and then rehearsed Harvey G, as I'm performing it tomorrow night. Before more writing, so many ideas!
Wednesday, 27 November 2019
Tuesday 26th November 2019
5 hours at my favourite school, 13 students but it flew by. So many good vibes from the other teachers there, let's keep building this one.
Home for a bit to pace around, and then off to set up the kit for tonight's show. The student gig for 17 of my private students, for many of them a first gig, for a few of them their second. FH backed them brilliantly, dealing with all manner of tempo changes and nervy moments, there was a real range tonight but they all DID IT, and that's the most important thing. It was stressful, for me - I felt like a football manager who didn't have control over his team, but was still trying to will them on from the touchline (my seat in the front). They all mean a lot to me and, with bright lights, playing with a band for the first time and a really, really packed audience, it must have been scary. But my students are great, really great.
We raised £220 for charity tonight, as well. I have big ideas about our next student concert...
Home for a bit to pace around, and then off to set up the kit for tonight's show. The student gig for 17 of my private students, for many of them a first gig, for a few of them their second. FH backed them brilliantly, dealing with all manner of tempo changes and nervy moments, there was a real range tonight but they all DID IT, and that's the most important thing. It was stressful, for me - I felt like a football manager who didn't have control over his team, but was still trying to will them on from the touchline (my seat in the front). They all mean a lot to me and, with bright lights, playing with a band for the first time and a really, really packed audience, it must have been scary. But my students are great, really great.
We raised £220 for charity tonight, as well. I have big ideas about our next student concert...
Monday 25th November 2019
Morning at my new school, where I still don't feel entirely welcome. Or maybe it's just because my other schools make me feel so welcome and my ego has got bigger? Either way, I have to carry my drums really quite far and they make me teach in the boiler room, which is fucking hot. The kids just aren't as into it as they should be, in my opinion, but we'll get there.
From that to a private lesson (awesome), home for 2 hours to write, and then four more private lessons (first one: kid so nervous about tomorrow's gig, second one: kid not as nervous as he should be about tomorrow's gig, third one: awesome, fourth one: so much banter with the kid's parents (who have become good friends) I barely had a chance to teach).
Home by 9.30pm, tried to write, brain too tired.
From that to a private lesson (awesome), home for 2 hours to write, and then four more private lessons (first one: kid so nervous about tomorrow's gig, second one: kid not as nervous as he should be about tomorrow's gig, third one: awesome, fourth one: so much banter with the kid's parents (who have become good friends) I barely had a chance to teach).
Home by 9.30pm, tried to write, brain too tired.
Sunday 24th November 2019
An actual lie-in! Was very nice, before teaching at midday. FH recording session cancelled due to Prue's illness, so had a few hours at home to work on my new book and jot down about a million ideas for other things.
Two private lessons followed (first with one of my newer students, he knows so much already but I'm really challenging him, the second one was just lovely) and home for dinner with A.
And then back to writing...2019 has been good to me but 2020 will be creatively amazing.
Two private lessons followed (first with one of my newer students, he knows so much already but I'm really challenging him, the second one was just lovely) and home for dinner with A.
And then back to writing...2019 has been good to me but 2020 will be creatively amazing.
Saturday 23rd November 2019
Up early with SUCH A HANGOVER but my morning student is awesome, so alive, it's hard for it not to be infectious. He did so well today, as did the second private student after (and also his dad, who does the last ten minutes but clearly wants a full hour of drumming himself). Started working on reggae today, it was lovely.
Then the first of two festive gigs, the first in Cambridge (inside a shopping centre, never ideal but was more than fine) and then the second outside a few villages away. Lots of confusion over our timeslot and we ended up still being in the pub when we were supposed to be onstage, having sound checked two hours earlier, but it was all fine in the end. I love my new bass pedal, which is identical to my previous one (but it lasted 9 years, which is pretty cool).
Home by 9pm, wrote till very late...
Then the first of two festive gigs, the first in Cambridge (inside a shopping centre, never ideal but was more than fine) and then the second outside a few villages away. Lots of confusion over our timeslot and we ended up still being in the pub when we were supposed to be onstage, having sound checked two hours earlier, but it was all fine in the end. I love my new bass pedal, which is identical to my previous one (but it lasted 9 years, which is pretty cool).
Home by 9pm, wrote till very late...
Friday 22nd November 2019
Where is this year going? Cliched, I know, but slow down, please.
Friday morning at my favourite school was lovely, and lively, everyone's just very excited but it's such a nice environment to teach in. Dropped off some wages in town and then off to my other favourite school to teach two hours of Christmas songs.
Saw mum for half an hour, and then two private lessons (first one: excellent, second one: kid too chatty but he'll be fine for the gig). And then a third one, but the student forgot it was happening, so we just did half an hour of running over the gig stuff.
Over to Pascale's for her birthday, where we all got drunk in a very messy sort of way. Got chatting to some comedians, which was weird as it wasn't that sort of party - it was full of scientists, but we had long, deep, interesting conversations that I enjoyed very much. No way I'm going back to stand-up, though.
Friday morning at my favourite school was lovely, and lively, everyone's just very excited but it's such a nice environment to teach in. Dropped off some wages in town and then off to my other favourite school to teach two hours of Christmas songs.
Saw mum for half an hour, and then two private lessons (first one: excellent, second one: kid too chatty but he'll be fine for the gig). And then a third one, but the student forgot it was happening, so we just did half an hour of running over the gig stuff.
Over to Pascale's for her birthday, where we all got drunk in a very messy sort of way. Got chatting to some comedians, which was weird as it wasn't that sort of party - it was full of scientists, but we had long, deep, interesting conversations that I enjoyed very much. No way I'm going back to stand-up, though.
Thursday, 21 November 2019
Thursday 21st November 2019
I've got so many ideas at the moment, for new plays, for sitcoms, and it feels like, on the back on of a very successful Edinburgh, I can do this. But I can't because I'm working so hard as a teacher.
4 hours at my least favourite school, which was better than normal today, 2 hours at the other school which was fine, then drove to Bourn for a private lesson, then Bottisham, then Girton, then Cambridge. Left the house at 7.55am, home by 9pm.
But in the final lesson, as the kid prepares for our showcase gig next week, the Dad watched and cried because his son is drumming SO AMAZINGLY. I get quite a few parents crying. His Mum said to me, in slightly broken English, "I know you work hard, but you're so into this, aren't you? Even now, so enthusiastic."
She's probably right, this is probably my calling in life, I probably do enjoy it. I just want to do the other stuff, as well, but...time.
4 hours at my least favourite school, which was better than normal today, 2 hours at the other school which was fine, then drove to Bourn for a private lesson, then Bottisham, then Girton, then Cambridge. Left the house at 7.55am, home by 9pm.
But in the final lesson, as the kid prepares for our showcase gig next week, the Dad watched and cried because his son is drumming SO AMAZINGLY. I get quite a few parents crying. His Mum said to me, in slightly broken English, "I know you work hard, but you're so into this, aren't you? Even now, so enthusiastic."
She's probably right, this is probably my calling in life, I probably do enjoy it. I just want to do the other stuff, as well, but...time.
Wednesday, 20 November 2019
Wednesday 20th November 2019
I'm getting a LOT of praise for my performance on Saturday. Lots of "no other drummer could have coped with that" and "without you we would have fallen apart, such a tough gig" and even one "you are a god to us" which is perhaps going a bit far. My ego, though...
I guess, in retrospect, it was a real achievement. We just shouldn't have been in that position in the first place.
My only lie-in of the week and it was brilliant.
Good morning at my regular school, as much as I have a student who farts constantly and I'm starting to think that the head of music, who is in after me, thinks it's me making that smell. It's just a really tricky subject to bring up.
Took Mum shopping and caught up on emails, and then off to the college for a private lesson (amazing) and then drum club (sloppy, but we loosely played some Christmas songs).
Two private lessons to end the day (first one - brilliant, second one - too chatty and didn't achieve as much) and home for dinner with A, which was lovely.
Tuesday 19th November 2019
My Thursday school, where I get niggled sometimes, have offered me really good money to stay. I've accepted because, well, I'm terrible at turning down money and because they've really boosted my ego. I'm clearly doing a good job there, it just doesn't always feel like it.
Long day at my favourite school, it was great fun as ever. I've started having a race to the music room with each student, all of this running will do me good but I taught 13 of them today, it was exhausting (for the record, 8 of them won). Great school, even more students on the way.
Then got caught up in traffic and it took me an hour to get to a student's house, only to find out they were out and had forgotten the lesson (which they had re-arranged in the first place). I've dropped them now, too busy for this bullshit and I need to drop a couple - it just helped me make my decision. My other private lesson of the day was really brilliant, which helped.
FH rehearsal was fine, most of it spent arguing over which Christmas songs to cover and probably not enough time actually playing them. Two festive gigs this weekend.
Long day at my favourite school, it was great fun as ever. I've started having a race to the music room with each student, all of this running will do me good but I taught 13 of them today, it was exhausting (for the record, 8 of them won). Great school, even more students on the way.
Then got caught up in traffic and it took me an hour to get to a student's house, only to find out they were out and had forgotten the lesson (which they had re-arranged in the first place). I've dropped them now, too busy for this bullshit and I need to drop a couple - it just helped me make my decision. My other private lesson of the day was really brilliant, which helped.
FH rehearsal was fine, most of it spent arguing over which Christmas songs to cover and probably not enough time actually playing them. Two festive gigs this weekend.
Monday 18th November 2019
Been reading a book about hospital staff having to work over Christmas and it got to me a little. Here we are, stressing about where we spend Christmas Eve (her parents' place) or Christmas Day (my mums) when these poor guys have to work, all of it. Have decided to put on a show to raise money for the staff at A+E at the local hospital. Confirmed a venue easily enough...
A couple hours at the new school where it just feels...I don't know, nobody is excited about drum lessons. They should be. The staff are friendly but communication is non-existent and it's all a little flat. We'll see.
5 private lessons (first one - awesome, second one - distracted and messy, third one - fine, fourth one - awesome, fifth one - flew by) and then home by 9pm to carry on plotting this gig...
A couple hours at the new school where it just feels...I don't know, nobody is excited about drum lessons. They should be. The staff are friendly but communication is non-existent and it's all a little flat. We'll see.
5 private lessons (first one - awesome, second one - distracted and messy, third one - fine, fourth one - awesome, fifth one - flew by) and then home by 9pm to carry on plotting this gig...
Sunday, 17 November 2019
Sunday 17th November 2019
I worked so, so hard last night. Got back, got a late-night pizza and just lay on the sofa watching repeats of Not Going Out till 3am. It took it out of me. Such a stressful gig. I love this project, but it wasn't great last night.
Slept in till 12, then taught three private lessons (first one: tired student but good fun, second one: excellent, third one: really excellent).
Sitcom recording cancelled in the evening because one of the actors was ill, so a lovely evening with A and two hours of solid writing. Glorious.
Slept in till 12, then taught three private lessons (first one: tired student but good fun, second one: excellent, third one: really excellent).
Sitcom recording cancelled in the evening because one of the actors was ill, so a lovely evening with A and two hours of solid writing. Glorious.
Saturday 16th November 2019
That was a long day. Up early to teach an early morning lesson with one of my regulars (who was equally as reluctant as me to start at such a painfully cold hour...9.30am, is too early for drums) but we soon got into the swing of things.
Home, quick shower and then a cab to the station. Met up with Will our new guitarist and a bunch of the ladies from the choir, and then on the train where they made me drink gin and we had a very merry time.
Into London, half an hour to kill so had a coffee with Lucy, and then over to the venue itself. A huge space, an epic tent. The sound guy was struggling, anyone would, but he seemed to struggle more than most. I mean, not being harsh, but we had 4 hours before the audience were allowed in but we didn't get a soundcheck. Didn't get a chance to run over the two songs that had been causing us a few problems in the dress rehearsal, instead it was dinner time and then the huge audience piled in.
The electric kit I had to play was terrible and it was causing a lot of issues with both the sound, and also it's stability was a great concern. Found out later after the gig that it was a cheap kids' kit, not the 'top level professional set' I was assured it would be, in my reluctance to go electric due to the local council's sound restrictions.
The gig itself was by far the most stressful I've ever played; the kit fell apart, constantly, the sound was terrible, the songs we didn't know...we still didn't know. We got through it. All two hours of it. Nobody could hear each other onstage, timings were all over the place, we snapped at each other, we had a horrible time.
The audience loved it, they had no idea what we had just been through.
In some ways it was a huge achievement; to pull off a show to nearly a thousand people when we've never been so unprepared. But I didn't have a great time tonight.
Got drunk at the aftershow party and made the last train home.
Home, quick shower and then a cab to the station. Met up with Will our new guitarist and a bunch of the ladies from the choir, and then on the train where they made me drink gin and we had a very merry time.
Into London, half an hour to kill so had a coffee with Lucy, and then over to the venue itself. A huge space, an epic tent. The sound guy was struggling, anyone would, but he seemed to struggle more than most. I mean, not being harsh, but we had 4 hours before the audience were allowed in but we didn't get a soundcheck. Didn't get a chance to run over the two songs that had been causing us a few problems in the dress rehearsal, instead it was dinner time and then the huge audience piled in.
The electric kit I had to play was terrible and it was causing a lot of issues with both the sound, and also it's stability was a great concern. Found out later after the gig that it was a cheap kids' kit, not the 'top level professional set' I was assured it would be, in my reluctance to go electric due to the local council's sound restrictions.
The gig itself was by far the most stressful I've ever played; the kit fell apart, constantly, the sound was terrible, the songs we didn't know...we still didn't know. We got through it. All two hours of it. Nobody could hear each other onstage, timings were all over the place, we snapped at each other, we had a horrible time.
The audience loved it, they had no idea what we had just been through.
In some ways it was a huge achievement; to pull off a show to nearly a thousand people when we've never been so unprepared. But I didn't have a great time tonight.
Got drunk at the aftershow party and made the last train home.
Friday, 15 November 2019
Friday 15th November 2019
Back at my Tuesday school, which is now also my Friday school, due to the demand, and the teachers are so happy for me that it's working out there. 5 new students, the first one was honestly mind-blowingly good. He's 6-years-old, 20 minutes in and I'm already thinking we have a child prodigy on our hands. I emailed his mum to explain and she said that "he's one of those kids that's good at everything." Git.
Still, a warm, lovely, 2 hours, followed by another 2 hours at my regular school which more than fine.
After that, my regular private lesson was cancelled as the kid was ill, so I moved the second one to Sunday and gave myself the rest of the day off! Bought myself a case of beer on the way home, ordered in A and myself a takeaway, she then went to bed early because she's now a snotty mess having caught it from me, and I spent the rest of the evening rewriting scripts ahead of Sunday's sitcom recording.
Still, a warm, lovely, 2 hours, followed by another 2 hours at my regular school which more than fine.
After that, my regular private lesson was cancelled as the kid was ill, so I moved the second one to Sunday and gave myself the rest of the day off! Bought myself a case of beer on the way home, ordered in A and myself a takeaway, she then went to bed early because she's now a snotty mess having caught it from me, and I spent the rest of the evening rewriting scripts ahead of Sunday's sitcom recording.
Thursday 14th November 2019
Such a long day. Stressful three hours at the stressful school, which can't continue, as much as the lady in charge seems to be really keen on what I do. The kids are so fucking rude; this isn't learning, this is crowd control...I shouted "look at yourself, you're better than this" at a 7-year-old today, which is usually a sign that it's time to move on.
Then off to my regular Thursday afternoon school, which is so twee and gentle and calming and I needed that. Thursdays is very much a day of extremes.
Quick private lesson (was fine - the kid is so enthusiastic yet I feel so snotty and ill, but we got through it) and then college concert where I played drums for the rapping cleaner in front of 200 kids. But it wasn't cringy at all, if anything it was uplifting, because it's an amazing college, celebrating their 25th anniversary, and I feel like I'm part of it. More hours there, please.
Then dashed over to the choir rehearsal, and my first go on the electric kit which I have to use for Saturday's gig and it felt like a toy and not a drum kit and I spent the whole dress rehearsal being angry. The songs are fine, but it's a massive compromise having to drum on 'that' due to the venue's sound restrictions.
Then off to my regular Thursday afternoon school, which is so twee and gentle and calming and I needed that. Thursdays is very much a day of extremes.
Quick private lesson (was fine - the kid is so enthusiastic yet I feel so snotty and ill, but we got through it) and then college concert where I played drums for the rapping cleaner in front of 200 kids. But it wasn't cringy at all, if anything it was uplifting, because it's an amazing college, celebrating their 25th anniversary, and I feel like I'm part of it. More hours there, please.
Then dashed over to the choir rehearsal, and my first go on the electric kit which I have to use for Saturday's gig and it felt like a toy and not a drum kit and I spent the whole dress rehearsal being angry. The songs are fine, but it's a massive compromise having to drum on 'that' due to the venue's sound restrictions.
Wednesday 13th November 2019
My only lie-in of the week and I needed it. It was a total joy, loved it.
As a result, my 3 lessons at my regular school were calm, measured, very festive.
Took Mum shopping, whilst replying to various emails and continued talks with an agent, who is keen on what I'm doing post-fringe. That side of my career needs to go up a gear, again.
2 hours at the college, firstly for a private lesson (amazing) and then drum club (flat), before two more private lessons (both fine) and then home to crash out early, my head tired and full of snot.
As a result, my 3 lessons at my regular school were calm, measured, very festive.
Took Mum shopping, whilst replying to various emails and continued talks with an agent, who is keen on what I'm doing post-fringe. That side of my career needs to go up a gear, again.
2 hours at the college, firstly for a private lesson (amazing) and then drum club (flat), before two more private lessons (both fine) and then home to crash out early, my head tired and full of snot.
Tuesday 12th November 2019
Full of cold, literally a walking snot fest. 12 private lessons at my 'favourite' school, if I'm allowed favourites. All of it a joy, such a healthy environment to teach in.
Home for a quick nap, and then back out to teach three private lessons (first one - kid always reluctant but the mum is awesome, second one - fantastic, challenging, bright kid, third one - running over old stuff - his choice to 'have an easier one' today, it was fine) and then long FH rehearsal where we're all tight and fine with the progress we're making, but knackered from 'normal' life stuff.
Emailed all 12 venues their slots for our Christmas run of gigs and one of them now can't make it. Sigh.
Home for a quick nap, and then back out to teach three private lessons (first one - kid always reluctant but the mum is awesome, second one - fantastic, challenging, bright kid, third one - running over old stuff - his choice to 'have an easier one' today, it was fine) and then long FH rehearsal where we're all tight and fine with the progress we're making, but knackered from 'normal' life stuff.
Emailed all 12 venues their slots for our Christmas run of gigs and one of them now can't make it. Sigh.
Monday 11th November 2019
Feel more accepted now by my 'new' school, now that my name is actually in the 'signing in' list, printed and everything (not written in pen at the bottom like last week). The lessons were fine, it's early days there and there won't be a buzz until the Christmas concert next month, where I'll actually meet the parents and they can see where their money is going.
Six private lessons followed, which will be my routine now for Mondays (or five, in the alternate weeks), I need to turn down a few at some point but it's all good for the wedding pot. First one - new-is student but she's great and quirky and learning quickly, second one - great kid, fine lesson, third one - always my favourite, always joy, fourth one - always distracted but his family are great, fifth one - always more intense because he's a grown-up with advanced skills but we're forever improving him, sixth one - kid getting very nervous about the gig, but we're getting there.
Home, wrote till late, I don't care if I look exhausted, I'm still writing plays because that's what I do, yeah?
Six private lessons followed, which will be my routine now for Mondays (or five, in the alternate weeks), I need to turn down a few at some point but it's all good for the wedding pot. First one - new-is student but she's great and quirky and learning quickly, second one - great kid, fine lesson, third one - always my favourite, always joy, fourth one - always distracted but his family are great, fifth one - always more intense because he's a grown-up with advanced skills but we're forever improving him, sixth one - kid getting very nervous about the gig, but we're getting there.
Home, wrote till late, I don't care if I look exhausted, I'm still writing plays because that's what I do, yeah?
Sunday, 10 November 2019
Sunday 10th November 2019
Christmas tunes are brilliant and keep me going, even when I'm bordering on exhaustion.
Slept in (looking at my schedule, I get to sleep in 2 Sundays a month), then taught a midday session which was 'fine'. Good student, almost too good, we just went through a bunch of songs and got her gig-ready.
4 hour rehearsal with Greg and band ahead of our festive shows. Lots of chords/harmonies/stuff that drummers don't need to care about, but the guys are all very lovely and I enjoy their company a lot.
After that, A and myself went to our final wedding prep course, the fourth one, which taught us lots of 'lessons', such as don't cheat, don't be a prick, etc. All common sense, yes?
Did a spot of writing, replied to a bunch of teaching emails (lots of the parents of my students are buying their kids drum kits for Christmas...) and, if I finish this blog in time, asleep by midnight...
Slept in (looking at my schedule, I get to sleep in 2 Sundays a month), then taught a midday session which was 'fine'. Good student, almost too good, we just went through a bunch of songs and got her gig-ready.
4 hour rehearsal with Greg and band ahead of our festive shows. Lots of chords/harmonies/stuff that drummers don't need to care about, but the guys are all very lovely and I enjoy their company a lot.
After that, A and myself went to our final wedding prep course, the fourth one, which taught us lots of 'lessons', such as don't cheat, don't be a prick, etc. All common sense, yes?
Did a spot of writing, replied to a bunch of teaching emails (lots of the parents of my students are buying their kids drum kits for Christmas...) and, if I finish this blog in time, asleep by midnight...
Saturday 9th November 2019
Up early, first lesson of the day was 9.30am, would moan but little Seb is outstanding and his family are very sweet, he's making great progress and it's just a happy place to be.
Second lesson was very different. For a while I've felt that V has been drifting, but now she has what can only be described as an injury to her leg (although it seems to be a health problem, rather than just a strain) suddenly her bass drum technique is struggling. So, today I taught her some jazz grooves instead (which involves very little bass, if you choose to do it this way) and it was a cracking lesson, best we've had in a while. I may just rebrand as a jazz drum teacher, I loved that. I learnt a lot about myself in that lesson.
Bizarre, unexpected phone chat with an agent, based in Oxford, who saw Harvey G at he fringe. Life does have its unexpected nuggets, doesn't it? I'll know more soon, but both parties certainly seem keen. Looks like there will some sort of 'show followed by workshop' type deal going on. I'm just a fucking teacher, aren't I? Even when I'm being an 'artist'...but quietly grateful.
Long rehearsal with WAS, ahead of next week's epic gig. It's going to be huge, the venue is bordering on ridiculous, the biggest thing we've done. The set is confusing and the arrangements are uncertain, further complicated by bringing in over a hundred singers. I'd really, really done my homework this week and I really did well today yet the vibe in the air was that, as a show, on the whole, it was still utterly miles away from being ready. And is it it bad that I just felt like I deserved a bit of credit for at least getting my bit right, or is my ego too big? I know I was a bit off the pace a few weeks ago, but I've worked really hard to make sure I'm on it for this gig, beat for beat. I just remember leaving the rehearsal stinking of sweat, having played my arse off, but still feeling like things weren't good enough. This project is huge, such a complicated beast.
Went straight from that, probably not in the best frame of mind, to teach a new student. A has got annoyed with me for taking on a new 6.30pm, Saturday student, but such is the demand - my reputation is really decent and I need to keep that going. The student was amazing, first lesson, it just cheered me up - young lad, wonderful parents (you can just spot it), bright kid, so easy to teach him. He's worth the stress to my schedule.
And then finally home, A cooked us a lovely dinner and we drank far too much wine, watching The Commitments on DVD. Perfection. I'm marrying the right one.
Second lesson was very different. For a while I've felt that V has been drifting, but now she has what can only be described as an injury to her leg (although it seems to be a health problem, rather than just a strain) suddenly her bass drum technique is struggling. So, today I taught her some jazz grooves instead (which involves very little bass, if you choose to do it this way) and it was a cracking lesson, best we've had in a while. I may just rebrand as a jazz drum teacher, I loved that. I learnt a lot about myself in that lesson.
Bizarre, unexpected phone chat with an agent, based in Oxford, who saw Harvey G at he fringe. Life does have its unexpected nuggets, doesn't it? I'll know more soon, but both parties certainly seem keen. Looks like there will some sort of 'show followed by workshop' type deal going on. I'm just a fucking teacher, aren't I? Even when I'm being an 'artist'...but quietly grateful.
Long rehearsal with WAS, ahead of next week's epic gig. It's going to be huge, the venue is bordering on ridiculous, the biggest thing we've done. The set is confusing and the arrangements are uncertain, further complicated by bringing in over a hundred singers. I'd really, really done my homework this week and I really did well today yet the vibe in the air was that, as a show, on the whole, it was still utterly miles away from being ready. And is it it bad that I just felt like I deserved a bit of credit for at least getting my bit right, or is my ego too big? I know I was a bit off the pace a few weeks ago, but I've worked really hard to make sure I'm on it for this gig, beat for beat. I just remember leaving the rehearsal stinking of sweat, having played my arse off, but still feeling like things weren't good enough. This project is huge, such a complicated beast.
Went straight from that, probably not in the best frame of mind, to teach a new student. A has got annoyed with me for taking on a new 6.30pm, Saturday student, but such is the demand - my reputation is really decent and I need to keep that going. The student was amazing, first lesson, it just cheered me up - young lad, wonderful parents (you can just spot it), bright kid, so easy to teach him. He's worth the stress to my schedule.
And then finally home, A cooked us a lovely dinner and we drank far too much wine, watching The Commitments on DVD. Perfection. I'm marrying the right one.
Friday 8th November 2019
I used to like Fridays because it's my only lie-in of the week, but this will be the last one for a while as, after the success of the concert on Tuesday, my Tuesday school have now got me six extra students so I'm now doing Friday mornings there. This officially means I have no time free, at all, not a single hour anywhere at all. Madness.
Anyway, for this Friday I enjoyed a long lie-in, then I casually went into town, bought a shirt, paid in some cash, got a haircut and got a fry-up. It was literally all joy.
The school after was great, too, my regular place, the kids are on it and they love the fact that I'm getting all festive, which feels naughty as it's early November.
Two private lessons followed (both fine, both had chatty students so not as productive as I would have liked but the time flew by) and then amazing dinner with A in a new restaurant we've found. Ate so, so much, and crashed out by 10pm. Am I getting old?
Anyway, for this Friday I enjoyed a long lie-in, then I casually went into town, bought a shirt, paid in some cash, got a haircut and got a fry-up. It was literally all joy.
The school after was great, too, my regular place, the kids are on it and they love the fact that I'm getting all festive, which feels naughty as it's early November.
Two private lessons followed (both fine, both had chatty students so not as productive as I would have liked but the time flew by) and then amazing dinner with A in a new restaurant we've found. Ate so, so much, and crashed out by 10pm. Am I getting old?
Thursday, 7 November 2019
Thursday 7th November 2019
Long morning at my Thursday school, and the only one I really struggle with, in all honesty. The kids are just a bit rude, they just don't do what they're told, it's just a bit tough sometimes. The staff there are nice, but it's 12 kids in a row, it's a bit draining.
Dashed to my other Thursday school which was totally lovely.
Four private lessons followed (first one: fine for about 20 minutes and the kid drifted, second one: surprisingly amazing - this is a student who had appeared to have lost interest but was really on it today, this one: fantastic, fourth one: fantastic)
Left the house at 8am, home by 9pm. This teaching thing has gone too far.
Dashed to my other Thursday school which was totally lovely.
Four private lessons followed (first one: fine for about 20 minutes and the kid drifted, second one: surprisingly amazing - this is a student who had appeared to have lost interest but was really on it today, this one: fantastic, fourth one: fantastic)
Left the house at 8am, home by 9pm. This teaching thing has gone too far.
Wednesday 6th November 2019
Early start at my regular school, to make up for the time I missed when I left early for Dom's gig last week. Despite the whole morning feel of it, it was fine. Organised a Christmas concert with the head teacher, because that's the sort of guy I've become.
Took Mum shopping and it was stressful.
Afternoon at the college, firstly a fun private lesson there and then drum club, where we rehearsed the college rap with the cleaner. A bit messy, but everyone is enjoying themselves.
Quick private lesson (exhausting, great student but so enthusiastic) and then long rehearsal with the WAS band which was brilliant tonight. Which it needs to be as it was shit last week and our huge gig is next Saturday...
Took Mum shopping and it was stressful.
Afternoon at the college, firstly a fun private lesson there and then drum club, where we rehearsed the college rap with the cleaner. A bit messy, but everyone is enjoying themselves.
Quick private lesson (exhausting, great student but so enthusiastic) and then long rehearsal with the WAS band which was brilliant tonight. Which it needs to be as it was shit last week and our huge gig is next Saturday...
Tuesday 5th November 2019
Why do I feel hungover after writing, even if I haven't been drinking? Is it because both of them are pleasurable, often late night activities that my body wishes to punish?
Either way, I got over that 'hangover' and had an amazing time at the school today - one of my newer schools, but probably my favourite right now, if I'm allowed to have a favourite. It's just such a warm environment to teach in, where the staff are lovely, the kids are on it, everyone likes drums. We had our first ever school concert today and parents were crying with happiness at the end. I've had more praise doing these lessons (in particular today, in person and by email) then I ever have done with comedy or theatre.
Such was the success of the concert, I now have 8 extra students at that school, taking me up to 19 there, meaning I'm going to have to find an additional day to go there as it's more than a day's teaching. I don't mind at all, I feel like a champion when I'm in that one, happy to drop stuff for it.
Three private lessons followed (first one: a bit flat, second one: amazing, third one: pretty good from a consistently pretty good student) and then decent FH rehearsal in which we worked on new material.
Either way, I got over that 'hangover' and had an amazing time at the school today - one of my newer schools, but probably my favourite right now, if I'm allowed to have a favourite. It's just such a warm environment to teach in, where the staff are lovely, the kids are on it, everyone likes drums. We had our first ever school concert today and parents were crying with happiness at the end. I've had more praise doing these lessons (in particular today, in person and by email) then I ever have done with comedy or theatre.
Such was the success of the concert, I now have 8 extra students at that school, taking me up to 19 there, meaning I'm going to have to find an additional day to go there as it's more than a day's teaching. I don't mind at all, I feel like a champion when I'm in that one, happy to drop stuff for it.
Three private lessons followed (first one: a bit flat, second one: amazing, third one: pretty good from a consistently pretty good student) and then decent FH rehearsal in which we worked on new material.
Monday 4th November 2019
Last night was such good fun. Is there a future in sitcom podcasts? Maybe. Either, kind of living the dream.
Today I was back at my latest school, where, as before, they seemed to forget that they had a drum teacher and it was slightly awkward but all fine in the end. The kids, at least, were ready for me and they're making good progress.
Taught a new student, Susie, who was awesome, and then four more private lessons (first one: outstanding, second one: kid really on it, third one: fine, steady stuff, fourth one: a struggle, but we'll get there) and then was writing till 1am. It's going to be an exhausting week with so much teaching, so I need my late nights of writing under a dim lamp just to remind myself of who I really am.
Today I was back at my latest school, where, as before, they seemed to forget that they had a drum teacher and it was slightly awkward but all fine in the end. The kids, at least, were ready for me and they're making good progress.
Taught a new student, Susie, who was awesome, and then four more private lessons (first one: outstanding, second one: kid really on it, third one: fine, steady stuff, fourth one: a struggle, but we'll get there) and then was writing till 1am. It's going to be an exhausting week with so much teaching, so I need my late nights of writing under a dim lamp just to remind myself of who I really am.
Sunday, 3 November 2019
Sunday 3rd November 2019
Working on a Sunday? Yep. With a massive hangover? Indeed, but that bit is my fault. Last night ended very weirdly. Lucky that all of my Sunday students are so brilliant and lovely to teach, the day just flew by. Anyway, four private lessons in a row (first one: fine, second one: over-enthusiastic but great fun, third one: awesome, fourth one: new student, great fun, this'll be fine - he totally gets it, he'll be a long termer). The fifth one was cancelled due to the family not getting back in time from their day out.
Home for an hour to actually see A and have dinner with her, before out to the recording of my new podcast sitcom. A PERFECT cast, a great, last-minute director (Kate, who stepped in when Heather turned it down), flattered to be working with such a great little team here. 3 episodes recorded, we'll do another 3 in a couple weeks' time, and then I have to write another batch...the plan is to have at least 12 of these before going public. People are great, aren't they? For going along with my daft ideas?
Home for an hour to actually see A and have dinner with her, before out to the recording of my new podcast sitcom. A PERFECT cast, a great, last-minute director (Kate, who stepped in when Heather turned it down), flattered to be working with such a great little team here. 3 episodes recorded, we'll do another 3 in a couple weeks' time, and then I have to write another batch...the plan is to have at least 12 of these before going public. People are great, aren't they? For going along with my daft ideas?
Saturday 2nd November 2019
A bit of a dash today, starting early with three private lessons in a row (all were great today, everyone totally on it).
Home from those, dropped off car and then back on the train for the final show with Dom. For this show tonight, my mate Josie joined me, nice to catch up. Dom's audience were so quiet tonight, I think they enjoyed it but they were very much a 'smiling' audience rather than a lough out loud sort of crowd, but it was fine.
A few drinks ensued afterwards (even more so after meeting up with Esther in a bar in Islington), last show and all that, it all got messy and I'm still amazed I got home. I'm too old for this.
Home from those, dropped off car and then back on the train for the final show with Dom. For this show tonight, my mate Josie joined me, nice to catch up. Dom's audience were so quiet tonight, I think they enjoyed it but they were very much a 'smiling' audience rather than a lough out loud sort of crowd, but it was fine.
A few drinks ensued afterwards (even more so after meeting up with Esther in a bar in Islington), last show and all that, it all got messy and I'm still amazed I got home. I'm too old for this.
Friday, 1 November 2019
Friday 1st November 2019
Up early-ish to teach at the school that I moved from yesterday so that I could make it to tonight's gig (the kids were all great, slightly behind some of my other schools but enthusiastic and really up for it) and then dashed over to teach at my regular school, which I had to cut short to make it to tonight's show, making up the time next Wednesday morning instead. It's all mightily confusing, my schedule, yet I still take on more because I love to moan about it. Everyone seems happy, anyway.
Quick trip into London, Dom's show was good again tonight - not quite as good as last night due to disruptive hecklers, but still a solid, professional show. Home before 11pm, just a shame that A is out with her mates or I might have actually seen her.
Quick trip into London, Dom's show was good again tonight - not quite as good as last night due to disruptive hecklers, but still a solid, professional show. Home before 11pm, just a shame that A is out with her mates or I might have actually seen her.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)