When I started this blog, so many years ago, I'd just quit my office job and was going out into the big scary world as an 'artist'. The intention of the blog was to mark the struggles, and hopefully the achievements, of a man pushing himself a bit. It's certainly done that, and, even though a majority of my living now comes from teaching music, I'm grateful that I forced myself away from the comfort of a 9-5 desk job.
From being the scruffy, panicking, you could say shambles of a man I was when this started, I've enjoyed many adventures - some of the best days of my life, and really some of the worst. Now, I'm running a successful teaching business, I've got a wife on the way, we've just bought a huge house, I've had the acclaim for my shows that I so desperately craved, I even drive a Mercedes (I mean, it's an old one, that clearly has a few problems, but if ever a man needed a status symbol...). This blog has served it's purpose for me; my ambitions are higher than ever but it's no longer about the struggle.
There will be no more posts on here as it was getting a bit dull anyway ("taught four lessons today, went well"). I have new targets, new ambitions in life, all of which can be followed over at my slightly more public blog: https://prettymuch40.blogspot.com
Whoever still reads this, and I've seen the stats...there's plenty of you, thank you and we'll hopefully catch up soon whenever this COVID malarkey blows over. Unless, of course, you're a total weirdo, so let's just keep our contact virtual x
Sunday, 31 May 2020
Monday, 25 May 2020
Sunday 24th May 2020
Birthday. 39 today. How did I get this old? I'm very grateful that things have worked out (career, relative success as a musician and in theatre, house, fiancee, financially very stable) but I still want to push myself further...one final thing to do before I hit 40.
I feel a book coming on...
Lovely day, though, great presents, wonderful cake that A spent all of yesterday making, got a bit merry. All in all, lovely.
Tomorrow: I'll actually be productive again.
Saturday 23rd May 2020
A late morning/early afternoon of teaching, all regulars, all doing well and it's all going nicely to plan.
In the afternoon we had a virtual piss-up for my best man, Matt, which was lovely but afternoon drinking totally throws me and I was a total slob for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon we had a virtual piss-up for my best man, Matt, which was lovely but afternoon drinking totally throws me and I was a total slob for the rest of the day.
Friday 22nd May 2020
Lovely morning teaching a student who I hadn't seen for a long while, he was buzzing to be back and his mum was very enthusiastic about it all in our email chat afterwards. This is working out.
7 lessons in a row today, all surprisingly well structured (got my spreadsheet, see)
In the evening a few of us had a virtual reading of my new play. Many technical problems threatened to derail the whole thing, but when we hit momentum it was great fun. The play really works, it's the only finished bit of writing I've done during this lockdown but it works nicely and we're optimistic about it hitting the stage whenever we're allowed. It was also bloody lovely to see everyone.
7 lessons in a row today, all surprisingly well structured (got my spreadsheet, see)
In the evening a few of us had a virtual reading of my new play. Many technical problems threatened to derail the whole thing, but when we hit momentum it was great fun. The play really works, it's the only finished bit of writing I've done during this lockdown but it works nicely and we're optimistic about it hitting the stage whenever we're allowed. It was also bloody lovely to see everyone.
Thursday 21st May 2020
My weekly trip to drop off essentials at mum's doorstep only really confirms one thing: I should really be starting my car more often. It was very reluctant today. Mum seems happy, though.
Got back, replied to the millions of emails that come through, tidied my teaching spreadsheet and rehearsed ahead of tonight's virtual gig.
Eventually, the tracks came in and I started recording at 10.30pm. Odd set, that, on paper by far the easiest of the lot but I struggled a bit with some of it...I think it was just the space, there's almost too much freedom in the track so it's easy to take your eye off the ball a bit.
Got frustrated, re-recorded from scratch, done by 2am. Not my finest performance.
Got back, replied to the millions of emails that come through, tidied my teaching spreadsheet and rehearsed ahead of tonight's virtual gig.
Eventually, the tracks came in and I started recording at 10.30pm. Odd set, that, on paper by far the easiest of the lot but I struggled a bit with some of it...I think it was just the space, there's almost too much freedom in the track so it's easy to take your eye off the ball a bit.
Got frustrated, re-recorded from scratch, done by 2am. Not my finest performance.
Wednesday 20th May 2020
A quieter day, which gave me more time to work on the Christmas novel, and also to decide what to do with our radio sitcom. They're all recorded and during the lockdown our amazing techie has spent a long time making them sound polished and very professional.
All three lessons were exhaustingly frantic, but they're into it and that's all that matters.
I may have played more Champ Manager until the early hours. This needs to stop.
All three lessons were exhaustingly frantic, but they're into it and that's all that matters.
I may have played more Champ Manager until the early hours. This needs to stop.
Tuesday 19th May 2020
I was very nervous this morning, having to interview a sitcom writer for the book who's work I totally adore. I was put at ease, instantly, by his warmth and friendliness and the phone interview was an absolute cracker.
First lesson of the day was cancelled as the kid is now back in school, but the other three were great.
Gave myself the night off and thoroughly enjoyed an evening of classic Championship Manager. And by evening, I of course mean early morning, too. Dangerously addictive.
First lesson of the day was cancelled as the kid is now back in school, but the other three were great.
Gave myself the night off and thoroughly enjoyed an evening of classic Championship Manager. And by evening, I of course mean early morning, too. Dangerously addictive.
Monday 18th May 2020
I'm quietly enjoying this lockdown. I mean, there's so many terrible things to it, away from the bigger picture which is obviously horrific, such as our wedding and house move plans being scuppered, but working from home is a revelation to me.
Four drum lessons in a row this morning, all worked out well, and then taught the writing course as a double lesson to two very enthusiastic siblings.
Quickly recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students, sent them around and then had another lesson which was smooth.
I feel more organised than ever, this little bit of time has allowed me to create a detailed spreadsheet of my students so I know where they're all at. Yes, I know, I should have done this before, but I never had any time, ever, so I'm glad I've got this done, now.
Four drum lessons in a row this morning, all worked out well, and then taught the writing course as a double lesson to two very enthusiastic siblings.
Quickly recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students, sent them around and then had another lesson which was smooth.
I feel more organised than ever, this little bit of time has allowed me to create a detailed spreadsheet of my students so I know where they're all at. Yes, I know, I should have done this before, but I never had any time, ever, so I'm glad I've got this done, now.
Monday, 18 May 2020
Sunday 17th May 2020
Exhausting day. Plodded around in a very Sunday sort of way for a bit of the morning and then we spent about five hours clearing out the shed, ahead of our move which will be later this month. The amount of cobwebbed-filled junk that has clearly built up over six years is ridiculous. By far the most physical activity I've done in YEARS.
Spent the rest of the day making notes for a new project, but mostly just manning to myself about my poor aching limbs.
Spent the rest of the day making notes for a new project, but mostly just manning to myself about my poor aching limbs.
Saturday 16th May 2020
I enjoyed today - I felt it's one of the rare days during lockdown (and it still is lockdown, despite whatever others may have you believe) where I've got the balance of work and pleasure right.
Just the three hours worth of lessons today, all good fun, refreshing sessions with enthusiastic students.
Caught up on a few emails, exercised for an hour and drummed for a couple of hours.
In the evening, A was on a long video call to her best mate so I just sat and worked on the novel, for about four hours, and made fabulous progress. I like where this one is going.
Just the three hours worth of lessons today, all good fun, refreshing sessions with enthusiastic students.
Caught up on a few emails, exercised for an hour and drummed for a couple of hours.
In the evening, A was on a long video call to her best mate so I just sat and worked on the novel, for about four hours, and made fabulous progress. I like where this one is going.
Saturday, 16 May 2020
Friday 15th May 2020
Woke up to a message from YouTube saying that our gig video can't be used due to copyright issues with two of the songs. They're drum covers, we're not claiming to own the songs, we're making money for charity but still - rules are rules, I guess. Cut those songs from the video and then had to frantically film all of my links again, at 7.30am, high on black coffee, to get it uploaded in time. It was actually all uploaded by 1pm, 6 hours ahead of broadcast, but it was still more stressful than it needed to be.
A year ago today I proposed to A, by far the happiest moment of my life. Who knows what will happen to our wedding? Nobody could have predicted this onslaught of shittyness that has happened this year. We're still really, really keen, even if our dream, lavish wedding, the day we feel we deserve, will be replaced by five people in a deserted church, somewhere. It's all quite upsetting, really.
Five lessons today, all really strong - A, who is a proper teacher by trade, was listening in to one of them and was full of praise, and she doesn't always give it. I know deep down I'm actually quite good at this, not just the teaching of the subject but the versatility to switch the lesson around depending not the confidence levels of the student.
Got sent over Greg's new album, which I drummed on way back in last August, and it's an amazing thing. Possibly a career highlight? It's so good. So, so good. Honoured to be on all 12 tracks, I remember the two sessions being stressful but it's totally worth it.
Evening, we got a takeaway, got drunk and fell asleep. I then woke up and did some more work on my novel.
A year ago today I proposed to A, by far the happiest moment of my life. Who knows what will happen to our wedding? Nobody could have predicted this onslaught of shittyness that has happened this year. We're still really, really keen, even if our dream, lavish wedding, the day we feel we deserve, will be replaced by five people in a deserted church, somewhere. It's all quite upsetting, really.
Five lessons today, all really strong - A, who is a proper teacher by trade, was listening in to one of them and was full of praise, and she doesn't always give it. I know deep down I'm actually quite good at this, not just the teaching of the subject but the versatility to switch the lesson around depending not the confidence levels of the student.
Got sent over Greg's new album, which I drummed on way back in last August, and it's an amazing thing. Possibly a career highlight? It's so good. So, so good. Honoured to be on all 12 tracks, I remember the two sessions being stressful but it's totally worth it.
Evening, we got a takeaway, got drunk and fell asleep. I then woke up and did some more work on my novel.
Thursday 14th May 2020
Having successfully managed to shove the week's teaching commitments to tomorrow, today was another day of intending writing but mostly filled with procrastination.
Took Mum her essentials, it was good to see her from the end of the path and it was good to give the car a bit of a run-out.
Filmed a lovely jazz instruction video for one of my Monday students, he's now working on that and then edited together our footage for tomorrow's online charity gig.
Confirmed a bunch of stuff for next week, filmed another instructional video for one of my Saturday students explaining a song that she's struggling with and did my 12500 steps with ease.
Took Mum her essentials, it was good to see her from the end of the path and it was good to give the car a bit of a run-out.
Filmed a lovely jazz instruction video for one of my Monday students, he's now working on that and then edited together our footage for tomorrow's online charity gig.
Confirmed a bunch of stuff for next week, filmed another instructional video for one of my Saturday students explaining a song that she's struggling with and did my 12500 steps with ease.
Wednesday 13th May 2020
Supposedly a day off to write (having to move all of my lessons to other days this week, cramming them in seems to be good for momentum) but then still ended up teaching one in the morning to a student who particularly needed it. It was productive, she learnt what she was hoping to and I felt very good about it afterwards.
Right; I've finally worked out what I need to do with this Christmas novel. Spent three hours on it today and barely got beyond the second chapter, but what LIFE that have in them. This may be a slow burner but it'll get there.
Did a bit more sitcom work and got confused about how to master my drum tracks for the 'solo' project.
Right; I've finally worked out what I need to do with this Christmas novel. Spent three hours on it today and barely got beyond the second chapter, but what LIFE that have in them. This may be a slow burner but it'll get there.
Did a bit more sitcom work and got confused about how to master my drum tracks for the 'solo' project.
Tuesday 12th May 2020
Mostly teaching today, with a little bit of sitcom book writing in the gap in the middle. First lesson - chaos, second lesson - great, third lesson - kid distracted, fourth lesson - fantastic, fifth lesson - fantastic.
I keep re-starting the writing of my novel, whilst getting frustrated that 12500 steps a day is quite an ambitious target. Made it again today, just.
I keep re-starting the writing of my novel, whilst getting frustrated that 12500 steps a day is quite an ambitious target. Made it again today, just.
Tuesday, 12 May 2020
Monday 11th May 2020
2 more students have signed up to virtual lessons. They're both students I taught in the real world previously, but have now realised that online lessons could work for them.
Despite things looking a bit busier, the lack of travelling time means I only need a 10 minute break in-between each class, rather than 30 minutes driving. I've comfortably managed to cram everything into four days this week, giving myself Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday off for writing.
Talking of which, the novel is starting to take shape. A couple late nights and black coffee and I think I can blitz this into proper progress.
The first two lessons were great today, the third one felt worryingly short and I fear I'm not giving J his money's worth. He's too nice to complain, but I need a few more ideas.
And then back to writing which, if anything, gives me the perfect excuse to listen to Last Christmas on my headphones.
Despite things looking a bit busier, the lack of travelling time means I only need a 10 minute break in-between each class, rather than 30 minutes driving. I've comfortably managed to cram everything into four days this week, giving myself Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday off for writing.
Talking of which, the novel is starting to take shape. A couple late nights and black coffee and I think I can blitz this into proper progress.
The first two lessons were great today, the third one felt worryingly short and I fear I'm not giving J his money's worth. He's too nice to complain, but I need a few more ideas.
And then back to writing which, if anything, gives me the perfect excuse to listen to Last Christmas on my headphones.
Sunday 10th May 2020
I mean, what do any of these announcements from Boris actually mean? Can we move house yet?
Day off today, so mostly writing and getting frustrated. Also, my new steps counter thingy arrived on Thursday, meaning I'm now obsessed with jogging on the spot. 3 days in and I've done over 12,000 steps every day, which is nice. I feel like I'm in good shape.
Sitcom book continues to excite me. Christmas novel continues to elude me.
Day off today, so mostly writing and getting frustrated. Also, my new steps counter thingy arrived on Thursday, meaning I'm now obsessed with jogging on the spot. 3 days in and I've done over 12,000 steps every day, which is nice. I feel like I'm in good shape.
Sitcom book continues to excite me. Christmas novel continues to elude me.
Saturday 9th May 2020
Finished my drum solo album, that actually sounds quite interesting - some of it is really, really good, with lots of variations, some clever stuff in there. A lot of it is also pretentious wank, but it could sell...
All three private lessons were fun and excitable today, I'm happy enough with those.
A bit more drumming and mastering, and then more failed attempts at writing.
Big dinner with A in the evening, so big we both promptly fell asleep in front of the telly shortly afterwards.
All three private lessons were fun and excitable today, I'm happy enough with those.
A bit more drumming and mastering, and then more failed attempts at writing.
Big dinner with A in the evening, so big we both promptly fell asleep in front of the telly shortly afterwards.
Friday 8th May 2020
As another lockdown week tumbles to a close, I'm both in a comfortable routine yet getting slightly agitated. We have a lovely new house waiting for us, it would be amazing to set up there soon.
The lessons, all five of them, were really strong today, everyone is on good form, this works.
Worked on my sitcom book for a bit, and then tried and failed with my Christmas novel. Maybe I'm just trying too hard?
The lessons, all five of them, were really strong today, everyone is on good form, this works.
Worked on my sitcom book for a bit, and then tried and failed with my Christmas novel. Maybe I'm just trying too hard?
Monday, 11 May 2020
Thursday 7th May 2020
I was a bit on edge yesterday, but today felt much better. I typically keep Thursday's free to drop off essential supplies to Mum. Good to give the car a bit of a run out, she seems well (from a distance).
Got back, tidied my website, replied to a bunch of emails and then had a cracking online lesson with one of my regulars. Needed that, I'm back on form!
Evening online beers with my best man, Matt. Great to catch up. Slightly drunk.
Got back, tidied my website, replied to a bunch of emails and then had a cracking online lesson with one of my regulars. Needed that, I'm back on form!
Evening online beers with my best man, Matt. Great to catch up. Slightly drunk.
Wednesday, 6 May 2020
Wednesday 6th May 2020
Three years ago today, I woke up to an horrific email from a venue threatening to sue me, because our murder mystery show the night before was an epic disaster on the biggest of scales. I was a mess; the show didn't work and shouldn't have gone live, it was comfortably the worst experience I've ever had as a performer. I was lucky that it all quickly blew over, thanks to a few legal things on our side, but I was a lost cause - living in my mate Edd's house for next-to-nothing rent, no career plans, temping, mid-30s and a shambles...this was all off the back of an adventurous but, ultimately, disastrous solo tour.
Three years later and, yeah, we're in a lockdown and in the middle of a global crisis, but I appreciate how things have worked out. Teaching career, hit play that's to be made into a film, bigger and better drumming projects, getting married and living a nice life in a nice house, with a new one on the way, with the two cats whom I'm getting quite attached to.
Today, though, I was just a bit rubbish, I think. Everything felt a bit flat (both writing courses and both drum lessons, even had a bit of a disagreement with a parent about the structure of where to put drum fills) (I know I was right) (will probably lose that student). Also getting niggled by parents being slow payers, so slow, they always pay eventually but it's an admin nightmare.
Sitcom book is coming together well and I recorded a nice track, plus made tracks on my Christmas novel, but I wasn't at my best today. Maybe I'm tired, let's blame the lockdown.
Three years later and, yeah, we're in a lockdown and in the middle of a global crisis, but I appreciate how things have worked out. Teaching career, hit play that's to be made into a film, bigger and better drumming projects, getting married and living a nice life in a nice house, with a new one on the way, with the two cats whom I'm getting quite attached to.
Today, though, I was just a bit rubbish, I think. Everything felt a bit flat (both writing courses and both drum lessons, even had a bit of a disagreement with a parent about the structure of where to put drum fills) (I know I was right) (will probably lose that student). Also getting niggled by parents being slow payers, so slow, they always pay eventually but it's an admin nightmare.
Sitcom book is coming together well and I recorded a nice track, plus made tracks on my Christmas novel, but I wasn't at my best today. Maybe I'm tired, let's blame the lockdown.
Tuesday 5th May 2020
A really nice, fun, productive day. Stuff with my sitcom book is still ticking over nicely enough, spent the morning working on that.
Fun drum lesson with somebody who I've only taught once before (and that was a beginners course) which was such fun and her mum has now booked me up again for next week. Then taught two of my regular students, and then a writing course for somebody who has done it already but loved it so wanted to do it again, and then a first lesson with a new student. Intended to be a one-off, but they got so into it, we're now going to be doing this weekly.
It's all working out okay.
Another lesson after that with my weekly Tuesday kid and then A and myself went for a nice walk.
Drummed till 2am, making a masterpiece, obviously.
Fun drum lesson with somebody who I've only taught once before (and that was a beginners course) which was such fun and her mum has now booked me up again for next week. Then taught two of my regular students, and then a writing course for somebody who has done it already but loved it so wanted to do it again, and then a first lesson with a new student. Intended to be a one-off, but they got so into it, we're now going to be doing this weekly.
It's all working out okay.
Another lesson after that with my weekly Tuesday kid and then A and myself went for a nice walk.
Drummed till 2am, making a masterpiece, obviously.
Monday 4th May 2020
I seem to spend my whole day in this conservatory. It's a nice set-up, with Mac, electric kit, notepads everywhere and a posh backdrop for online gigs, but it's starting to smell of me...that weird mix of man sweat and Red Bull.
Busy day today; three lessons in the morning (all slightly chaotic but fun) and then a 2 and a bit hour filming session with Liz and Jonnie. It's a script that Jonnie has written and is very funny, and it's set in isolation, so we could film our parts separately as he directed us over Zoom. As a format it works well, and as Liz and myself are to be playing alongside each other as a bickering couple in the HG movie (now delayed until next March, but with a teaser scene being filmed later this year) it's nice to build that onscreen chemistry.
Then taught another lesson, which was fine, and drummed all night, because I can.
Busy day today; three lessons in the morning (all slightly chaotic but fun) and then a 2 and a bit hour filming session with Liz and Jonnie. It's a script that Jonnie has written and is very funny, and it's set in isolation, so we could film our parts separately as he directed us over Zoom. As a format it works well, and as Liz and myself are to be playing alongside each other as a bickering couple in the HG movie (now delayed until next March, but with a teaser scene being filmed later this year) it's nice to build that onscreen chemistry.
Then taught another lesson, which was fine, and drummed all night, because I can.
Sunday, 3 May 2020
Sunday 3rd May 2020
A is getting very, very broody. Happy to go along with it.
I really miss football.
Went to a shop, sticking to social distancing and all that, and bought all the caffeine I'll need for the week, and as much cat treats to keep them happy, too. Last night, at 2am, Coco bought in a frog as a gift so it's the least I can do.
Did a bit of work on my album, did a bit of work on the book and then we enjoyed a ridiculous amount of chicken.
So sleepy, but it's not like I have to drive anywhere tommorow.
I really miss football.
Went to a shop, sticking to social distancing and all that, and bought all the caffeine I'll need for the week, and as much cat treats to keep them happy, too. Last night, at 2am, Coco bought in a frog as a gift so it's the least I can do.
Did a bit of work on my album, did a bit of work on the book and then we enjoyed a ridiculous amount of chicken.
So sleepy, but it's not like I have to drive anywhere tommorow.
Saturday 2nd May 2020
I had a good 'gig' last night, the recording has been very well received by the MD. The gig goes live on Wednesday, as far as I know.
Given how much I have on next week, I'm trying to keep my weekends free for creative stuff, but taught three very full-on online lessons today, which went well.
Drummed for a few hours, for no reason today, didn't want it for the album, just because I love drumming.
Uploaded a load of extra percussion to my electric kit and then drank brandy with A.
Given how much I have on next week, I'm trying to keep my weekends free for creative stuff, but taught three very full-on online lessons today, which went well.
Drummed for a few hours, for no reason today, didn't want it for the album, just because I love drumming.
Uploaded a load of extra percussion to my electric kit and then drank brandy with A.
Friday 1st May 2020
Full-on day, which is what I like. The sitcom book interviews are all coming in, the drum solo stuff is ticking over and I'm having a lovely time recording it. Won't release it under my name.
Taught four lessons online (first one: fine, second one: really fun, third one: chaos, fourth one: really great), had a nice dinner with A and then the recordings came in for the virtual gig so I spent two hours rehearsing and then one hour 'gigging'.
Done by 11pm. Apologies to the neighbours.
Taught four lessons online (first one: fine, second one: really fun, third one: chaos, fourth one: really great), had a nice dinner with A and then the recordings came in for the virtual gig so I spent two hours rehearsing and then one hour 'gigging'.
Done by 11pm. Apologies to the neighbours.
Friday, 1 May 2020
Thursday 30th April 2020
Really into this 'drums only' album - it's opened up a whole new world of ideas that is probably going to take up more time than it should...
Popped to Mum's to drop off essential supplies and then home to teach a fun double writing session, which was so exhausting I had a nap afterwards.
Pre-recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students and accepted a little acting offer thing that came in out of the blue.
And then back to recording...
Popped to Mum's to drop off essential supplies and then home to teach a fun double writing session, which was so exhausting I had a nap afterwards.
Pre-recorded a bunch of drum demos for my students and accepted a little acting offer thing that came in out of the blue.
And then back to recording...
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
Wednesday 29th April 2020
Getting quite obsessed with recording, when I really should be doing other stuff. Like earning money, and that. But the production quality of what I'm coming up with is really impressive, if I may say so myself.
Spent a bit of the day on that.
Taught a manic hour lesson with one of my regulars, and then had a script reading with Jonnie and Liz; it's a short film that Jonnie has written and it's about isolation, and can be filmed virtually, so it's great that we have this to work on. We ran it twice tonight and will film it on Monday. They're both so lovely to work with, the three of us have plenty in the diary coming up once we're allowed out.
Played some of my 'album' to A, and she was a bit blunt. I get it, I'm a drummer, a bloody good one, too, and the drumming on this project is amazing, and creative, as is the clean production. But my melodies are "about GCSE level." She's got a point, and I'm grateful that I'm not marrying a cheerleader, I'm marrying someone who will be honest with me. I just feel bad because I've spent five days on this now.
But it did open up a new idea, an idea for a drums-only, storytelling album...will start work on it as soon as I've finished this post.
Spent a bit of the day on that.
Taught a manic hour lesson with one of my regulars, and then had a script reading with Jonnie and Liz; it's a short film that Jonnie has written and it's about isolation, and can be filmed virtually, so it's great that we have this to work on. We ran it twice tonight and will film it on Monday. They're both so lovely to work with, the three of us have plenty in the diary coming up once we're allowed out.
Played some of my 'album' to A, and she was a bit blunt. I get it, I'm a drummer, a bloody good one, too, and the drumming on this project is amazing, and creative, as is the clean production. But my melodies are "about GCSE level." She's got a point, and I'm grateful that I'm not marrying a cheerleader, I'm marrying someone who will be honest with me. I just feel bad because I've spent five days on this now.
But it did open up a new idea, an idea for a drums-only, storytelling album...will start work on it as soon as I've finished this post.
Tuesday 28th April 2020
Recorded a drum part for a new FH track, which we'll release with a video next week, I think. This electric kit is probably the best thing I've ever bought. Not the most solid, but does the trick and for this sort of money I can't really complain.
Excited about my sitcom book, more people keep signing up for it.
Taught two lessons today, both surprisingly great, and then spent more time than I should do working on my 'album'.
Excited about my sitcom book, more people keep signing up for it.
Taught two lessons today, both surprisingly great, and then spent more time than I should do working on my 'album'.
Monday 27th April 2020
On the surface, it feels like things are bubbling away quite nicely. Was up till late again last night working on my 'album' which, in all honesty, I'd ever release - I'm just having a fun time with the creative process of it all and learning a new skill. My sitcom book is coming together nicely and I have just enough work coming in to keep the bills paid without having to touch the money I had put aside for emergencies.
Yet, I think I'm going slightly mad here. Just a bit of, well, what is it they call it, cabin fever?
I seem to be getting anxious about things, that aren't justified. For example, all of a sudden our group chat for this regular session gig I drum for went quiet and I just assumed they wanted the other drummer to take both gigs, instead. Not the case at all, people just didn't have anything to say and sure enough we were all chatting on it again a day later. I had one parent of a student who has totally drifted out of touch since the lockdown so I assumed I'd lost them (I've had contact with everyone else - ranging from 'yeah, we'll try online lessons' to 'we'll pay for normal lessons up front to keep you in business' to 'we'll wait, but we're here and will resume when this is all over...and one who is sadly unwell, so we'll see) but it turns out that parent was just struggling with having to work at home and deal with the family and drum lessons were naturally quite low down his list. We start online lessons next week with them.
Ultimately, it's like I feel the need to be anxious about something, when it's mostly not needed. Calm down, it's all actually going to be okay.
Taught three lessons today (first one: great, second one: few tech issues but fine, third one: didn't work as well as normal) and then got back to working on my book.
Yet, I think I'm going slightly mad here. Just a bit of, well, what is it they call it, cabin fever?
I seem to be getting anxious about things, that aren't justified. For example, all of a sudden our group chat for this regular session gig I drum for went quiet and I just assumed they wanted the other drummer to take both gigs, instead. Not the case at all, people just didn't have anything to say and sure enough we were all chatting on it again a day later. I had one parent of a student who has totally drifted out of touch since the lockdown so I assumed I'd lost them (I've had contact with everyone else - ranging from 'yeah, we'll try online lessons' to 'we'll pay for normal lessons up front to keep you in business' to 'we'll wait, but we're here and will resume when this is all over...and one who is sadly unwell, so we'll see) but it turns out that parent was just struggling with having to work at home and deal with the family and drum lessons were naturally quite low down his list. We start online lessons next week with them.
Ultimately, it's like I feel the need to be anxious about something, when it's mostly not needed. Calm down, it's all actually going to be okay.
Taught three lessons today (first one: great, second one: few tech issues but fine, third one: didn't work as well as normal) and then got back to working on my book.
Monday, 27 April 2020
Sunday 26th April 2020
I literally spent the whole day recording. Had one break when A made me go for a walk in the village, and I ate three meals and went to the toilet and all that stuff, but pretty much spent the whole day recording.
2am, I've nailed 12 instrumental, arty, pretentious tracks. Quietly excited.
2am, I've nailed 12 instrumental, arty, pretentious tracks. Quietly excited.
Saturday 25th April 2020
Getting seriously obsessed with this home recording malarkey. I was up till 3am recording drums and congas and weird sounds. It could be a masterpiece? I mean, nah, but still - it's a new skill I didn't have before the lockdown.
Taught a lesson (bad internet connection, all felt awkward) and then did a spot of writing some new stuff.
Then drummed, a lot more. Have decided to record a whole album this weekend, and then release it under a different name.
Taught a lesson (bad internet connection, all felt awkward) and then did a spot of writing some new stuff.
Then drummed, a lot more. Have decided to record a whole album this weekend, and then release it under a different name.
Friday 24th April 2020
This sitcom book I'm writing is in danger of taking over by my days, when I really should be focussing on teaching/earning money stuff.
Still, it's going well.
Taught three lessons today (first one: fun, second one: chaos, third one: felt like a proper lesson, where the kid actually listened and we made decent progress).
What we with me juggling 8 million different projects and her still working long hours, A and myself still barely see each other despite being on lockdown and living in the same house. Tonight we had a 'date night', which was mostly involving a takeaway, a lot of booze and bing watching the rest of Killing Eve.
Still, it's going well.
Taught three lessons today (first one: fun, second one: chaos, third one: felt like a proper lesson, where the kid actually listened and we made decent progress).
What we with me juggling 8 million different projects and her still working long hours, A and myself still barely see each other despite being on lockdown and living in the same house. Tonight we had a 'date night', which was mostly involving a takeaway, a lot of booze and bing watching the rest of Killing Eve.
Thursday, 23 April 2020
Thursday 23rd April 2020
What if this lockdown goes on for like, another year? I'm not earning enough at the moment, I just got lucky with a few students paying a lot extra and the fringe refunds. I'm fine for now, but in another 3 months or so and I might get worried.
Did my weekly trip dropping off essentials to Mum's doorstep, and then spent the rest of the day sending out questions to famous sitcom writers and performers. The first one got back to me, a genius of a writer who answered every question with such depth, it was flattering.
Long day, tied to my screen, and then fun Zoom meeting with the team behind the online gigs. We're all very positive about this after last night's debut show.
Did my weekly trip dropping off essentials to Mum's doorstep, and then spent the rest of the day sending out questions to famous sitcom writers and performers. The first one got back to me, a genius of a writer who answered every question with such depth, it was flattering.
Long day, tied to my screen, and then fun Zoom meeting with the team behind the online gigs. We're all very positive about this after last night's debut show.
Wednesday 22nd April 2020
Working on my sitcom book as I don't have that many lessons this week.
Had a few replies for it already, from those behind the classics and I got all excited. Some proper big names, actually. This book can be amazing!
Recorded a drum part for an old friend's virtual album.
Taught two lessons online, both great fun, and then watched our online gig that I record my parts for on Friday/Monday. A real success, put together by great people.
Up till 1am replying to emails about this book. This really could be something brilliant.
Had a few replies for it already, from those behind the classics and I got all excited. Some proper big names, actually. This book can be amazing!
Recorded a drum part for an old friend's virtual album.
Taught two lessons online, both great fun, and then watched our online gig that I record my parts for on Friday/Monday. A real success, put together by great people.
Up till 1am replying to emails about this book. This really could be something brilliant.
Tuesday 21st April 2020
My to-do list is outweighing my hours in the day, whilst still feeling a bit agitating having to stay in so much. I guess everyone is feeling that, though, yeah?
The video for my online gig took a while to upload, spent the morning panicking...we're talking over 10 hours here.
Drum lesson with one of my regulars was lovely. The other one was cancelled because the kid had a science test so moved to tomorrow.
Video uploaded and it was blocked by YouTube as the Taylor Swift song had copyright issues. Panicked, deleted that bit, but that buggered up my cue. Seriously!
Had to let it go as it is, apologised to the parent who's kid was in that video and launched it.
Watched a bunch of Killing Eve with my phone off and then logged back in to see our online gig had gone well, making £585 for the NHS. We're doing a lot of good, here.
The video for my online gig took a while to upload, spent the morning panicking...we're talking over 10 hours here.
Drum lesson with one of my regulars was lovely. The other one was cancelled because the kid had a science test so moved to tomorrow.
Video uploaded and it was blocked by YouTube as the Taylor Swift song had copyright issues. Panicked, deleted that bit, but that buggered up my cue. Seriously!
Had to let it go as it is, apologised to the parent who's kid was in that video and launched it.
Watched a bunch of Killing Eve with my phone off and then logged back in to see our online gig had gone well, making £585 for the NHS. We're doing a lot of good, here.
Tuesday, 21 April 2020
Monday 20th April 2020
Busy morning catching up on emails, as A is back to full working hours too, so it feels like this house is very much an office block.
Drum lesson in the morning was great, followed by another where the internet struggled but it kinda worked still.
Radio appearance plugging all of my many projects and then a writing lesson, followed by another drum lesson.
This feels how my days used to be before the lockdown...it's tiring.
Recorded all of my video bits for the drum showcase, which goes out tomorrow night, and then was up till 1am editing the video together. But having a lovely time in doing so.
Drum lesson in the morning was great, followed by another where the internet struggled but it kinda worked still.
Radio appearance plugging all of my many projects and then a writing lesson, followed by another drum lesson.
This feels how my days used to be before the lockdown...it's tiring.
Recorded all of my video bits for the drum showcase, which goes out tomorrow night, and then was up till 1am editing the video together. But having a lovely time in doing so.
Sunday 19th April 2020
I mean, tomorrow looks proper busy. My first proper busy day of the lockdown. With that in mind, I decided to bugger all today apart from catch up on email, work a little on the 'secret' project and wonder why I keep getting these really terrible headaches. Possibly too much screen time? I'm usually out teaching in different places, I guess.
Finished the new play. 4 days of writing, and it's done. I'm happy. It might be really good, I can't tell yet, but at least I'm writing stuff again.
Finished the new play. 4 days of writing, and it's done. I'm happy. It might be really good, I can't tell yet, but at least I'm writing stuff again.
Saturday 18th April 2020
Really good lesson in the morning, and then nice online chat with Liz about projects.
Teaching emails filled my afternoon and then sent out the HG link to lots of people who were asking for it, but then got worried as the camera quality (and, let's be honest, the performance) wasn't great that day. A lot of these people haven't seen me for years, and I've been singing my own praises about this show, what must they think of me?
Then we discovered Killing Eve and may have watched 5 hours' worth in a row...
Teaching emails filled my afternoon and then sent out the HG link to lots of people who were asking for it, but then got worried as the camera quality (and, let's be honest, the performance) wasn't great that day. A lot of these people haven't seen me for years, and I've been singing my own praises about this show, what must they think of me?
Then we discovered Killing Eve and may have watched 5 hours' worth in a row...
Friday 17th April 2020
More story editing in the morning, these kids are writing some pretty good stuff.
A lot of my drum students are now sending over videos, so spent a bit of time making those look nice and glossy.
Taught a fun lesson in the afternoon, did a little writing and then A and myself were gonna have a date night but I had some urgent session drum work come in and was doing that till 2am. Apologies to her, and the neighbours.
Sounded great, though.
A lot of my drum students are now sending over videos, so spent a bit of time making those look nice and glossy.
Taught a fun lesson in the afternoon, did a little writing and then A and myself were gonna have a date night but I had some urgent session drum work come in and was doing that till 2am. Apologies to her, and the neighbours.
Sounded great, though.
Thursday 16th April 2020
My weekly trip dropping off essentials at Mum's house. She's quite enjoying this lockdown thing, she's sticking to the rules and we're keeping our distance, as I'm leaving kitchen roll and milk at the end of the path for her. She appreciates the effort and my car appreciate's being started.
Taught my first 'drums without drums' session and it was brilliant, I want to do more of this sort of thing. So many ideas at the moment, but when you feel like you have lots of time, the motivation drifts a bit.
Nice dinner with A and then back to writing. I'm really enjoying this new play.
Wednesday 15th April 2020
Really happy with what I wrote last night.
Venues starting to book the show for October. That still seems a bit optimistic.
Emails for teaching stuff actually starting to build up, my morning drifted by quickly.
Lovely virtual catch-up with my mate Rob, and then a frankly exhausting drum lesson with a very enthusiastic young student who kept me on my toes. Good fun, though.
Wrote for three hours, this new play is coming together.
Venues starting to book the show for October. That still seems a bit optimistic.
Emails for teaching stuff actually starting to build up, my morning drifted by quickly.
Lovely virtual catch-up with my mate Rob, and then a frankly exhausting drum lesson with a very enthusiastic young student who kept me on my toes. Good fun, though.
Wrote for three hours, this new play is coming together.
Tuesday 14th April 2020
Next week a lot of my students will be back at school, which means they'll want to start learning drums again, yeah?
Updated my list of students, and sent an enthusiastic email around about a virtual charity gig idea - it'a got them excited and, if anything, it's got a lot of them interested in playing again. It's not about the money at the moment, I don't need the work as such, I just want to know that they will still be there for whenever all of this is over.
A load of students from my writing course have sent back their short stories, which took a ridiculously long amount of time to proofread, edit and send back to them for approval before we get them published.
Taught one online lesson (was fine) and then had a lovely idea for a lovely play so started writing that.
Updated my list of students, and sent an enthusiastic email around about a virtual charity gig idea - it'a got them excited and, if anything, it's got a lot of them interested in playing again. It's not about the money at the moment, I don't need the work as such, I just want to know that they will still be there for whenever all of this is over.
A load of students from my writing course have sent back their short stories, which took a ridiculously long amount of time to proofread, edit and send back to them for approval before we get them published.
Taught one online lesson (was fine) and then had a lovely idea for a lovely play so started writing that.
Monday 13th April 2020
This is technically a bank holiday, yeah? I don't know any more, all of the days kind of feel the same and I need a bit of structure.
Had a massive lie-in, got excited by how nice my kit is sounding now it all works on my computer (seriously, this £300 electric kit now sounds like it's worth thousands). The only downside to this is that whenever I try to write, my kit is right next to my computer so I'm too tempted to just drum instead. Which I do. I lack in focus right now.
Taught one lesson, which was fine, recorded a drum demo video for that student and then tried and failed to write a masterpiece.
Filmed the HG show in the spare room, which felt even weirder the Zoom show the other night. It's tough doing a show to an empty room, usually I have at least one or two. Lines all over the place but I get the point across.
Had a massive lie-in, got excited by how nice my kit is sounding now it all works on my computer (seriously, this £300 electric kit now sounds like it's worth thousands). The only downside to this is that whenever I try to write, my kit is right next to my computer so I'm too tempted to just drum instead. Which I do. I lack in focus right now.
Taught one lesson, which was fine, recorded a drum demo video for that student and then tried and failed to write a masterpiece.
Filmed the HG show in the spare room, which felt even weirder the Zoom show the other night. It's tough doing a show to an empty room, usually I have at least one or two. Lines all over the place but I get the point across.
Monday, 13 April 2020
Sunday 12th April 2020
I'm really enjoying wearing shorts. Never thought I'd be one of those people.
Easter Sunday. A and her family are really into Easter, it's a big deal for them and she was saddened that she couldn't see them today.
We had a nice time today, I did my best to make her feel happy in these weird times. After I had my morning meeting with the WAS techie, of course, who kindly got my kit sounding amazing on Logic.
Nice, no-other-people walk, long lunch and 4-hour game of Monopoly, which I won. Again.
Fun day. Tomorrow I want to be up early and achieve big things.
Easter Sunday. A and her family are really into Easter, it's a big deal for them and she was saddened that she couldn't see them today.
We had a nice time today, I did my best to make her feel happy in these weird times. After I had my morning meeting with the WAS techie, of course, who kindly got my kit sounding amazing on Logic.
Nice, no-other-people walk, long lunch and 4-hour game of Monopoly, which I won. Again.
Fun day. Tomorrow I want to be up early and achieve big things.
Saturday 11th April 2020
Is this the peak of the COVID thing? I'm starting to get agitated now.
Taught a fun double lesson in the morning over WhatsApp, that's really starting to work out.
Tried to relax, as it's a weekend, but it's not in my nature.
Rehearsed HG, and then spent ages setting it up in the small spare room upstairs. Doing a show over Zoom is weird enough as it is, let alone having to do a play like this where I need two different camera angles - one for me running, the other for the table scene.
Against all odds, I had a brilliant, fun show tonight. It's so weird performing when you can't see, or hear the audience, but I could see the stats and all 33 of them stayed for the duration of the hour.
The feedback afterwards was fantastic, maybe this can work as an online project after all?
Taught a fun double lesson in the morning over WhatsApp, that's really starting to work out.
Tried to relax, as it's a weekend, but it's not in my nature.
Rehearsed HG, and then spent ages setting it up in the small spare room upstairs. Doing a show over Zoom is weird enough as it is, let alone having to do a play like this where I need two different camera angles - one for me running, the other for the table scene.
Against all odds, I had a brilliant, fun show tonight. It's so weird performing when you can't see, or hear the audience, but I could see the stats and all 33 of them stayed for the duration of the hour.
The feedback afterwards was fantastic, maybe this can work as an online project after all?
Friday 10th April 2020
Lazy morning (less of this sort of thing next week) and then stressful online drum lesson with one of my regulars - technology failed us today.
Helped another student set up their drum kit, virtually, and actually left the house...to panic buy an Easter egg for A.
Tried sunbathing and got bothered by the heat.
Did some life admin and made pizzas with A before settling down to watch the first virtual WAS gig, that I recorded drum parts for earlier in the week.
Helped another student set up their drum kit, virtually, and actually left the house...to panic buy an Easter egg for A.
Tried sunbathing and got bothered by the heat.
Did some life admin and made pizzas with A before settling down to watch the first virtual WAS gig, that I recorded drum parts for earlier in the week.
Thursday 9th April 2020
A really productive day. I'm in danger of turning a little slobby, losing focus, not achieving anything. Which is fine, I suppose, because I'm not a machine, but that's enough holiday time now.
Enjoying our little routine of breakfast in the garden.
Caught up on emails, tried to write, got frustrated by the shit I was producing, went back to emails.
Taught three writing lessons in a row (first one: amazing, second one: dragged a bit, third one: brilliant) and then online beers with my best man, Matt, which was great fun.
Watched the rest of Him and Her tonight. Several hours worth, but amazing - such beautiful writing.
Enjoying our little routine of breakfast in the garden.
Caught up on emails, tried to write, got frustrated by the shit I was producing, went back to emails.
Taught three writing lessons in a row (first one: amazing, second one: dragged a bit, third one: brilliant) and then online beers with my best man, Matt, which was great fun.
Watched the rest of Him and Her tonight. Several hours worth, but amazing - such beautiful writing.
Thursday, 9 April 2020
Wednesday 8th April 2020
This was my first proper 'ugh, this really sucks day' today, mostly because I only had one lesson in the diary. Was supposed to be two but one of the students forgot.
Tried to write, got grumpy because nothing was really clicking, plodded around the garden and then went for a (totally safe) walk around the village.
The lesson, the first one to really work on Zoom, was lovely and I got all excited again. I then got an email from another student keen to have regular lessons, even though they'd previously felt it wouldn't work.
I'm fine, I just need stuff to do, all of the time, or else I feel agitated.
We watched 9 episodes of Him n Her tonight. And rightly so, it's awesome.
Tried to write, got grumpy because nothing was really clicking, plodded around the garden and then went for a (totally safe) walk around the village.
The lesson, the first one to really work on Zoom, was lovely and I got all excited again. I then got an email from another student keen to have regular lessons, even though they'd previously felt it wouldn't work.
I'm fine, I just need stuff to do, all of the time, or else I feel agitated.
We watched 9 episodes of Him n Her tonight. And rightly so, it's awesome.
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
Tuesday 7th April 2020
Spent the morning agonising over last night's recording, only to get a message from the producer telling me that I'd 'nailed it' and she was very happy.
That's a relief, then. More next week. It's a paid gig, but never thought I'd do pay drumming gigs on an electric kit from the conservatory.
Nice virtual meeting with Saturday's venue, where I'm performing HG online, and then a decent drum lesson on WhatsApp.
A little break, and then another online session (was fine) before I beat A at Monopoly again and she got stroppy.
That's a relief, then. More next week. It's a paid gig, but never thought I'd do pay drumming gigs on an electric kit from the conservatory.
Nice virtual meeting with Saturday's venue, where I'm performing HG online, and then a decent drum lesson on WhatsApp.
A little break, and then another online session (was fine) before I beat A at Monopoly again and she got stroppy.
Monday 6th April 2020
Probably my first really busy day of the lockdown. Up early, taught the writing course to one of my regular drum students, replied to a bunch of emails, taught the course again to another student and then taught a drum lesson.
Everything seemed to work really well today, the writing course is easy to teach and it is a proven formula that seems to be working really well. The drum lesson worked well because we did it on WhatsApp rather than Zoom - as a result we didn't lose any audio. Annoying having to do it on a phone but it seems to be working better that way.
I then got sent the tracks for the choir recording project...got sent guide vocals/piano/click at 7.30pm, 12 songs, deadline of 9am tomorrow. For a man who's struggling with recording technology, this was quite some task but somehow, thanks to having two computers, the electric kit, a bit of luck and very tolerant neighbours, the whole thing was done by 11pm.
Everything seemed to work really well today, the writing course is easy to teach and it is a proven formula that seems to be working really well. The drum lesson worked well because we did it on WhatsApp rather than Zoom - as a result we didn't lose any audio. Annoying having to do it on a phone but it seems to be working better that way.
I then got sent the tracks for the choir recording project...got sent guide vocals/piano/click at 7.30pm, 12 songs, deadline of 9am tomorrow. For a man who's struggling with recording technology, this was quite some task but somehow, thanks to having two computers, the electric kit, a bit of luck and very tolerant neighbours, the whole thing was done by 11pm.
Sunday, 5 April 2020
Sunday 5th April 2020
A Sunday but, you could argue, every day feels like a Sunday.
Drummed a lot today, about 4 hours' worth. And tidied the spare room. And sat in the garden for a bit 'relaxing' like normal people do. Although I'm struggling to relax.
Drove to Milton and safely picked up a cable from Matty for my drums (keeping our distance, obviously) but it didn't work. I reckon it's a problem with my computer, as it works fine on A's. I'll record my drum parts on that tomorrow.
Plenty of work coming in for next week, which is nice. And needed.
Drummed a lot today, about 4 hours' worth. And tidied the spare room. And sat in the garden for a bit 'relaxing' like normal people do. Although I'm struggling to relax.
Drove to Milton and safely picked up a cable from Matty for my drums (keeping our distance, obviously) but it didn't work. I reckon it's a problem with my computer, as it works fine on A's. I'll record my drum parts on that tomorrow.
Plenty of work coming in for next week, which is nice. And needed.
Saturday 4th April 2020
Spent the morning worried, deeply worried, that Mum wasn't answering her phone. Then she did and I felt silly. But such is the time that we're in. THESE ARE FUCKING WEIRD TIMES.
Got frustrated by technology today. Tried to teach a drum lesson in the morning but the delay and sound issues made it near impossible, so we ended it after 20 minutes. We'll try again next week.
Then spent a majority of the afternoon trying to connect my electric kit to my computer, although, often, the software didn't recognise it. Eventually got it to to work, but the bass drum squeaks like an angry duck and is laughably bad. Hour-long video chat with Matty, our techy for this new project, but we couldn't find a solution. The recording starts on Monday...
Evening played Monopoly with A and it was honestly one of the best things ever. So tense! Both of us totally in the game for a long time, a real test of nerve, was actually thrilling. And I won, which was nice.
Got frustrated by technology today. Tried to teach a drum lesson in the morning but the delay and sound issues made it near impossible, so we ended it after 20 minutes. We'll try again next week.
Then spent a majority of the afternoon trying to connect my electric kit to my computer, although, often, the software didn't recognise it. Eventually got it to to work, but the bass drum squeaks like an angry duck and is laughably bad. Hour-long video chat with Matty, our techy for this new project, but we couldn't find a solution. The recording starts on Monday...
Evening played Monopoly with A and it was honestly one of the best things ever. So tense! Both of us totally in the game for a long time, a real test of nerve, was actually thrilling. And I won, which was nice.
Friday 3rd April 2020
Made a list of all of the things I want to achieve during this lockdown, alongside the 8-12 hours of work I need to keep ticking over (which I seem to mostly have).
- 1 film, non-fiction (done)
- 1 novel
- 1 collection of short stories
- 1 book, non-fiction (done)
- 2 plays for other people
- 1 new play/show for myself
I've got a very clear idea about what I want all of these things to be, but ironically most of the day was spent working out this list. It can all be done, yeah?
Nice long Zoom chat with Izzy, a few hours drumming, a couple hours replying to teaching emails and suddenly the day was done.
I need to do more. Or just get through that list.
- 1 film, non-fiction (done)
- 1 novel
- 1 collection of short stories
- 1 book, non-fiction (done)
- 2 plays for other people
- 1 new play/show for myself
I've got a very clear idea about what I want all of these things to be, but ironically most of the day was spent working out this list. It can all be done, yeah?
Nice long Zoom chat with Izzy, a few hours drumming, a couple hours replying to teaching emails and suddenly the day was done.
I need to do more. Or just get through that list.
Thursday, 2 April 2020
Thursday 2nd April 2020
At least I'm getting a full refund from my fringe venue, and for the programme entry. That's a few quid coming back in.
Took Mum her weekly supplies (stuff she can't carry back from the shops herself with a pyscho dog), dumping 9 bog rolls, a load of kitchen roll and some treats on her doorstep, before a well-distanced 10-minute chat from opposite ends of the garden path. She's okay, but she's a concern - I just don't think she's still taking this seriously.
My car engine is SO loud. I'm sure it's fine. Barely have to drive it these days, anyway.
My electric kit arrived. Spent an hour setting it up, then having a quick play of it - the snare, hi-hat, bass and crash sound great. The ride is overpowering and the toms are so quiet. But it's fine, it was £300, you get what you pay for and it'll get me through.
Turns out that, even though it was silent in the room (playing to my headphones), the vibrations of the bass drum were coming through the ceiling, annoying A when she was in the lounge. Not a happy way to be in these tense times of being on top of each other anyway, so we stripped out the conservatory and I re-built the kit and my office space in there. Two hours later and it's pretty awesome, very happy to work there for the next few months, or however long this takes.
Then drummed for two hours, to Joe Jackson albums, just because I can.
Did a bit of teaching admin and entered discussions with a publisher about my 2018 play in the evening. A few things still ticking over as the whole world descends around us.
Took Mum her weekly supplies (stuff she can't carry back from the shops herself with a pyscho dog), dumping 9 bog rolls, a load of kitchen roll and some treats on her doorstep, before a well-distanced 10-minute chat from opposite ends of the garden path. She's okay, but she's a concern - I just don't think she's still taking this seriously.
My car engine is SO loud. I'm sure it's fine. Barely have to drive it these days, anyway.
My electric kit arrived. Spent an hour setting it up, then having a quick play of it - the snare, hi-hat, bass and crash sound great. The ride is overpowering and the toms are so quiet. But it's fine, it was £300, you get what you pay for and it'll get me through.
Turns out that, even though it was silent in the room (playing to my headphones), the vibrations of the bass drum were coming through the ceiling, annoying A when she was in the lounge. Not a happy way to be in these tense times of being on top of each other anyway, so we stripped out the conservatory and I re-built the kit and my office space in there. Two hours later and it's pretty awesome, very happy to work there for the next few months, or however long this takes.
Then drummed for two hours, to Joe Jackson albums, just because I can.
Did a bit of teaching admin and entered discussions with a publisher about my 2018 play in the evening. A few things still ticking over as the whole world descends around us.
Wednesday 1st April 2020
I mean, the only lesson (a writing course) I had in the diary for today was postponed as the student couldn't understand Zoom, so we'll try again on Monday morning, giving the mum a few days to work it out.
But...there is plenty of work in the pipeline. I'm excited by a remote session drumming gig that has come in out of the blue, it's a couple hours' work a week but really fun stuff - plus it'll be great to have to learn a whole new hour of songs every week. Basically, I'll have to record my parts (to a click and backing track) mid-week, as will the bassist and guitarist, send it back to the audio engineer who will make it all glossy. On Fridays, a choir will sing all over it, and we get paid as the gig is streamed to a paying audience. Modern times, eh? I'm very grateful that I'm the drummer they chose for this, I mean, they know me well and I've worked with them before, but it's still nice, yeah?
Spent a majority of the day replying to emails, scheduling in bits and bobs of teaching work and I also made a spreadsheet of ALL of my students, complete with my status with them (in three categories: online lessons / on hold but will come back when we're allowed / probably gonna lose them). There's only two in the latter section, out of 80-odd, but annoyingly most of them are in the middle.
That took longer than it needed to.
Lovely video chat with the band, good fun, nice people, a lovely hour of nonsense.
Evening, A cooked us a lovely meal (as she does every night, I think she's loving being the housewife) and we watched the Inbetweeners movie, which is light fun, yeah? We got drunk. I think we're both drinking too much at the moment. But then again, everyone is, I imagine.
But...there is plenty of work in the pipeline. I'm excited by a remote session drumming gig that has come in out of the blue, it's a couple hours' work a week but really fun stuff - plus it'll be great to have to learn a whole new hour of songs every week. Basically, I'll have to record my parts (to a click and backing track) mid-week, as will the bassist and guitarist, send it back to the audio engineer who will make it all glossy. On Fridays, a choir will sing all over it, and we get paid as the gig is streamed to a paying audience. Modern times, eh? I'm very grateful that I'm the drummer they chose for this, I mean, they know me well and I've worked with them before, but it's still nice, yeah?
Spent a majority of the day replying to emails, scheduling in bits and bobs of teaching work and I also made a spreadsheet of ALL of my students, complete with my status with them (in three categories: online lessons / on hold but will come back when we're allowed / probably gonna lose them). There's only two in the latter section, out of 80-odd, but annoyingly most of them are in the middle.
That took longer than it needed to.
Lovely video chat with the band, good fun, nice people, a lovely hour of nonsense.
Evening, A cooked us a lovely meal (as she does every night, I think she's loving being the housewife) and we watched the Inbetweeners movie, which is light fun, yeah? We got drunk. I think we're both drinking too much at the moment. But then again, everyone is, I imagine.
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Tuesday 31st March 2020
God, I'm bored.
Woke up early and sent a bunch of emails to students explaining that I'll soon be available for proper online teaching when the electric kit arrives. Three enthusiastic yes pleases straight away, another later on and another who wants to start again in 2 weeks' time. Two others already having regular online lessons with me. A few more want a break for Easter but will resume lessons soon...so, we're actually still doing an Easter break, then? With all that's going on?
Emails took ages, then I spent hours agonising which electric kit to buy. Still not convinced I've got the right one, but then again I'm old school and never liked electric kits in the first place...for £300 it's a worthwhile investment, but I'll never be a convert.
Went to Waitrose with A, only to find out only one person is let in, so I waited in the car.
Had a call from my Edinburgh venue. All cancelled this year. It's a shame because IT'S JUST ANOTHER FUN THING GONE, STOP CANCELLING MY FUN, LIFE but equally I get fully refunded and the refund is about the same as a month's outgoings, which is welcome right now.
Got back, taught a lesson online (audio terrible but we got through), tidied up website and suddenly another day is gone.
One lesson tomorrow, but nothing else until Saturday. I need to start writing that novel...
Woke up early and sent a bunch of emails to students explaining that I'll soon be available for proper online teaching when the electric kit arrives. Three enthusiastic yes pleases straight away, another later on and another who wants to start again in 2 weeks' time. Two others already having regular online lessons with me. A few more want a break for Easter but will resume lessons soon...so, we're actually still doing an Easter break, then? With all that's going on?
Emails took ages, then I spent hours agonising which electric kit to buy. Still not convinced I've got the right one, but then again I'm old school and never liked electric kits in the first place...for £300 it's a worthwhile investment, but I'll never be a convert.
Went to Waitrose with A, only to find out only one person is let in, so I waited in the car.
Had a call from my Edinburgh venue. All cancelled this year. It's a shame because IT'S JUST ANOTHER FUN THING GONE, STOP CANCELLING MY FUN, LIFE but equally I get fully refunded and the refund is about the same as a month's outgoings, which is welcome right now.
Got back, taught a lesson online (audio terrible but we got through), tidied up website and suddenly another day is gone.
One lesson tomorrow, but nothing else until Saturday. I need to start writing that novel...
Monday 30th March 2020
We've put together a little timetable for weekdays in the house, just trying to give these odd days a bit of structure.
Naturally, woke up late and didn't stick to it. Still, we had meals together, which is something.
Taught four lessons today - which is my target for the rest of this lockdown. I can live comfortably on four hours' work a day, without touching the money I've put aside. Saying that, I've got absolutely fuck all work for the rest of the week.
It's writing time, let's just pretend it's intentional writing time.
Anyway, today was busy with three writing courses in a row...all of them were exhausting, but amazing. Every student was totally on it, so creative, so inspiring - I just had a brilliant, exciting time for three hours solid.
Then taught a drum lesson online for one of my regulars where the internet connection was a bit slow and we got a little frustrated. He was fine with it, though.
One of the parents of my students, aware that I'm losing a lot of trade, has kindly booked and paid me for 20 lessons in advance, to keep me going. From that money, I've ordered an electric kit, which means I can teach properly from home. A wise investment? Well, all of this on the basis that my students want to be taught from home, but maybe they're not up for it? Uncertain times ahead. Still, got a new toy at least.
Naturally, woke up late and didn't stick to it. Still, we had meals together, which is something.
Taught four lessons today - which is my target for the rest of this lockdown. I can live comfortably on four hours' work a day, without touching the money I've put aside. Saying that, I've got absolutely fuck all work for the rest of the week.
It's writing time, let's just pretend it's intentional writing time.
Anyway, today was busy with three writing courses in a row...all of them were exhausting, but amazing. Every student was totally on it, so creative, so inspiring - I just had a brilliant, exciting time for three hours solid.
Then taught a drum lesson online for one of my regulars where the internet connection was a bit slow and we got a little frustrated. He was fine with it, though.
One of the parents of my students, aware that I'm losing a lot of trade, has kindly booked and paid me for 20 lessons in advance, to keep me going. From that money, I've ordered an electric kit, which means I can teach properly from home. A wise investment? Well, all of this on the basis that my students want to be taught from home, but maybe they're not up for it? Uncertain times ahead. Still, got a new toy at least.
Sunday, 29 March 2020
Sunday 29th March 2020
There's every chance that my life could lose all direction here.
Had a lie in, played Playstation for a bit. It's like me, only in my 20s.
Put it away again, the temptation is too much.
A, always wonderful, made us a lovely Sunday lunch.
5 hours editing the film, all finished, looks brilliant.
Had a lie in, played Playstation for a bit. It's like me, only in my 20s.
Put it away again, the temptation is too much.
A, always wonderful, made us a lovely Sunday lunch.
5 hours editing the film, all finished, looks brilliant.
Saturday 28th March 2020
Took some 'essential' supplies to mum's house - stuff she can't carry back from the shops herself. Did everything properly; left it on her garden path and then we had a conversation from about 12 feet away. It was both fun yet terribly sad.
Actually have some lessons booked in for Monday, hurrah! All for the writing course, which could be my saviour.
The students so far have sent back their stories and they're brilliant, it was great to 'mark' them like a real teacher.
Unboxed my Playstation, haven't played it in nearly 3 years. Got addicted to Pro Evo and lost 3 hours of the day...
Actually have some lessons booked in for Monday, hurrah! All for the writing course, which could be my saviour.
The students so far have sent back their stories and they're brilliant, it was great to 'mark' them like a real teacher.
Unboxed my Playstation, haven't played it in nearly 3 years. Got addicted to Pro Evo and lost 3 hours of the day...
Friday 27th March 2020
So weird having NOTHING in my diary. Normally my Fridays are 2 schools and 2 private lessons, often with a gig after that or drinks with friends. I miss those days already, so, so much. What frustrating, awful times.
A has been great, reminding me not to worry about financial things as she's still on a full wage. I need to be earning properly, though. Fuck, I mean, it's only been four days, calm down.
Spent the day video editing this fringe film, it looks great so far.
Mowed the lawn for an hour, was great to get some air.
Drummed for a bit, sorry, neighbours.
Will start writing the Christmas novel next week.
A has been great, reminding me not to worry about financial things as she's still on a full wage. I need to be earning properly, though. Fuck, I mean, it's only been four days, calm down.
Spent the day video editing this fringe film, it looks great so far.
Mowed the lawn for an hour, was great to get some air.
Drummed for a bit, sorry, neighbours.
Will start writing the Christmas novel next week.
Thursday 26th March 2020
The world is a bit of a strange place at the moment (understatement). It's so weird having very little in the diary - it's not so much about the money (I've got enough put by to keep me going for a few months if need be), it's just the sudden lack of purpose.
My students are all in regular contact, still, and I need to quickly find a way to teach drums online properly.
Video editing this fringe diary thing from last summer is something fun, at least. 140 clips to edit, and somehow make into a movie.
The students seem happy with the drum lessons I've pre-recorded for them.
Really fun time running the writing course, two students, absolute chaos, but great, great fun. As a format this works so well.
My students are all in regular contact, still, and I need to quickly find a way to teach drums online properly.
Video editing this fringe diary thing from last summer is something fun, at least. 140 clips to edit, and somehow make into a movie.
The students seem happy with the drum lessons I've pre-recorded for them.
Really fun time running the writing course, two students, absolute chaos, but great, great fun. As a format this works so well.
Thursday, 26 March 2020
Wednesday 25th March 2020
Turns out the files for my tutorial videos are massive, which is why they're taking DAYS to upload, so have fixed that and it's finally starting to work with a much lower resolution.
It's just all faffing, isn't it?
Finished writing my Edinburgh fringe diaries book, which I've been working on since October. Will put it aside for a bit and then re-read at some point soon. At least having all this time off has allowed me to crack on with these projects that have been on my to-do list for a while.
Taught my first online story writing course and got such a buzz out of it, as did the student. It was just a brilliant, action-packed, 45 minutes. Amazing.
Buzzing, I then started to plug this course properly. I think I'm onto something...
Started editing last year's Edinburgh fringe diaries video, which so far has about 150 clips that need sorting. I've got the hang of the software now, this will take me a week or so but it'll be a week well spent and a nice film to add to my CV.
It's just all faffing, isn't it?
Finished writing my Edinburgh fringe diaries book, which I've been working on since October. Will put it aside for a bit and then re-read at some point soon. At least having all this time off has allowed me to crack on with these projects that have been on my to-do list for a while.
Taught my first online story writing course and got such a buzz out of it, as did the student. It was just a brilliant, action-packed, 45 minutes. Amazing.
Buzzing, I then started to plug this course properly. I think I'm onto something...
Started editing last year's Edinburgh fringe diaries video, which so far has about 150 clips that need sorting. I've got the hang of the software now, this will take me a week or so but it'll be a week well spent and a nice film to add to my CV.
Tuesday 24th March 2020
Mum is upset, not because I can't take her shopping anymore, but because she just won't see any of her family, at all, for what could be a very long time. She relies on us. I'll be calling her three times a day.
House move fallen through, the lawyers were up for it but the removal firm aren't allowed to operate.
God knows what is going to happen to the wedding.
We had such big plans for this year. A is struggling with all of these developments, and I'm struggling because she's crying so much about it.
Got the hang of the video editing software and edited the tutorial videos properly, set them all to go online and got frustrated by our slow internet speed.
Taught an online drumming lesson - these things typically don't work as that split-second time delay makes me think the drummer is playing out of time, when he isn't. The parent insisted on it, though. It wasn't great, but we got through it.
House move fallen through, the lawyers were up for it but the removal firm aren't allowed to operate.
God knows what is going to happen to the wedding.
We had such big plans for this year. A is struggling with all of these developments, and I'm struggling because she's crying so much about it.
Got the hang of the video editing software and edited the tutorial videos properly, set them all to go online and got frustrated by our slow internet speed.
Taught an online drumming lesson - these things typically don't work as that split-second time delay makes me think the drummer is playing out of time, when he isn't. The parent insisted on it, though. It wasn't great, but we got through it.
Monday 23rd March 2020
With no school to go into today, I'm trying my best to be as productive as possible with the time.
Packing for the move, basically, with occasional moments to check my emails as more and more work gets cancelled.
Tidied up the webpage for my new writing course, which I was supposed to be running in September and one of my colleges (and still will be) but I'm now running as an online thing. A few signed up already.
Two of my private, one-to-one lessons were still on today (the other 4 cancelled for obvious reasons). Was it irresponsible to still do these? They were both rubbish, anyway, as we spent the whole time talking about how irresponsible this all is...
Driving back, the news was on the radio...we're on lockdown. Well, that solves that problem, then.
Monday, 23 March 2020
Sunday 22nd March 2020
Still not sure about our wedding now...but August is miles away, yeah? We had such big plans for this year, but can gradually see our dreams fading.
Mother's Day and my mum (65) just isn't getting the social distancing thing. She seemed upset when all I could do was hand her stuff on her doorstep - card, flowers, bog roll.
My students have nearly all cancelled, apart from a couple who want to try online sessions on Skype.
Went to the new house (looks like we're still moving in a couple days') and measured up, that sort of thing. The house is absolutely stunning, we just need to get in there asap. I don't mind being locked indoors if we can actually be in there...
Got back and spent the evening editing my drum tutorial videos/getting frustrated by this fancy new video editing software.
Mother's Day and my mum (65) just isn't getting the social distancing thing. She seemed upset when all I could do was hand her stuff on her doorstep - card, flowers, bog roll.
My students have nearly all cancelled, apart from a couple who want to try online sessions on Skype.
Went to the new house (looks like we're still moving in a couple days') and measured up, that sort of thing. The house is absolutely stunning, we just need to get in there asap. I don't mind being locked indoors if we can actually be in there...
Got back and spent the evening editing my drum tutorial videos/getting frustrated by this fancy new video editing software.
Saturday, 21 March 2020
Saturday 21st March 2020
Up early, to go and teach regular student for what will be the last time in a while. They were so happy that I instigated the 'let's have no lessons for a bit and do the whole distancing thing' thing, it's morally right.
Got back, set up a small kit in the spare room and then filmed 24 tracks, all with instructions, for my students. Took over 4 hours...
Taught another 'final lesson for a bit' with a cracking student, we had great fun.
Got back, lovely meal with A. She fell asleep and I caught up on emails.
Got back, set up a small kit in the spare room and then filmed 24 tracks, all with instructions, for my students. Took over 4 hours...
Taught another 'final lesson for a bit' with a cracking student, we had great fun.
Got back, lovely meal with A. She fell asleep and I caught up on emails.
Friday 20th March 2020
Least favourite school have very kindly sent out an email about my playwriting lessons, and as a result I have a bit of online teaching work coming in.
Regular college have got me drum teaching work via Skype.
Bits and bobs, but enough to keep me ticking over. I'm not too worried about money, I'm just not very good at being in.
Final day at regular school for what is likely to be a long while. Almost felt emotional. I hope I see these cracking kids again soon, they're decent drummers with nice attitudes.
Final private lesson with one of my regular students for a long while. It was fine.
After discussing with various parents, they're up for me recording drum lesson videos and then setting them up as private links and then they'll pay me for them. The cost is half what one of my lessons would be, but then again - if I make them all in one go, it's technically easy money. Not all of them will want it, so I'll be on technically less than half my normal wage, but equally I won't have to spend anything on fuel. As a stopgap, it'll do the trick.
Regular college have got me drum teaching work via Skype.
Bits and bobs, but enough to keep me ticking over. I'm not too worried about money, I'm just not very good at being in.
Final day at regular school for what is likely to be a long while. Almost felt emotional. I hope I see these cracking kids again soon, they're decent drummers with nice attitudes.
Final private lesson with one of my regular students for a long while. It was fine.
After discussing with various parents, they're up for me recording drum lesson videos and then setting them up as private links and then they'll pay me for them. The cost is half what one of my lessons would be, but then again - if I make them all in one go, it's technically easy money. Not all of them will want it, so I'll be on technically less than half my normal wage, but equally I won't have to spend anything on fuel. As a stopgap, it'll do the trick.
Thursday 19th March 2020
A whole day in! I get it's going to be this way for a while, but still - I feel like I may lose my mind. I've got enough in the bank to last me for a while, a bit put aside, but I'm not the type to just sit around and watch Netflix, waiting for this all to blow over...
Spoke to a lot of parents about what to do about lessons. Found out a few things I didn't know that put everything into perspective...just, how long some of them have to live because of other conditions, so why they must self-isolate now. Some of it is heartbreaking, and they've hidden it so well.
Cleaned the house, we're probably still moving next week. Hope so.
Set up a new web/video calling class in how to write plays and sent it to my schools.
Wrote for three hours.
3 months of this? Jesus.
Spoke to a lot of parents about what to do about lessons. Found out a few things I didn't know that put everything into perspective...just, how long some of them have to live because of other conditions, so why they must self-isolate now. Some of it is heartbreaking, and they've hidden it so well.
Cleaned the house, we're probably still moving next week. Hope so.
Set up a new web/video calling class in how to write plays and sent it to my schools.
Wrote for three hours.
3 months of this? Jesus.
Thursday, 19 March 2020
Wednesday 18th March 2020
In retrospect, I probably should have just got a normal office job or something. At least then I'd get sick pay, and I can work from home.
But the is the problem, isn't it? In the future, none of us are going to risk trying something different. And then nobody will learn musical instruments, or try to be a performer. And the world will get really boring.
Why isn't there sick pay for the self-employed?
Taught at regular school, probably for the first time in ages, and then took Mum shopping. I probably stressed her out by being so stressed, but, you know, the whole country is approaching lockdown and I've lost my livelihood.
The college, also for the final time in ages, was fine.
They're closing all schools from Friday.
Madness.
Taught one private lesson, and then the second one was cancelled because the student was in self-isolation.
Literally every time I check my emails it's people cancelling stuff.
But the is the problem, isn't it? In the future, none of us are going to risk trying something different. And then nobody will learn musical instruments, or try to be a performer. And the world will get really boring.
Why isn't there sick pay for the self-employed?
Taught at regular school, probably for the first time in ages, and then took Mum shopping. I probably stressed her out by being so stressed, but, you know, the whole country is approaching lockdown and I've lost my livelihood.
The college, also for the final time in ages, was fine.
They're closing all schools from Friday.
Madness.
Taught one private lesson, and then the second one was cancelled because the student was in self-isolation.
Literally every time I check my emails it's people cancelling stuff.
Tuesday 17th March 2020
An odd day. Woke up to an email from least favourite school saying they're cancelling all music lessons until all of the virus stuff blows over, and then on arrival at favourite school they told me this would be my last lesson there for the "foreseeable future". I then had three emails in a row from parents telling me they're cancelling lessons due to self-isolating.
Literally, my career has vanished, just like that. I panicked a bit, still taught the lessons in the school for the final time, but clearly my head wasn't in the right place.
How can this be happening? One minute you're fine, the next everything just gets ripped from under your feet.
Taught three private lessons, one of which is also going to be ending for a bit because the mum is being put on unpaid sick leave as she has asthma.
This is all totally fucked up.
Monday 16th March 2020
The school was very panicky this morning; one kid was coughing in an assembly and nobody quite knew what to do.
The lessons were great, though, mega enthusiastic all round - both me and the students all seemed to be on it.
We're still not sure if our house move is on for next week, everything feels up in the air.
Got back, actively avoided the news and did some writing for a couple of hours.
Three private lessons followed (first one: fine, second one: excellent, third one: jolly). I get the sense all of these are about to stop soon, for obvious reasons.
The lessons were great, though, mega enthusiastic all round - both me and the students all seemed to be on it.
We're still not sure if our house move is on for next week, everything feels up in the air.
Got back, actively avoided the news and did some writing for a couple of hours.
Three private lessons followed (first one: fine, second one: excellent, third one: jolly). I get the sense all of these are about to stop soon, for obvious reasons.
Sunday, 15 March 2020
Sunday 15th March 2020
I mean, the fear is huge, isn't it? Are we all gonna make it through?
Who would have thought we'd be in the position six months ago? I've never seen anything like it.
Rehearsal was cancelled today due to a band member having a cold and that's enough to cancel something at the moment. Both lessons also cancelled (first one because the student was running late getting back from Norfolk but we've hastily rearranged, the second one because the student has a medical condition so is self-isolating for as long as it takes).
Spent about two hours writing the 'perfect' email to my students - both school (parents) and private, explaining how I'd like the lessons to continue in these difficult times, but also how honest we have to be with each other about health, and how lessons will be cancelled even if one of us has them mildest of common colds. It was also a bit of a rallying cry, detailing the 'happy songs only' rule, and how we can get through this.
I've had a lot of praise from it since, from various parents telling me how grateful they are that I care so much. I do, but why wouldn't I?
But also, alongside all of this madness of THE WHOLE WORLD DYING, our house move still looks set to go ahead at the end of the month, so much packing is needed. And dismantling an old bed, and failing to use powertools, that sort of thing.
Who would have thought we'd be in the position six months ago? I've never seen anything like it.
Rehearsal was cancelled today due to a band member having a cold and that's enough to cancel something at the moment. Both lessons also cancelled (first one because the student was running late getting back from Norfolk but we've hastily rearranged, the second one because the student has a medical condition so is self-isolating for as long as it takes).
Spent about two hours writing the 'perfect' email to my students - both school (parents) and private, explaining how I'd like the lessons to continue in these difficult times, but also how honest we have to be with each other about health, and how lessons will be cancelled even if one of us has them mildest of common colds. It was also a bit of a rallying cry, detailing the 'happy songs only' rule, and how we can get through this.
I've had a lot of praise from it since, from various parents telling me how grateful they are that I care so much. I do, but why wouldn't I?
But also, alongside all of this madness of THE WHOLE WORLD DYING, our house move still looks set to go ahead at the end of the month, so much packing is needed. And dismantling an old bed, and failing to use powertools, that sort of thing.
Saturday 14th March 2020
A is getting really scared about the Coronavirus, we all are, of course we are, we're living in strange times. Last night, though, I had to ask her to stop talking about it, as we're both dragging each other down a bit.
Nice lie-in this morning and then four private lessons (first one: excellent, second one: kid clearly bored, third one: really strong - newish student who is totally getting it, fourth one: wonderful, as the kid was being looked after by his grandmother and she ended up playing herself for the first time and was great).
Home for a couple hours of packing, and then back out for another lesson (a goodun) and then went to watch A in her concert, which was superb. We then drove by our new house, at 10pm, to see what it's like out there on a Saturday night. Completely deserted. Perfect.
Nice lie-in this morning and then four private lessons (first one: excellent, second one: kid clearly bored, third one: really strong - newish student who is totally getting it, fourth one: wonderful, as the kid was being looked after by his grandmother and she ended up playing herself for the first time and was great).
Home for a couple hours of packing, and then back out for another lesson (a goodun) and then went to watch A in her concert, which was superb. We then drove by our new house, at 10pm, to see what it's like out there on a Saturday night. Completely deserted. Perfect.
Friday 13th March 2020
Bought mum some more stuff. I'm turning into one of 'those' people, but at least I'm panic buying for someone else. A and myself have enough at home to keep us going, we'll be fine, but not sure my mum will be.
Morning school was fine, the kid who has been playing up recently was better today. Three off, self-isolating because their parents are worried. I get it.
The next school was fine, full class in, all good.
Three private lessons followed, all really strong - not being arrogant, but my lessons this week have been fucking brilliant.
A was in her rehearsal so I had the perfect night in: Men Behaving Badly on Netflix, a takeaway pizza and a couple beers. I love her, of course I do, but I do enjoy a bit of slob-time, too.
Morning school was fine, the kid who has been playing up recently was better today. Three off, self-isolating because their parents are worried. I get it.
The next school was fine, full class in, all good.
Three private lessons followed, all really strong - not being arrogant, but my lessons this week have been fucking brilliant.
A was in her rehearsal so I had the perfect night in: Men Behaving Badly on Netflix, a takeaway pizza and a couple beers. I love her, of course I do, but I do enjoy a bit of slob-time, too.
Thursday 12th March 2020
I think the virus fear is kicking in to a lot of my students; a few are self-isolating, lessons are being cancelled. I can see tough times on the horizon.
At my least favourite school in the morning but it was fine today, everyone in good spirits, they did what they were told, and only had to throw one kid out. I did so because he literally just farted for twenty minutes. Twenty minutes of constant smells. How does he do it? My classroom stank.
Then over to my other school, which was much better this week after last week's mediocre sessions.
Quick private lesson (was fine) and then my gig was cancelled this evening, which I'm guessing will happen a lot over the next few weeks.
Spent the evening catching up on show admins, booking in stuff for July. It'll be fine by then, yeah?
At my least favourite school in the morning but it was fine today, everyone in good spirits, they did what they were told, and only had to throw one kid out. I did so because he literally just farted for twenty minutes. Twenty minutes of constant smells. How does he do it? My classroom stank.
Then over to my other school, which was much better this week after last week's mediocre sessions.
Quick private lesson (was fine) and then my gig was cancelled this evening, which I'm guessing will happen a lot over the next few weeks.
Spent the evening catching up on show admins, booking in stuff for July. It'll be fine by then, yeah?
Wednesday 11th March 2020
I guess my fears aren't so much about the wedding, but more about all of my family and friends being alive for it. The virus is spreading, I feels like we're in a horrible movie.
At least my car is doing strange things, which is a bit of a distraction from all this horrid stuff that is happening at the moment. Something to do with an airbag. Later, we (I say 'we' - my Facebook friends who seemed excited to help) diagnosed it as the weight of my beer cans and speaker confusing the seat into thinking that it was a baby, and babies aren't allowed on the front seat, nor are they allowed airbags. Social media, for all it's faults (negativity, mostly), does have it's uses.
Fun times in the school this morning, everyone preparing for this evening's concert with a healthy mix of fear and excitement.
Took mum shopping and realised just how much she's not understanding this whole Coronavirus situation, so then popped out to buy her more stuff. Not panic buying, we're literally talking 6 cans of veg, one packet of rice and some kitchen roll. I'll do this every now and then, especially as the shops near her seem to be suffering less than the rest of the country, it seems, and are well-stocked.
The school concert was fine. Some of their timing was out, which niggled me, but when I raised this with the head of music (who sent me a very nice text) she simply said, "they're six. They're doing brilliantly."
From there over to a brilliant house band rehearsal with Greg and band. Just a room full of lovely people playing so well, it was a joy.
At least my car is doing strange things, which is a bit of a distraction from all this horrid stuff that is happening at the moment. Something to do with an airbag. Later, we (I say 'we' - my Facebook friends who seemed excited to help) diagnosed it as the weight of my beer cans and speaker confusing the seat into thinking that it was a baby, and babies aren't allowed on the front seat, nor are they allowed airbags. Social media, for all it's faults (negativity, mostly), does have it's uses.
Fun times in the school this morning, everyone preparing for this evening's concert with a healthy mix of fear and excitement.
Took mum shopping and realised just how much she's not understanding this whole Coronavirus situation, so then popped out to buy her more stuff. Not panic buying, we're literally talking 6 cans of veg, one packet of rice and some kitchen roll. I'll do this every now and then, especially as the shops near her seem to be suffering less than the rest of the country, it seems, and are well-stocked.
The school concert was fine. Some of their timing was out, which niggled me, but when I raised this with the head of music (who sent me a very nice text) she simply said, "they're six. They're doing brilliantly."
From there over to a brilliant house band rehearsal with Greg and band. Just a room full of lovely people playing so well, it was a joy.
Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Tuesday 10th March 2020
Feeling slightly on edge about this whole Coronavirus thingy, as everyone else is. Like many, my fears are purely selfish: what if we have to cancel the wedding? Or my stag do?
A has fears about her dad, who is 80, many health problems. We've effectively locked him away for the foreseeable future.
We move house at the end of the month, will that be affected? We've spent over £430k on the house, we're desperate to be in there and start living in it.
All selfish, I know. There's obviously a much bigger picture here.
My day was fine, quite nice if anything. Favourite school was back to being lovely, popped home for a little bit and had a nap (the cat thought I was dead and seemed to get really emotional around me, before realising I was fine and then felt silly, IT WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER) and then two private lessons (first one: not as good as last week but okay, second one: awesome), supposed to be a third but the kid was sick.
Spent the evening catching up on emails and being disappointed by Spurs.
A has fears about her dad, who is 80, many health problems. We've effectively locked him away for the foreseeable future.
We move house at the end of the month, will that be affected? We've spent over £430k on the house, we're desperate to be in there and start living in it.
All selfish, I know. There's obviously a much bigger picture here.
My day was fine, quite nice if anything. Favourite school was back to being lovely, popped home for a little bit and had a nap (the cat thought I was dead and seemed to get really emotional around me, before realising I was fine and then felt silly, IT WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER) and then two private lessons (first one: not as good as last week but okay, second one: awesome), supposed to be a third but the kid was sick.
Spent the evening catching up on emails and being disappointed by Spurs.
Monday 9th March 2020
Long day, but I'm so excited about this film. Me, little me, being the lead in a proper movie? I've got to make this work, I've got to learn lines quicker...
Morning school frustrated me. Turned up, set up kit, only one kid allowed drum lessons as everyone else was rehearsing a play.
Five private lessons followed (first one: brilliant, second one: really brilliant, third one: fun, fourth one: chaos, fifth one: productive) and then over to the BBC to perform live with Greg and the house band. Sounded good, interviewed well live on air, all is well.
Morning school frustrated me. Turned up, set up kit, only one kid allowed drum lessons as everyone else was rehearsing a play.
Five private lessons followed (first one: brilliant, second one: really brilliant, third one: fun, fourth one: chaos, fifth one: productive) and then over to the BBC to perform live with Greg and the house band. Sounded good, interviewed well live on air, all is well.
Sunday 8th March 2020
We were good last night, in a professional sort of way. It might not be as exciting as it was 4 or 5 years ago, but we've kinda done everything we've wanted to and it was all so new then. It was still great fun last night, though, a reminder of the 'bigger' gigs that we used to play all the time.
Two private lessons in the morning (first one: amazing, second one: felt flat, really poor, how did we get through the whole hour - student unenthusiastic, me struggling to keep her going) and then A and myself went over to the new village for Sunday lunch. I don't think this pub will be our new local. I hope the other pubs aren't as chavvy. I hope the new village isn't all this chavvy. Some of the language that was being used...
Decent lesson afterwards, everyone there (student, parents, random person in the house) gets it.
Then dashed over to Ely for screentesting the HG movie with Jonnie. Basically involved me acting the very first two scenes of the film as they tested out cameras and audio and stuff. My performance wasn't great, but the direction was. It's all so positive, this is going to be a BIG project, the sort of the project I dream about.
Two private lessons in the morning (first one: amazing, second one: felt flat, really poor, how did we get through the whole hour - student unenthusiastic, me struggling to keep her going) and then A and myself went over to the new village for Sunday lunch. I don't think this pub will be our new local. I hope the other pubs aren't as chavvy. I hope the new village isn't all this chavvy. Some of the language that was being used...
Decent lesson afterwards, everyone there (student, parents, random person in the house) gets it.
Then dashed over to Ely for screentesting the HG movie with Jonnie. Basically involved me acting the very first two scenes of the film as they tested out cameras and audio and stuff. My performance wasn't great, but the direction was. It's all so positive, this is going to be a BIG project, the sort of the project I dream about.
Saturday 7th March 2020
My Saturday morning students are always good value - the first one we worked on Baggy Trousers, the second heavy rock and then the third one is so young and enthusiastic just hitting the drums brings so much joy to him.
Met up with the guys and off to Bury for a photoshoot (I always look weird in photos) (maybe I just look weird) (bit of both) and then soundcheck, nice dinner and awesome gig supporting a famous 80s band.
We played really well tonight, which makes me wonder why we aren't gigging three times a week like we used to. We should do, when we're like this we can still be as good as anyone.
Met up with the guys and off to Bury for a photoshoot (I always look weird in photos) (maybe I just look weird) (bit of both) and then soundcheck, nice dinner and awesome gig supporting a famous 80s band.
We played really well tonight, which makes me wonder why we aren't gigging three times a week like we used to. We should do, when we're like this we can still be as good as anyone.
Friday 6th March 2020
The first kid at 'favourite' school annoyed me again, telling how he wants to learn guitar instead of drums because they're louder. Fucking not, mate. The rest of the morning was great.
Typical dash to the next school, shouldn't be a dash but they keep closing every road I want to drive on, but the two hours there flew by.
A couple hours' private lessons followed, both felt really strong and then A and myself tried to have date night but, after a lovely meal (which she cooked) we both fell asleep watching Friday Night Dinner on Netflix.
How have we ended up so old?
Typical dash to the next school, shouldn't be a dash but they keep closing every road I want to drive on, but the two hours there flew by.
A couple hours' private lessons followed, both felt really strong and then A and myself tried to have date night but, after a lovely meal (which she cooked) we both fell asleep watching Friday Night Dinner on Netflix.
How have we ended up so old?
Thursday 5th March 2020
Another early start, but things better at the school now that I've got a few things off my chest and agreed to stay (and they're dropping the kids I don't like from my lessons). Was fine today.
Off to my other Thursday school, which was fine, and then there private lessons (first one: amazing, second one: hard work but worth it, third one: great). I'm in a good place today.
Back, tried to write, looked at what I'd written the other day, drank beer, fell asleep. Every man has his limits, yeah?
Off to my other Thursday school, which was fine, and then there private lessons (first one: amazing, second one: hard work but worth it, third one: great). I'm in a good place today.
Back, tried to write, looked at what I'd written the other day, drank beer, fell asleep. Every man has his limits, yeah?
Wednesday 4th March 2020
Early start at the regular school but it's all good - especially the newer kids. I seem to be getting a reputation as somebody who can deal with the 'troubled' students and making them into musicians. Maybe it was because I was like that, at that age, too.
Took Mum shopping and then my least favourite school messaged. I've quit - had done a while ago, agreeing to stay until the summer, but, having interviewed my potential replacements, they've come back to me asking what it would take for me to stay. I was a bit of a diva in my response, listing everything that I think is wrong (the size of the music room, the aggression of certain students, the lack of performance opportunities, the hours) with suggestions to rectify this. They agreed to all of it, and offered a pay-rise on top, within the hour. It's not about the money. I've now agreed to stay until July 2021. Good for my ego but still, not sure if it's good for my sanity. Flattering all the same.
The college was a strange one today, my private student wasn't in but I wasn't told, so spent an hour jamming to Joe Jackson songs by myself, before running a wonderful and frantic drum club.
Private lesson followed (fine) and then spent the evening packing ahead of our move later in the month.
Took Mum shopping and then my least favourite school messaged. I've quit - had done a while ago, agreeing to stay until the summer, but, having interviewed my potential replacements, they've come back to me asking what it would take for me to stay. I was a bit of a diva in my response, listing everything that I think is wrong (the size of the music room, the aggression of certain students, the lack of performance opportunities, the hours) with suggestions to rectify this. They agreed to all of it, and offered a pay-rise on top, within the hour. It's not about the money. I've now agreed to stay until July 2021. Good for my ego but still, not sure if it's good for my sanity. Flattering all the same.
The college was a strange one today, my private student wasn't in but I wasn't told, so spent an hour jamming to Joe Jackson songs by myself, before running a wonderful and frantic drum club.
Private lesson followed (fine) and then spent the evening packing ahead of our move later in the month.
Tuesday 3rd March 2020
I think I need to shake things up a bit in my 'favourite' school; I just get the sense that the kids are getting a little bored. It's a fine line...they have to get the basics right (and some of them struggle with this) but it has to still be exciting. I'll work out an action plan. Or, I'm just thinking about it too much.
Three private lessons followed (first one: great, second one: restless, third one: fine) and then late, late FH rehearsal. Worth it, because we're mega tight, but still, I'll struggle tomorrow morning as it's an early one.
Three private lessons followed (first one: great, second one: restless, third one: fine) and then late, late FH rehearsal. Worth it, because we're mega tight, but still, I'll struggle tomorrow morning as it's an early one.
Monday 2nd March 2020
Had a lovely, productive day. The school this morning was fine, obligatory one kid off sick but easy enough - everyone gets it.
Lengthy gap in the afternoon; one student off on holiday, another sick, another going to fortnightly lessons as she can't always afford it, which meant I had an unusual amount of free time. Used it wisely; cashed in lesson payments (because, as much as it niggles me, many still pay me in cash), got a haircut (barely a haircut, just a snip, but that's the best kind), bought a couple shirts, that sort of thing.
Got back, wrote for a couple of hours and then taught three lovely lessons where everyone was on good form. An unusually relaxed day.
Lengthy gap in the afternoon; one student off on holiday, another sick, another going to fortnightly lessons as she can't always afford it, which meant I had an unusual amount of free time. Used it wisely; cashed in lesson payments (because, as much as it niggles me, many still pay me in cash), got a haircut (barely a haircut, just a snip, but that's the best kind), bought a couple shirts, that sort of thing.
Got back, wrote for a couple of hours and then taught three lovely lessons where everyone was on good form. An unusually relaxed day.
Sunday, 1 March 2020
Sunday 1st March 2020
Woke up feeling happy; West End run done, film version on the way, some nice band gigs coming up, house move impending, wedding getting nearer.
Taught four very lovely lessons today, all very different but all with students WANTING to learn and it works well.
Home by 6pm, awesome meal with A (I'm marrying a brilliant cook...), a couple glasses of wine and a little writing of new ideas. We're all good. Next week looks...a bit dull, to be honest, but that's possibly needed.
Taught four very lovely lessons today, all very different but all with students WANTING to learn and it works well.
Home by 6pm, awesome meal with A (I'm marrying a brilliant cook...), a couple glasses of wine and a little writing of new ideas. We're all good. Next week looks...a bit dull, to be honest, but that's possibly needed.
Saturday 29th February 2020
The parents of my students all understood, totally, why I cancelled today's four lessons. They don't want a knackered drum teacher. It can all wait till next week.
Really enjoyed my sleep, just a total recharge of the batteries. 10 hours of recharge.
Potted around the house, replied to a few emails, had a long bath and then A and myself headed in to London early to get a nice meal with Alan and to chill out a bit before the show.
Not being arrogant or anything, but the show was fucking amazing tonight. Best it's ever been, apart from maybe the night in Wales. Everyone onside from the off, big audience including many old friends (a few of them unexpected), some people who saw the show in Edinburgh and wanted to see it again, a couple who couldn't see it in Edinburgh as it sold out. Everyone got it, I gave them a frenetic display and I feel good about this one again now.
Had a few drinks with friends afterwards and then the long train home. Great, great night.
Really enjoyed my sleep, just a total recharge of the batteries. 10 hours of recharge.
Potted around the house, replied to a few emails, had a long bath and then A and myself headed in to London early to get a nice meal with Alan and to chill out a bit before the show.
Not being arrogant or anything, but the show was fucking amazing tonight. Best it's ever been, apart from maybe the night in Wales. Everyone onside from the off, big audience including many old friends (a few of them unexpected), some people who saw the show in Edinburgh and wanted to see it again, a couple who couldn't see it in Edinburgh as it sold out. Everyone got it, I gave them a frenetic display and I feel good about this one again now.
Had a few drinks with friends afterwards and then the long train home. Great, great night.
Friday 28th February 2020
Slightly frustrating morning at favourite school, mostly because the kids recently had an assembly from a new guitar teacher (who is a friend of mine, I got him the job) and suddenly they all want to learn guitar instead of drums. Idiots. I shouldn't have to be convincing 6-year-olds that my instrument is the best.
Over to regular school where it felt much better; it was a lovely two hours.
Dash home, dropped off car and then mad dash to London for the second HG performance. Similar audience size, a few friends, a few strangers, slightly underwhelming performance but more laughter tonight.
On the train back I realised just how exhausted I feel; this show is tough at the best of times, let alone the pressure of big lights, a bigger stage, sales reports and having to work a full day (and then travel) beforehand. Cancelled all of tomorrow's lessons, I feel like I'm on the edge.
Over to regular school where it felt much better; it was a lovely two hours.
Dash home, dropped off car and then mad dash to London for the second HG performance. Similar audience size, a few friends, a few strangers, slightly underwhelming performance but more laughter tonight.
On the train back I realised just how exhausted I feel; this show is tough at the best of times, let alone the pressure of big lights, a bigger stage, sales reports and having to work a full day (and then travel) beforehand. Cancelled all of tomorrow's lessons, I feel like I'm on the edge.
Thursday 27th February 2020
Bit annoyed that the Oxford promoter has said that HG was "too intense" for her audience, she's paid me for it, but isn't keen on more. Not sure what she was expecting? People seemed to enjoy it at the time, it is intense but that's kinda the point of it. Let's just leave that there.
Morning spent at least favourite school, which was its usual chaotic self; kids being aggressive, not listening and staff generally being unhelpful. Three hours, no progress made, just an awful waste of everyone's time.
Got a Maccy-D's to calm myself down, this is becoming a bad habit.
Off to London, early tech rehearsal for the 3-night run. Alan M is a total joy to work with, he's a mate first and foremost and he works the desk like a legend. The venue is great, run by wonderful people. Despite advance sales of just 7, we had 22 in tonight, which wasn't the end of the world. Audience smiled a lot but it felt flat in places, performance was 'fine'. Friends in the audience afterwards told me in the bar how amazing it was but I don't believe them.
Morning spent at least favourite school, which was its usual chaotic self; kids being aggressive, not listening and staff generally being unhelpful. Three hours, no progress made, just an awful waste of everyone's time.
Got a Maccy-D's to calm myself down, this is becoming a bad habit.
Off to London, early tech rehearsal for the 3-night run. Alan M is a total joy to work with, he's a mate first and foremost and he works the desk like a legend. The venue is great, run by wonderful people. Despite advance sales of just 7, we had 22 in tonight, which wasn't the end of the world. Audience smiled a lot but it felt flat in places, performance was 'fine'. Friends in the audience afterwards told me in the bar how amazing it was but I don't believe them.
Wednesday 26th February 2020
Up early for regular school, which was lovely - it's pretty much my home, that place, I used to go there, I spend a lot of time there.
Took Mum shopping and, well, it's all getting worrying. Developments and all that, that isn't for a blog. I need to be about more, I think.
The college was great afterwards, both the private lesson and drum club - I'm just totally accepted, I fit in and the kids really get it.
Two private lessons followed, both fine, not huge progress but enough enthusiasm to suggest they're still enjoying it.
Got back, rehearsed my lines for a final time ahead of tomorrow's London opener.
Took Mum shopping and, well, it's all getting worrying. Developments and all that, that isn't for a blog. I need to be about more, I think.
The college was great afterwards, both the private lesson and drum club - I'm just totally accepted, I fit in and the kids really get it.
Two private lessons followed, both fine, not huge progress but enough enthusiasm to suggest they're still enjoying it.
Got back, rehearsed my lines for a final time ahead of tomorrow's London opener.
Tuesday 25th February 2020
I need to be grateful, I know that. Three years ago today I was nearing the end of my worst 'stand-up' tour ever, it was just horrific (and financially/mentally draining) (I really should write a book about it at some point)
These days I'm mega comfy; amazing fiancee, about to move into a huge house together, hit show, sable career doing something I don't mind, even if the hours are a bit much sometime. I think it's the hours and the lack of fear that's troubling me at the moment, but the fear the fear is something that is quickly returning as ticket sales for the London performances this week are nothing short of appalling.
Long day at favourite school, followed by school assembly concert where they all did me proud, it was so much better than last time.
Three private lessons followed (first one: brilliant, second one: dragged, third one: brilliant) and then over to Jonny's house for a house performance of HG. He's the director of the film version and he invited a load of filmy-types over to watch it (lighting designers, that sort of thing). It went well, former Blue Peter presenter, Liz, was there too and loved it. We had a long chat afterwards and she's agreed to be in the movie.
Top night all round, I feel like a success this evening.
These days I'm mega comfy; amazing fiancee, about to move into a huge house together, hit show, sable career doing something I don't mind, even if the hours are a bit much sometime. I think it's the hours and the lack of fear that's troubling me at the moment, but the fear the fear is something that is quickly returning as ticket sales for the London performances this week are nothing short of appalling.
Long day at favourite school, followed by school assembly concert where they all did me proud, it was so much better than last time.
Three private lessons followed (first one: brilliant, second one: dragged, third one: brilliant) and then over to Jonny's house for a house performance of HG. He's the director of the film version and he invited a load of filmy-types over to watch it (lighting designers, that sort of thing). It went well, former Blue Peter presenter, Liz, was there too and loved it. We had a long chat afterwards and she's agreed to be in the movie.
Top night all round, I feel like a success this evening.
Monday 24th February 2020
...and we're back into the schools/teaching craziness after a week 'off'.
With the house move and wedding impending, it's knuckle-down time and putting in plenty of hours; morning school was fine - they're onside, the kids are bright and it worked well.
6 private lessons followed (first one: awesome, second one: such fun, third one: brilliant, fourth one: kid too distracted, fifth one: clearly running out of ideas, sixth one: fine).
Got back, reworked a few of the lines that have been dragging in the HG show, stressed about them for a bit and went to sleep feeling frustrated.
With the house move and wedding impending, it's knuckle-down time and putting in plenty of hours; morning school was fine - they're onside, the kids are bright and it worked well.
6 private lessons followed (first one: awesome, second one: such fun, third one: brilliant, fourth one: kid too distracted, fifth one: clearly running out of ideas, sixth one: fine).
Got back, reworked a few of the lines that have been dragging in the HG show, stressed about them for a bit and went to sleep feeling frustrated.
Sunday 23rd February 2020
How is this half-term over already? I had such big plans for it, such as write two shows and a book. How have I ended up with no writing time whatsoever, apart from snatching the odd moment here and there?
Anyway, today taught just the three private lessons and then looked at furniture for the new house with A. We argued about the fact that I'm not arguing about it...I've never had an opinion about colour schemes and that sort of thing. She does, happy to go along with it. The move is exciting, though.
Wrote and submitted my Edinburgh Fringe programme blurb, invoiced the venues where I've performed recently, replied to about 8 million emails, updated my school registers with new students and dozed off.
Anyway, today taught just the three private lessons and then looked at furniture for the new house with A. We argued about the fact that I'm not arguing about it...I've never had an opinion about colour schemes and that sort of thing. She does, happy to go along with it. The move is exciting, though.
Wrote and submitted my Edinburgh Fringe programme blurb, invoiced the venues where I've performed recently, replied to about 8 million emails, updated my school registers with new students and dozed off.
Sunday, 23 February 2020
Saturday 22nd February 2020
Up at 7am to be live on BBC radio to chat about Tuesday's success.
Back to bed for a bit, and then taught a double private lesson in town.
2-hour drive to Oxford, first to teach a drums for beginners course to my old pal Eva and her boyfriend. Eva is awesome, I've forgotten how well we get on, and she was lovely to teach as she's already a musician.
Then over to another bit of Oxford for the latest performance of HG. Another sell-out, this time in a much bigger room. Audience were again unsure what to expect, and this one took a while to settle. By the end everyone was onside and said very nice things.
Home by 11.30pm.
Back to bed for a bit, and then taught a double private lesson in town.
2-hour drive to Oxford, first to teach a drums for beginners course to my old pal Eva and her boyfriend. Eva is awesome, I've forgotten how well we get on, and she was lovely to teach as she's already a musician.
Then over to another bit of Oxford for the latest performance of HG. Another sell-out, this time in a much bigger room. Audience were again unsure what to expect, and this one took a while to settle. By the end everyone was onside and said very nice things.
Home by 11.30pm.
Friday 21st February 2020
Long drive home. Shouldn't be this long, but that's just the way I drive.
Popped briefly into town and then A and myself started looking at furniture for the new house. I really can't wait for the move, it feels like we don't have enough space here, let alone for when kids and stuff eventually start, well, happening. That's for next year, though, or beyond that.
Really excited about the HG film. Still loving the stage show. It's all lovely. Mustn't forget that I'm still a drummer.
A's best friend came over to stay for a couple nights, so an evening of lovely, if polite, conversation followed.
Popped briefly into town and then A and myself started looking at furniture for the new house. I really can't wait for the move, it feels like we don't have enough space here, let alone for when kids and stuff eventually start, well, happening. That's for next year, though, or beyond that.
Really excited about the HG film. Still loving the stage show. It's all lovely. Mustn't forget that I'm still a drummer.
A's best friend came over to stay for a couple nights, so an evening of lovely, if polite, conversation followed.
Thursday 20th February 2020
Spent the morning with A and heard all about her Polish adventures, before the 6-hour drive to Wales.
A sold-out show, in a tiny theatre - 12 of the tickets were bought by the same person, who had bought them as a birthday present for their friend. An odd choice for a birthday gift, but I had a brilliant, brilliant night. The audience were with me for every second of it, and felt real pain when the character died at the end. It was everything this show should be, and what I want it to be. It's nights like this where I feel like I can take on the world!
The audience were intimidatingly nice, to the extent it was hard to leave afterwards. Ended up getting drunk in local Weatherspoons with one of them.
A sold-out show, in a tiny theatre - 12 of the tickets were bought by the same person, who had bought them as a birthday present for their friend. An odd choice for a birthday gift, but I had a brilliant, brilliant night. The audience were with me for every second of it, and felt real pain when the character died at the end. It was everything this show should be, and what I want it to be. It's nights like this where I feel like I can take on the world!
The audience were intimidatingly nice, to the extent it was hard to leave afterwards. Ended up getting drunk in local Weatherspoons with one of them.
Wednesday 19th February 2020
Yesterday was exhausting, but WHAT a good day it was. My students do amazing things!
Taught a 2-hour drums for beginners course, new student, a Spurs fan, easy.
Home for a bit to invoice parents, and then into town for a lengthy film meeting with Jonnie about the HG feature movie. It's all coming together, ahead of the shoot in July. Actual proper celebrities being cast in it, too...
Then off to the airport to pick up A and her mum, before packing ahead of tomorrow. Busy times.
Taught a 2-hour drums for beginners course, new student, a Spurs fan, easy.
Home for a bit to invoice parents, and then into town for a lengthy film meeting with Jonnie about the HG feature movie. It's all coming together, ahead of the shoot in July. Actual proper celebrities being cast in it, too...
Then off to the airport to pick up A and her mum, before packing ahead of tomorrow. Busy times.
Tuesday 18th February 2020
Long day, full of drums. Drove to the other side of town to teach a lesson, and then over to my regular venue for my latest charity venture: a 6-hour drum relay.
A long day, because 6 hours of drums it turns out is a fuck load of drums. My students were amazing, though, from the young. primary school kids getting valuable stage-time, to the experienced older drummers just enjoying rocking out. There was one dip in the middle, but we kept it going, and by the end we were storming it.
An ambitious concept, but one that worked well for everyone. The venue did well out of it, the students got gig experience, my reputation as a teacher continues to grow and we made £400 for charity. Wonderful.
A long day, because 6 hours of drums it turns out is a fuck load of drums. My students were amazing, though, from the young. primary school kids getting valuable stage-time, to the experienced older drummers just enjoying rocking out. There was one dip in the middle, but we kept it going, and by the end we were storming it.
An ambitious concept, but one that worked well for everyone. The venue did well out of it, the students got gig experience, my reputation as a teacher continues to grow and we made £400 for charity. Wonderful.
Monday 17th February 2020
Mum's latest idea is that she wants to move to Great Yarmouth (it feels like we've been here before...), a totally pointless idea because she hasn't got any family there, but we still went there anyway today.
Including the time it took me to get to hers, it was a 6-hour round drive to look at a house she'll never buy. Years of this, not quite sure what to do.
Got back, refreshed and then performed HG around Jacquiline's house. It was a real test; the audience had not been told anything about the show - some thought it would be stand-up, others thought music, so to have this manic man run and shout at them must have been a shock to the system. They loved it, though, eventually. It was not as raucous as last night, but it works, all the same.
Including the time it took me to get to hers, it was a 6-hour round drive to look at a house she'll never buy. Years of this, not quite sure what to do.
Got back, refreshed and then performed HG around Jacquiline's house. It was a real test; the audience had not been told anything about the show - some thought it would be stand-up, others thought music, so to have this manic man run and shout at them must have been a shock to the system. They loved it, though, eventually. It was not as raucous as last night, but it works, all the same.
Sunday 16th February 2020
We move house really soon. To a lovely big house that has caused much stress with paperwork and stuff, but being home owners sounds nice. I've grown-up a lot over the last few years, as much as I still watch Dad's Army whilst eating chocolate for breakfast.
Taught a private lesson (was fine) and then spent the afternoon panic re-rehearsing HG.
In the evening, drove over to Ely to perform the show on a boat in front of a lovely audience. This show works so well, better than anything I've done before. Cracking evening, followed by much fun with the hosts. Good times.
Taught a private lesson (was fine) and then spent the afternoon panic re-rehearsing HG.
In the evening, drove over to Ely to perform the show on a boat in front of a lovely audience. This show works so well, better than anything I've done before. Cracking evening, followed by much fun with the hosts. Good times.
Saturday 15th February 2020
Technically the start of a week-off, as much as things look busier than ever. Apart from today, which mostly featured sleep. Lots of sleep.
Caught up on a million emails, taught one re-scheduled lesson and annoyed the parent by parking on his lawn.
A is off to Poland tomorrow so spent a bit of time with her, before back to the PC for three hours of solid writing. Some of it works.
Caught up on a million emails, taught one re-scheduled lesson and annoyed the parent by parking on his lawn.
A is off to Poland tomorrow so spent a bit of time with her, before back to the PC for three hours of solid writing. Some of it works.
Friday 14th February 2020
I need half-term. Kids are just exhausting, aren't they? And I only teach them for 20-60 minutes each.
Morning school was lovely, traffic was horrific, afternoon school was great. Two private lessons followed (first one: frustrating, second one: amazing student) and then it's Valentine's night, but we're three years in now which takes the pressure off a bit so we just went to Waitrose, grabbed some ready meals and had a couple drinks. I like things this way, as much as we're both exhausted.
Morning school was lovely, traffic was horrific, afternoon school was great. Two private lessons followed (first one: frustrating, second one: amazing student) and then it's Valentine's night, but we're three years in now which takes the pressure off a bit so we just went to Waitrose, grabbed some ready meals and had a couple drinks. I like things this way, as much as we're both exhausted.
Thursday 13th February 2020
Morning at the lively, slightly exhausting school, which was fine, I suppose.
2 hours at the quiet, timid school, which was also fine. Have agreed to do a performance of HG there to help raise funds for new playground equipment...it's not really the sort of show that you do in a school, is it?
Two private lessons followed (both decent) and then the launch of our new cabaret night in Cambridge. House band played well, both our own sets and backing the guests...all in all a lovely, if long, evening.
2 hours at the quiet, timid school, which was also fine. Have agreed to do a performance of HG there to help raise funds for new playground equipment...it's not really the sort of show that you do in a school, is it?
Two private lessons followed (both decent) and then the launch of our new cabaret night in Cambridge. House band played well, both our own sets and backing the guests...all in all a lovely, if long, evening.
Wednesday 12th February 2020
I think it's the fact that regular school have got me extra students that is tipping me over the edge, a little. I love it there, but part of the reason why was because I had a lie-in...my only lie-in of the week. Now I have to start at 9am, meaning getting up at 7am and it's making me grumpy. The kids are great, though.
Took Mum shopping, and then a really fun two hours at the college. Quick private lesson (kid gets tired a bit easy but I'm getting him into jazz) and then rehearsal with Greg and house band ahead of tomorrow's launch of the new cabaret night. Everyone seems in good spirits, and it's nice to actually be drumming, for a change, rather than teaching it and getting jealous of the youngsters...
Took Mum shopping, and then a really fun two hours at the college. Quick private lesson (kid gets tired a bit easy but I'm getting him into jazz) and then rehearsal with Greg and house band ahead of tomorrow's launch of the new cabaret night. Everyone seems in good spirits, and it's nice to actually be drumming, for a change, rather than teaching it and getting jealous of the youngsters...
Tuesday 11th February 2020
Cracking morning at favourite school, followed by slightly confusing school concert in which it turns out one of my students isn't supposed to be having lessons - he just turns up every week and I assumed he was supposed to be having them. His parents then called, stressed, worried I was going to charge them for it. I should, really, but it's just easier to let these things go.
Three private lessons followed (first one: excellent, second one: dragged a bit, third one: easy) and then back to carry on writing this new script which isn't really working but really should.
Three private lessons followed (first one: excellent, second one: dragged a bit, third one: easy) and then back to carry on writing this new script which isn't really working but really should.
Friday, 21 February 2020
Monday 10th February 2020
There's loads of lovely little things happening with the film etc, and of course the wedding. Today, though, it was a case of getting my head down and earning money.
At the school extra early, everyone was on good form there. Then 7 private lessons in a row (first one: awesome, second one: erm, enthusiastic, third one: pensioner who could already play but we had fun, fourth one: always great, fifth one: always chaos, sixth one: best it's been in a while, seventh one: brilliant).
Home, wrote for an hour. Mostly shite.
At the school extra early, everyone was on good form there. Then 7 private lessons in a row (first one: awesome, second one: erm, enthusiastic, third one: pensioner who could already play but we had fun, fourth one: always great, fifth one: always chaos, sixth one: best it's been in a while, seventh one: brilliant).
Home, wrote for an hour. Mostly shite.
Sunday, 9 February 2020
Sunday 9th February 2020
As I was in the studio yesterday, today has been teaching day. 6 lessons, the windiest day of the year which seemed to panic a few people but it was honestly fine.
Anyway, 6 lessons (first lesson awesome, second lesson: kid tired, third lesson: great, fourth lesson: great, fifth lesson: new student, SO enthusiastic, sixth lesson: kid tired but parents amazing).
Home, did my painfully domestic chores (bins, wedding emails) and listened back to episodes of our radio sitcom, which Alan has sent over tonight. Sounds awesome.
Anyway, 6 lessons (first lesson awesome, second lesson: kid tired, third lesson: great, fourth lesson: great, fifth lesson: new student, SO enthusiastic, sixth lesson: kid tired but parents amazing).
Home, did my painfully domestic chores (bins, wedding emails) and listened back to episodes of our radio sitcom, which Alan has sent over tonight. Sounds awesome.
Saturday 8th February 2020
Freshly-tuned drums with new heads, drove to the studio (which was miles away and practically in a hidden location) with V and we started work on the next FH release.
The producer, Jake, is outstanding - the perfect mix of letting creativity flow and pointing out any issues. We allowed 8 hours for the 4 drum takes and comfortably nailed it in just under 5 (roughly 3 takes per track after quick-run through with the click), I feel like I'm on really good form at the moment as a drummer, aided by being in a lovely band, of course.
Bass parts were also done today, and V started on keys. A wonderfully productive day, being a musician is great, isn't it?
Then managed to get A into Inside Number 9, which felt like a victory.
The producer, Jake, is outstanding - the perfect mix of letting creativity flow and pointing out any issues. We allowed 8 hours for the 4 drum takes and comfortably nailed it in just under 5 (roughly 3 takes per track after quick-run through with the click), I feel like I'm on really good form at the moment as a drummer, aided by being in a lovely band, of course.
Bass parts were also done today, and V started on keys. A wonderfully productive day, being a musician is great, isn't it?
Then managed to get A into Inside Number 9, which felt like a victory.
Friday 7th February 2020
I like Friday. It's always my favourite day of the week, not because it's nearly the weekend (I work those, too) but because my day is full of nice things.
The morning school was lovely, as always, and I agreed to do even more there. Second school was fine; nice, well-planned lessons, kids with slightly too much energy.
Two private lessons (first one: student more keen than normal, second one: awesome) and then beers with A and her workmates in town. It's all, suddenly, so normal, isn't it?
Still managed to write till 2am, though.
The morning school was lovely, as always, and I agreed to do even more there. Second school was fine; nice, well-planned lessons, kids with slightly too much energy.
Two private lessons (first one: student more keen than normal, second one: awesome) and then beers with A and her workmates in town. It's all, suddenly, so normal, isn't it?
Still managed to write till 2am, though.
Thursday, 6 February 2020
Thursday 6th February 2020
Up early and over to the school which I've kinda quit but I get the sense they are still trying to keep me there. The usual 4 hours of kids crying, throwing things at me, chatting rather than playing music...I get I've become more than a teacher to them, I'm practically a therapist at times. I just wish I was just a teacher, because then they might learn something.
The other school was fine, one kid (aged 8) played some jazz and I shouted "this is your future" at him over-enthusiastically, which probably means he'll never play jazz again.
Home for a couple hours of emailing, as a student was off sick, and then two lovely private lessons, both went very much to plan. I plan my lessons for the week on Sunday evenings, but rarely stick to my lesson plans.
Long phone chat from a parent from the school I've kinda quit, she's heard I'm 'possibly' leaving and is trying to convince me to stay. Calm down, I teach your kid for 20 minutes a week, he'll find someone else.
Back, and then spent 4 hours tuning my kit ahead of the FH recording sessions starting this weekend. New heads and everything.
Contracts for the fringe, and for the Bristol residency all came in, it's all good.
The other school was fine, one kid (aged 8) played some jazz and I shouted "this is your future" at him over-enthusiastically, which probably means he'll never play jazz again.
Home for a couple hours of emailing, as a student was off sick, and then two lovely private lessons, both went very much to plan. I plan my lessons for the week on Sunday evenings, but rarely stick to my lesson plans.
Long phone chat from a parent from the school I've kinda quit, she's heard I'm 'possibly' leaving and is trying to convince me to stay. Calm down, I teach your kid for 20 minutes a week, he'll find someone else.
Back, and then spent 4 hours tuning my kit ahead of the FH recording sessions starting this weekend. New heads and everything.
Contracts for the fringe, and for the Bristol residency all came in, it's all good.
Wednesday 5th February 2020
A weird one this morning. I'm in my regular school extra early after a call yesterday, to give a trial lesson to a new student - nothing unusual about this, but this kid is the school bully, the problem kid, the one who they hope letting loose on a drum kit will be the making of him. I was kind of dreading it, but he's the sweetest, most attentive student I've ever had.
I sat him down before the lesson and, firmly, said: "If you listen, and do what you're told, I'm gonna make you into the best drummer in the WORLD."
He's certainly managed his side of the deal so far.
Lovely morning there, then took Mum shopping (she talks constantly about the old days and is a real concern) before a fun 2 hours at the college - a private lesson where we worked on jazz solos, and then drum club, which was glorious chaos. My methods may not be to everyone's taste, but when it works, it works brilliantly.
A private lesson (was fine) followed and then home to see the cats had shat everywhere. And then they brought in mice. Let me rest!
I sat him down before the lesson and, firmly, said: "If you listen, and do what you're told, I'm gonna make you into the best drummer in the WORLD."
He's certainly managed his side of the deal so far.
Lovely morning there, then took Mum shopping (she talks constantly about the old days and is a real concern) before a fun 2 hours at the college - a private lesson where we worked on jazz solos, and then drum club, which was glorious chaos. My methods may not be to everyone's taste, but when it works, it works brilliantly.
A private lesson (was fine) followed and then home to see the cats had shat everywhere. And then they brought in mice. Let me rest!
Tuesday 4th February 2020
It says a lot that I can spend 6 hours solidly teaching in a school, without a break, one-to-one students, and I don't get tired or annoyed by the many kids. But this school is brilliant, as is the people working there, it's just a joy.
Three private lessons followed (first one: much fun, second one: good, third one: real progress) and then home in good time for dinner with A and more writing time. I'm happy with all of this, as much as I'm back on the energy drinks more than I should be.
Three private lessons followed (first one: much fun, second one: good, third one: real progress) and then home in good time for dinner with A and more writing time. I'm happy with all of this, as much as I'm back on the energy drinks more than I should be.
Monday 3rd February 2020
Keen to write more, as most people are, but I don't care if that means a few more late nights and energy drink-fuelled mornings. Did that last night, and this morning I was fine, mostly because 'new' school are so brilliant, everyone is onside, the set-up is easy, it's fast becoming a favourite.
Six private lessons followed (first one: cracking - the student, a policewoman in her late 40s constantly tells me how good I am at this, second one: I really get on with the child's mother, but I fear the kid himself is losing interest, third one: brilliant, as always - brilliant kid, brilliant family, my first ever student from 3 years ago and still, weekly, we find stuff to work on, fourth one: kid is a disruptive tearaway but his parents are grateful for my efforts, fifth one: student is doing amazingly and it's clear I'm running out of ideas, sixth one: fine).
Home, continued work on my Edinburgh Fringe diaries book, and the new show for Liz, before eventually sleeping.
Six private lessons followed (first one: cracking - the student, a policewoman in her late 40s constantly tells me how good I am at this, second one: I really get on with the child's mother, but I fear the kid himself is losing interest, third one: brilliant, as always - brilliant kid, brilliant family, my first ever student from 3 years ago and still, weekly, we find stuff to work on, fourth one: kid is a disruptive tearaway but his parents are grateful for my efforts, fifth one: student is doing amazingly and it's clear I'm running out of ideas, sixth one: fine).
Home, continued work on my Edinburgh Fringe diaries book, and the new show for Liz, before eventually sleeping.
Sunday, 2 February 2020
Sunday 2nd February 2020
7 lessons. On a Sunday. This is going too far, especially after a late (and you could argue, pointless) gig last night. Some of these lessons were Saturday students who I moved over from yesterday.
I've been knackered today. First lesson: great fun, really good. Second lesson: kid was tired, so was I, we got through it. Third lesson: tweaked songs student already knew, but it's progress. Fourth lesson: fine. Fifth lesson: fine. Sixth lesson: amazing (student called it "the best lesson she's ever had from any subject ever"). Seventh lesson: relatively new student, I was a bit intense, I think, possibly scared them off with my enthusiasm.
In the middle of all of that, A and myself went cake testing ahead of the wedding, which was lovely.
I've got plenty of good things on the go (the HG run in the West End, sold out shows with that, some lovely gigs with FH and Greg, the launch of the podcast sitcom, the ongoing BBC stuff, the HG feature-length movie, the wedding, the honeymoon in Africa, the fringe, the (recently offered) FH return tour of China) and the teaching is honestly wonderful, but the balance isn't right at the moment.
I've been knackered today. First lesson: great fun, really good. Second lesson: kid was tired, so was I, we got through it. Third lesson: tweaked songs student already knew, but it's progress. Fourth lesson: fine. Fifth lesson: fine. Sixth lesson: amazing (student called it "the best lesson she's ever had from any subject ever"). Seventh lesson: relatively new student, I was a bit intense, I think, possibly scared them off with my enthusiasm.
In the middle of all of that, A and myself went cake testing ahead of the wedding, which was lovely.
I've got plenty of good things on the go (the HG run in the West End, sold out shows with that, some lovely gigs with FH and Greg, the launch of the podcast sitcom, the ongoing BBC stuff, the HG feature-length movie, the wedding, the honeymoon in Africa, the fringe, the (recently offered) FH return tour of China) and the teaching is honestly wonderful, but the balance isn't right at the moment.
Saturday 1st February 2020
Part of our arrangement ahead of the wedding, in agreement with the Catholic church, is that we attend these 'marriage courses' - we've been to four already, and today was the final one, over in Ipswich. 5 hours long, not as bad as I thought it was going to be, it had a really friendly vibe and we felt very welcome.
Home for a quick snooze and then off to Peterborough to play a late gig with the band. A late show, in a rough-ish venue, for very little money...certain members of the band (myself included) weren't keen, but it's V's choice.
It wasn't bad in the end, we played 45 minutes, some people loved it, many ignored us. Home and asleep by 2am. Not sure if that was worth it.
Home for a quick snooze and then off to Peterborough to play a late gig with the band. A late show, in a rough-ish venue, for very little money...certain members of the band (myself included) weren't keen, but it's V's choice.
It wasn't bad in the end, we played 45 minutes, some people loved it, many ignored us. Home and asleep by 2am. Not sure if that was worth it.
Friday 31st January 2020
Back at my favourite school in the morning, lovely vibes as always.
Got stressed by road closures but managed to pay in some cash, before 2 hours at my regular school, which was fine - it works there.
Two private lessons followed (first one: student becoming very much a teenager and I can see she's losing interest, second one: really brilliant fun) and then A and myself went off to Suffolk for the night - it's 2 years since we met. Treated ourselves to a fancy hotel, with fancy dinner and lots of booze. I needed that.
Got stressed by road closures but managed to pay in some cash, before 2 hours at my regular school, which was fine - it works there.
Two private lessons followed (first one: student becoming very much a teenager and I can see she's losing interest, second one: really brilliant fun) and then A and myself went off to Suffolk for the night - it's 2 years since we met. Treated ourselves to a fancy hotel, with fancy dinner and lots of booze. I needed that.
Thursday 30th January 2020
Weird teaching at the school where I've just told them I'm quitting. There was a general bad vibe about the whole thing, people just seemed a bit off with me. Apart from the students, who were as lively as ever. I would have liked this one to work, but I've got too much on and it's this one that is tipping me over the edge.
Then over to the other school, which felt warm and lovely.
Three private lessons followed (first one: fine, second one: really nice, the mother bought me a load of beer as a 'thank you' for 'being who you are' which is both strange but sweet, third one: excellent) and then fun FH rehearsal in which we bashed through the set ahead of the weekend gig.
Then over to the other school, which felt warm and lovely.
Three private lessons followed (first one: fine, second one: really nice, the mother bought me a load of beer as a 'thank you' for 'being who you are' which is both strange but sweet, third one: excellent) and then fun FH rehearsal in which we bashed through the set ahead of the weekend gig.
Wednesday 29th January 2020
No lie-ins this week, now that regular school has got me extra students. It's fine, the wedding is expensive.
The school was fine, then took Mum shopping - she was in a good mood today.
Off to the college to teach a private lesson (great student) and then drum club, which was really good fun...I think drum workshops, rather than lessons, are sometimes more fun. Private lesson afterwards was great and then a second lesson with new student who is still so exhaustingly enthusiastic.
The radio play I recorded quickly with Alan and Liz the other day was broadcast on the BBC tonight, which was an unexpected treat. My career is going well, I think.
The school was fine, then took Mum shopping - she was in a good mood today.
Off to the college to teach a private lesson (great student) and then drum club, which was really good fun...I think drum workshops, rather than lessons, are sometimes more fun. Private lesson afterwards was great and then a second lesson with new student who is still so exhaustingly enthusiastic.
The radio play I recorded quickly with Alan and Liz the other day was broadcast on the BBC tonight, which was an unexpected treat. My career is going well, I think.
Tuesday 28th January 2020
I really enjoy my Tuesday school - I was there from 9am - 3pm today, all constant drums, a long flow of students, all of them a joy. This doesn't feel like work, they are just all brilliant to teach, even the school receptionist, who also has lessons.
Three private lessons followed (first one: brilliant, second one: parents clearly stressed but it was fine, third one: good fun) and then off to watch the guys record the final episode of the podcast sitcom, and re-record episode 3. I have such a wonderful team here, everyone just clicks, I MUST write them a fringe show...they're just a joy to be around.
8 episodes in the bag, that's series one ready to be edited. I really hope people like it was I'd love to write a second batch.
Three private lessons followed (first one: brilliant, second one: parents clearly stressed but it was fine, third one: good fun) and then off to watch the guys record the final episode of the podcast sitcom, and re-record episode 3. I have such a wonderful team here, everyone just clicks, I MUST write them a fringe show...they're just a joy to be around.
8 episodes in the bag, that's series one ready to be edited. I really hope people like it was I'd love to write a second batch.
Monday 27th January 2020
I need to be writing. I need more time.
'New' school was lovely, everyone gets what I do, it works well. Private lesson afterwards was great, overran but I don't mind it when this happens.
Had an hour at home to catch up on emails, called my Thursday school and told them I'd be leaving in the summer - it just doesn't work for me, I have plenty of stuff coming in. They had been expecting it, I think. It's best for both parties.
Four private lessons followed (first one: as always, brilliant, second one: as always - kid is distracted but it's fun, third one: great student but we're clearly running out of ideas, fourth one: great) and then home. Tried to write, nothing really working.
'New' school was lovely, everyone gets what I do, it works well. Private lesson afterwards was great, overran but I don't mind it when this happens.
Had an hour at home to catch up on emails, called my Thursday school and told them I'd be leaving in the summer - it just doesn't work for me, I have plenty of stuff coming in. They had been expecting it, I think. It's best for both parties.
Four private lessons followed (first one: as always, brilliant, second one: as always - kid is distracted but it's fun, third one: great student but we're clearly running out of ideas, fourth one: great) and then home. Tried to write, nothing really working.
Sunday, 26 January 2020
Sunday 26th January 2020
Up early to teach my regular Sunday morning student (after a reluctant start he REALLY gets into it now - to the extent he keeps wanting to perform songs to his brother, it's wonderful) and then back to book my hotels for the forthcoming HG dates - nice, cheap accommodation booked for Wales, Southampton, Oxford and Bristol. I'm doing things properly this year.
I then booked my Edinburgh Fringe accommodation, remarkably early. I still wince at how much all this costs. £400 for a week isn't bad, especially for an ensuite, double room less than a mile from my venue but still, the fringe is an expensive beast.
Taught two more lessons (first one: dragged big style, barely a lesson to be honest - she was so tired, second one: amazing, exhausting, such progress!) and back home for a nice dinner with A.
Spent a couple hours lesson planning for the week ahead and sorting out my double-bookings (how have I got so many double bookings?!) and accidentally took on yet another student. I'd vowed not to, but she's a friend of a friend, a good friend, so time can be made.
Have also agreed to run a drum workshop in Oxford which, amazingly, I've managed to tie in with my show there in the evening. It's lovely when things work out, isn't it?
I then booked my Edinburgh Fringe accommodation, remarkably early. I still wince at how much all this costs. £400 for a week isn't bad, especially for an ensuite, double room less than a mile from my venue but still, the fringe is an expensive beast.
Taught two more lessons (first one: dragged big style, barely a lesson to be honest - she was so tired, second one: amazing, exhausting, such progress!) and back home for a nice dinner with A.
Spent a couple hours lesson planning for the week ahead and sorting out my double-bookings (how have I got so many double bookings?!) and accidentally took on yet another student. I'd vowed not to, but she's a friend of a friend, a good friend, so time can be made.
Have also agreed to run a drum workshop in Oxford which, amazingly, I've managed to tie in with my show there in the evening. It's lovely when things work out, isn't it?
Saturday 25th January 2020
I really enjoyed today. I'm not just saying that because 2 lessons were cancelled (one to illness, one because neither parent was around) which meant I could sleep in, but it helps sometimes, to have a little downtime, doesn't it?
Tinkled with some new ideas for the fringe, also went over some older ideas too as the idea of a series of bite-sized plays was appealing to Alan. And then I thought, "what's the point?" as I've got one decent show heading to the fringe, I'll only be there for a week and I'll be knackered having just flown from Africa. Maybe treat it as an extra holiday? Then I got all excited about an idea again.
Read through the play we looked at on Friday again and I still like it. Not for these guys, clearly, but I'm not going to throw it away just yet.
Taught a nice lesson, with a kid who is clearly having a difficult time but I feel like I dealt with it well. This sort of thing is almost becoming my speciality.
Got back, exercised for an hour which nearly killed me, had a good play with my new practice pad/metronome (which will be a big part of future lessons), turned down 2 gigs, replied to a load of emails and then A and myself popped out for a cheeky Nandos.
Spent the rest of the evening watching all of series six of Peep Show whilst getting drunk. She gets me.
Tinkled with some new ideas for the fringe, also went over some older ideas too as the idea of a series of bite-sized plays was appealing to Alan. And then I thought, "what's the point?" as I've got one decent show heading to the fringe, I'll only be there for a week and I'll be knackered having just flown from Africa. Maybe treat it as an extra holiday? Then I got all excited about an idea again.
Read through the play we looked at on Friday again and I still like it. Not for these guys, clearly, but I'm not going to throw it away just yet.
Taught a nice lesson, with a kid who is clearly having a difficult time but I feel like I dealt with it well. This sort of thing is almost becoming my speciality.
Got back, exercised for an hour which nearly killed me, had a good play with my new practice pad/metronome (which will be a big part of future lessons), turned down 2 gigs, replied to a load of emails and then A and myself popped out for a cheeky Nandos.
Spent the rest of the evening watching all of series six of Peep Show whilst getting drunk. She gets me.
Friday, 24 January 2020
Friday 24th January 2020
Stuff is building up. I've got the filming dates for the HG feature movie through from the director...we finish filming 2 days before my wedding. It'll be fine, yeah?
We bought a house last week, too, that's all a bit grown-up. It's our dream home, 4 bedrooms, nice area, so many bathrooms, 3 floors. A's parents have helped us out a bit to get us over the line, but we move in April. I have to get life insurance and everything.
Cracking morning at favourite school, then got angry with the A14 roadworks but still made it to regular school for another 2 hours.
2 decent private lessons followed.
Evening I met up with Alan and Sam to go over the new script and, I don't know, it put me on a bit of a downer. I really, really respect Alan's opinions, and he was probably right. This one was "entertaining" but "needs a little work in places" - he then went on to say that it was just a very 'nice' play, and in the right hands could be a tidy little show. Having heard the read-through, I agree. It's nice. Not exciting. Nice. He went on to say how he thinks Harvey G should run for another three or four years, and how much he's enjoying the podcast sitcom we're recording at the moment. But this one doesn't quite hit the mark, it's fine, it works, it tells a nice story, but it has 3 stars written all over it.
Not everything can be brilliant, I get that (my work ranges from big hit to major failure, often within the same year), but it's still annoying having spent a while writing this one. Not that one person's opinion means everything, of course, but I understood what he was saying. Sam is great - she understood it, but equally felt daunted by the very long monologue bits.
It's a fine little script, that I'll come back to with fresh eyes at some point. Alan and Sam both want to do Edinburgh, and both seem keen for me to write them something. We've set a deadline of the end of February for a new script.
I'm loving Ben Folds' book at the moment, for many reasons, mostly though because of his restlessness. I want to have that level of energy in my work, too.
I've got plenty on the go; the podcast sitcom, the BBC Radio thing, HG - stage show (tour and fringe), HG - feature movie, 2 bands, more with WAS, too much teaching work, a house move, a wedding...but I just need one more project, just one more to keep me excited.
We bought a house last week, too, that's all a bit grown-up. It's our dream home, 4 bedrooms, nice area, so many bathrooms, 3 floors. A's parents have helped us out a bit to get us over the line, but we move in April. I have to get life insurance and everything.
Cracking morning at favourite school, then got angry with the A14 roadworks but still made it to regular school for another 2 hours.
2 decent private lessons followed.
Evening I met up with Alan and Sam to go over the new script and, I don't know, it put me on a bit of a downer. I really, really respect Alan's opinions, and he was probably right. This one was "entertaining" but "needs a little work in places" - he then went on to say that it was just a very 'nice' play, and in the right hands could be a tidy little show. Having heard the read-through, I agree. It's nice. Not exciting. Nice. He went on to say how he thinks Harvey G should run for another three or four years, and how much he's enjoying the podcast sitcom we're recording at the moment. But this one doesn't quite hit the mark, it's fine, it works, it tells a nice story, but it has 3 stars written all over it.
Not everything can be brilliant, I get that (my work ranges from big hit to major failure, often within the same year), but it's still annoying having spent a while writing this one. Not that one person's opinion means everything, of course, but I understood what he was saying. Sam is great - she understood it, but equally felt daunted by the very long monologue bits.
It's a fine little script, that I'll come back to with fresh eyes at some point. Alan and Sam both want to do Edinburgh, and both seem keen for me to write them something. We've set a deadline of the end of February for a new script.
I'm loving Ben Folds' book at the moment, for many reasons, mostly though because of his restlessness. I want to have that level of energy in my work, too.
I've got plenty on the go; the podcast sitcom, the BBC Radio thing, HG - stage show (tour and fringe), HG - feature movie, 2 bands, more with WAS, too much teaching work, a house move, a wedding...but I just need one more project, just one more to keep me excited.
Thursday 23rd January 2020
My least favourite school has been bothering me for a while...I've decided to stop being worried about it, and start trying to find a solution. What I do works everywhere else, why doesn't it work here? I decided to move the kit around, to have a better vision of the students, and also to give them all 'course' books so they have actual reference points (which isn't needed anywhere else). It worked a treat, we had a fun 4 hours today. This can work out.
Over to the quiet school after that, which was fine, and then three private lessons (first one: loud, the mum finds the noise my car makes funny, second one: awesome as always, third one: brilliant).
Got back and realised the noise my car was making was due to a bit of the front bumper hanging off, scraping against the ground - clearly I'd gone over a speed bump too fast or something. Fixed it by literally cutting the loose bit off with a pair of scissors and now the car is fine, if looking a little weird. Who needs a mechanic?
Then re-read the new play for tomorrow, twice, and I'm suddenly really unsure about it.
Over to the quiet school after that, which was fine, and then three private lessons (first one: loud, the mum finds the noise my car makes funny, second one: awesome as always, third one: brilliant).
Got back and realised the noise my car was making was due to a bit of the front bumper hanging off, scraping against the ground - clearly I'd gone over a speed bump too fast or something. Fixed it by literally cutting the loose bit off with a pair of scissors and now the car is fine, if looking a little weird. Who needs a mechanic?
Then re-read the new play for tomorrow, twice, and I'm suddenly really unsure about it.
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