LIVE GIGGING FOR THE WORKING MUSICIAN (2.0)
Ditch the “Undercover Critic” and have more fun on stage at your next performance.
If you’re tired of playing gigs and feeling like you can’t shake the stage fright and judgemental inner-critic then this course is for you.
Be more prepared than ever by learning backing tracks, SPD-SX, and more.
“Wow! What a great resource for the beginning musician or for refreshers for experienced musicians.
I have been a band leader and drummer for 40 years and I still found many nuggets of wisdom going through this course.
The material is comprehensive and well organized so you can go directly to the subjects that you are most interested in and Tim is an incredible resource for anything to do with drumming and performing.”
“I am full-time musician and what I was hoping to gain from this course were ways to be more efficient with my time, a more productive workflow, and insight into how to diversify my income stream as a working music musician.
After this course I’m more efficient with learning songs for gigs. I had never owned an SPD-SX before this course (or even used a sample pad before) but these lessons REALLY helped me get to know my way around the SPD-SX so I was confident in using it in shows right away.
The included chart templates, finance tracking templates, click and tracks, and SPD-SX files are all so useful and incredibly valuable for any working drummer.
This course covered essential topics and skills for a working drummer that I didn’t find in music school or drum lessons.”
“I usually don’t spend money on “courses” as they are usually overpriced and unhelpful, but your Live Gigging course was full of stuff I didn’t know – especially the stuff about electronics. Learning about taxes and finances was also super helpful. I’m working on the networking and getting gigs and after this course things have been picking up. “
“I can confidently say Tim’s teaching approach is exceptional.
Tim is thoughtful in every aspect of his teaching, ensuring that each lesson is customized to meet me where I am in my musical journey.
His consistency and accountability have helped me grow in ways I never imagined. I can confidently call myself creative because of Tim’s dedication to going beyond the basics.
These are more than just drum lessons; they are a holistic exploration of music and self-expression under Tim’s expert guidance.”
“Lessons have inspired a new way of thinking about drums. Tim has helped show me principles I can actually apply to becoming a more creative drummer and has enabled me to let my drumming voice become more creative and musical.
These lessons are a safe environment where we learn from Tim as well as each other.”
“After graduating from university, I didn’t know what my next step should be and it was during this confusing time that I began searching online for educational resources and stumbled upon Tim’s website.
His teaching style is very methodical and shows his seriousness and dedication. Through private lessons I’ve learned Tim is not only a very competent teacher, but also a trusted friend.
His encouragement has allowed me to constantly surpass the ceiling I set for myself and it was with Tim’s help I was able to prepare and get accepted to New York University.
I don’t think my music journey would be where it is without Tim and I’m so grateful for his help and mentorship.”
Companies Tim has worked with:




Your Biggest Critic Isn’t In the Crowd
Playing live shows can be scary – but from the hundreds of students I’ve talked to in lessons over the years I’ve learned that the biggest critic for most musicians isn’t in the audience.
Often their biggest doubter is the “Undercover Critic” in their own head.
So many people feel like they can’t let go and have fun when performing because of the judgemental whisperer that follows them to every show.
But performing doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing and riddled with fear of being judged.
Playing shows and gigs can (and should) be fun! They are a chance for you to connect with an audience, your band members, and your most creative and unique self.
If this feels impossible, I totally understand that. When I was studying music in college I was at the peak of my “self-critical” mindset and it was taking the fun out of music.
But after years of work, I was able to totally change how performing felt. And you can to.
This course will help you:
- Improve how you prepare for gigs
- Discover techniques to learn music deeply and quickly
- Becoming comfortable with the technology (click track, backing tracks) bands and artist are using on stage
- Discovering simple exercises to help you defeat the “Undercover Critic” you bring with you to every show
Benefits of Live Gigging for the Working Musician:
Say "Goodbye" to Your Undercover Critic
This course will prepare you not just for the technological and musical side of live performances like how to run backing tracks, how to learn music quickly, and using Roland SPD-SX effectively.
It will also prepare you for the mental side of playing shows by teaching you how to prepare (mentally and musically) for shows and also a simple exercise for being more present and having fun on stage.
Preparation is Key
Are you sure you have everything you need for your next gig? Between learning the music, acquiring all the gear, and learning all the technology…it’s a lot.
I spent so many years learning from trial-and-error and it was brutal. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Included in this course are templates, tools, tips, check lists, and downloadable files I’ve collected over the last decade to help you be prepared for your next gig.
Hands-On Learning
Experience is a great teacher.
Included in this course are 5 full song files so you can practice building backing tracks as you learn and work through the course.
The SPD-SX section of the course comes with samples and templates you can load on your sample pad and start playing with immediately.
More Details on Live Gigging for the Working Musician (2.0):
Over 11+ Hours of Video Lessons (delivered electronically)
Module 1 Topics Include:
• Basics of Reading Music
• How to Learn Music Quickly
• How to Chart Music
Module 2 Topics Include:
• Basics of the Roland SPD-SX
• Advanced SPD-SX Techniques
• Backing Tracks and Click Track with the SPD-SX
• How to use the SPD-SX for low volume gigs
Module 3 Topics Include (formerly known as Ableton for the Working Musician):
• How to Build Backing Tracks in Ableton
• Using SPD-SX with Ableton
• In-Depth Build Out of Click and Tracks in Arrangement View and Session View
• Common Tweaks, Fixes, and Glitches and How to Fix Them
Module 4 Topics Include:
• Easy Exercise for Making Music More Enjoyable and Fun on Stage
• How to Monitor Yourself at a Gig
• Improving Your Ability to Play with a Click Track
• How to Get Gigs and Network
• Negotiating Pay and Gig Details
Hands-On Experiential Learning:
Roland SPD-SX Samples and Templates
• 50 ‘ready for SPD-SX’ samples to use
• Kit templates for gigging with the SPD-SX
Backing Track and Click Track Files
• Click track, alert, and count sounds to build professional backing track click tracks
• Stems and files for 5 full songs to begin practicing building backing tracks as soon as you download the course
What Happens After I Buy this Course on Your Site?
This course is delivered in PDF format – how it works:
• Click “add to cart”
• Once you add the course to your cart, you can “view cart” and checkout via the PayPal page (you can select the option “Pay with Debit or Credit Card” and that will allow you to purchase the lessons without signing into PayPal)
• After your payment goes through you’ll be redirected to a download page (and a copy of the receipt and download links will be sent to your email)
• Click the download link and you’ll download the PDF course booklet that contains all the video download links. Also included in the PDF booklet: course overview, transcription examples, video downloads, exercise downloads, and more.
Have a question I didn’t answer? Contact me here.

Who is Tim Buell?
Tim is a Nashville-based drummer and educator who has toured with artists like Gloriana, Jana Kramer, Jerrod Nieman, Remedy Drive, Cody Fry, and many others. In 2022, he had the honor or being nominated for a Latin Grammy for his drumming on Athena’s “Alfa y Omega”
In addition to touring and recording, Tim has transcribed projects for Zildjian (Zildjian LIVE! project), Vic Firth (VFjams LIVE!) Percussive Arts Society, Aaron Sterling, Benny Greb, Aaron Spears, Stephen’s Drum Shed, 180 Drums, Ash Soan, and many more.