’A Drummer’s Guide To...’ is the podcast that dives into everything it takes to thrive as a professional musician beyond the practice room.
Hosted by Emily Dolan Davies, a drummer since 1999, pro since 2008, and a passionate mentor since 2018, this show unpacks the real-world challenges, triumphs, and strategies for building the career of your dreams.
Whether you’re chasing gigs, navigating the music industry, or balancing passion with practicality, Emily’s got your back with honest insights and inspiring stories.
Find out more about Emily at EmilyDrums.com
I've been trying to answer a question that's fascinated me for years...
I've met unbelievable musicians who never pursued music beyond a hobby, and others who built incredible careers despite not necessarily being the "best" player in the room.
So if technical ability isn't the whole story... what is?
For my psychology dissertation, I'm researching the relationship between personality and interest in music, and I need as many musicians as possible to take part.
🎵 Hobbyist?🎵 Weekend warrior?🎵 Teacher?🎵 Touring pro?
You're exactly who I'm looking for.
⏱️ Takes around 10 minutes🔒 Completely anonymous📅 The survey closes on 26th June 2026
👉 emilydrums.com/survey
And if you know any musicians, please share this with them. The more responses I get, the more meaningful (and interesting!) the findings will be.
I'd also love to make an episode sharing the results with you all once it's finished ❤️
27 Mar 2026
221 - The One Shot Myth (Q from Anonymous)
Do you only get one chance to network with someone… or is that just something we’ve told ourselves?
In this episode, I answer a brilliant question from Anonymous about networking on Instagram, sending DMs, and how to actually build real connections — especially when it feels like you’re “using up your one shot” every time you reach out.
We talk about:
Why cold DMs often fall flatHow relationships are actually built onlineThe shift from “one message” to “ongoing presence”Why being seen matters more than being perfectAnd how to approach networking in person — especially if you don’t get a second chance to recognise someone
This episode is a big mindset shift if you’ve ever:👉 Overthought a DM👉 Worried about saying the wrong thing👉 Felt like conversations always dry up👉 Or assumed networking is about getting it right first time
It’s not about one shot. It’s about familiarity.
🎧 Listen now and rethink how you connect.
❓ Ask a question for a future episode:https://emilydrums.com/ama
💬 Book a free 30-minute Coaching Taster Session:https://emilydrums.com
6 Mar 2026
220 - The Myth of the Big Break (Q from Jon Raynor)
Most musicians grow up believing in the idea of a “big break.”That one moment where someone important discovers you…
The audition that suddenly changes everything…
The gig that launches your career overnight.But in my experience, that’s almost never how it actually works.In this episode of A Drummer’s Guide To…, I answer a question from Jon Raynor about how to catch the eye of higher-level artists and move beyond smaller gigs into bigger opportunities.I talk about my own journey going from playing with original artists to working professionally, and why the opportunities that changed my career came from relationships and consistency, not a single breakthrough moment.In this episode I discuss:• Why most professional music careers don’t start with a big break
• How gigs actually appear in the professional music world
• Why relationships often matter more than talent
• The difference between being a great drummer and being hireable
• Practical things you can do to make sure the right people notice youIf you’ve ever wondered why some musicians seem to move forward while others feel stuck waiting for the right opportunity, this episode is for you.Ask your own question for a future episode:
EmilyDrums.com/AMABook a free 30-minute coaching taster session:
EmilyDrums.com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
4.8 / 5
22 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
45
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
82
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