ZORO the Drummer's Book -- The Big Gig Review

Personal note from Jeff Patterson to Zoro Drummer

Hey Z, Your book arrived today. Thanks for the kind words you wrote inside the cover. This is a book I wish was available back 40 years ago when I was just starting out. You have created a great book that will surely be a source of help and inspiration to young and developing musicians for years to come. I believe this is a great contribution to the drumming and music community. Thanks for all your efforts. Also, thanks for the Compassion International Disk, they and several others like them are fantastic organizations and do great work. Together we can change the world.

November 2 at 2:29pm

Zoro Drummer: Thanks a lot Jeff for your kind words of affirmation! I was compelled to write the Big Gig in an effort to help others live out their dream and live a purposeful life. I am delighted that you feel the way you do about it. Please send my love to your parents for me! Z

November 4 at 8:45am


: Guest article by Zoro as it appeared in Modern Drummer Magazine.

Zoro: Big-Picture Thinking for Success—the Power of Vision


My mom gave me my first drumset as a Christmas gift when I was nine years old. The cost of the kit was only $9.99, and it had paper heads. I was so excited to unleash the groove buried deep within me that I destroyed the kit by the end of Christmas evening. Sadly, that put an end to my drumming endeavors for several years—but not my dreams. Eight years later, I bought my first real drumset for $100. As I played those drums, I often visualized myself being a successful drummer. It was then that I first began to understand the power of vision.

We have all heard the adage “Seeing is believing.” I’ve always believed the opposite to be true: “Believing is seeing.” In other words, before something can come to pass in your life, you must first see it in your own heart, mind, and soul. Anyone who has ever accomplished something notable did so by first entertaining dreams no one else could see. Success stems first and foremost from your heartfelt desire to pursue a vision with all you’ve got. But you need to have a clear vision of what it is you are striving for in the first place. Helen Keller once asserted, “It’s a terrible thing to see and have no vision.” She was absolutely right!

When an architect designs a building, he or she has to draft out every detail of the structure before submitting the plans to the contractor to begin construction. Most of the work is preparation, planning, and designing. When the contractor finally begins the physical work of building, he or she simply follows the architect’s blueprints that have already been well laid out.

If you approach your career with the end in mind, you will be forced to devise a plan. By doing so, you will greatly increase your chances for success. It’s a complex task, however, and one that requires strategic effort.

As part of my career vision, I’ve always had a desire to inspire others and see them live out their dreams. From that place, I was compelled to write a book that would equip musicians with proven tools to succeed. This vision has been thirteen years in the making and now has come to life.

The Big Gig: Big-Picture Thinking for Success is a 440-page template detailing the vocational, personal, and spiritual aspects of achievement for your success. With twenty-two chapters, ranging from the art of practicing to marketing, my goal is to share my thirty-plus years of experience with those who are hungry for success.

Within the book is “The Big Gig Quiz: 50 Questions to Determine Your Chances of Scoring the Big Gig.” It is my hope the quiz and book will help you see the big picture and lead you toward fulfillment of your dreams. You can take the quiz now at thebiggigbook.com and www.alfred.com/TheBigGig.

* Please note that these photos did not appear in the Modern Drummer original article but are from my private collection -- Jeffrey T Patterson.