Brett Balick

brett balick suit brickwall

Brett Balick is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Queens University of Charlotte, earning his bachelor’s degree in business management. He is currently working in the supply chain management industry, shipping air freight globally.  He is currently exploring his options for a new position within the industry.  In addition, Brett Balick is anticipating a relocation to a large metro area. He is considering areas such as Atlanta, Washington D.C., or Chicago to continue his career.

As he is creating his new future, Brett Balick spends his free time drumming. He has a love for music and his passion for playing the drums. It has become a daily routine for him as of late. Drumming came naturally to Brett. In fact, he has been playing drums since he was in the seventh grade. It has been ten years since he first began to play. What may have inspired him according to Brett, is his father. He was a D.J., so perhaps it is in his blood. He plays every single day. He just purchased a new drum set. This is the hobby that continually excites him.

The art of drumming has expanded Brett Balick’s appreciation for different artists and different kinds of music from eras gone by. He can be playing on his own or with friends, either way, it brings him joy. Brett Balick suggests that new people who may be starting out with drumming as a new hobby, to first take lessons before making any kind of large investments.

What is your favorite hobby?

When I was in school, I played lacrosse. I still play from time to time.  I really enjoy snowboarding.  I go snowboarding whenever I can get the opportunity. Aside from snowboarding, I also occasionally play poker with friends. I watch sports, particularly college basketball. I am a big Duke fan.  My favorite hobby of all is playing the drums. I believe that my passion for playing drums is primarily because I find it to be therapeutic. No matter what mood you’re in, it will always get better.

How did you get started playing drums? What inspired you?

I use to play guitar hero a lot (a video game) when I was a kid. I was pretty good at it and I really enjoyed it. More specifically, I thought it might be something that I’d be pretty good at. I started taking lessons at a place called Music Matters. I took lessons for two years. At that time, I did a number of performances with other band members and on my own.  I discontinued lessons but I continued to play. Drumming has just come to me very naturally.

Tell us what you love about it?

I enjoy the freedom of playing the drums. It gives you the ability to express your creativity. You can listen to any music and apply the drums to that music. It has expanded my taste in music. I appreciate the music of many eras. It brings me full spectrum.  It also works great to get rid of anger or aggression.

Are there any groups you’re a part of our events that you attend related to your hobby?

I do not have any events right now. I have two friends, one who plays the piano and the other who plays guitar. When we get together, we always play. We have a great time. Perhaps in the future, I will be able to spend more time with a band. Right now, it is more of a hobby. It is something that I do for fun.

Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you ’ve bought?

I have an acoustic drum set and I also have an electronic drum set. I have invested a lot of money on this hobby. The equipment is quite expensive. I have acquired what I wanted little by little, piece by piece over the past ten years.

Where do you buy most of your supplies?

I shop locally for my equipment as well as any supplies. I usually buy my supplies at the Guitar Center or from Sam Ash.  Both places are located in Charlotte.

Are there any good books for beginners?

I have never read books on how to drum. Instead, I took lessons. I would recommend that beginners take drum lessons.  It takes quite a long time to learn. It is a slow process but it eventually builds up and it becomes something that is really great to do. This is a physical activity. If you want to learn about the history of music or the story of a great drummer, then reading a book would be the way to go. But, if you want to learn how to play the drums, I would recommend taking lessons.

How has this changed your life?

I feel like drumming has made me a much more creative person. It has sharpened my taste for music.  I learn to appreciate music more and more each day. I am constantly finding new artists to listen to and it is all through my drumming. Music is where I go to express myself or to change or enhance my mood. It is a great thing for me. It is very therapeutic.

What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?

I would tell them not to be impatient.  Also, if you are taking lessons, learn how to play jazz music because it is very technical and very hard. However, if you can learn that music you will be able to play any music. Also, practice your rudiments. The rudiments are your basics. Once you get that down, you sound much better than you really are. It is the fundamentals that you have to get down. After you get the fundamentals, it is a matter of practice and repetition. Then you get to the point where it is just like riding a bike and everything will come naturally.

Are there any other hobbies you have?

I have other hobbies, I enjoy watching football and college basketball and hanging out with my friends. Typical stuff.  I played Varsity lacrosse in High school, and I go snowboarding any chance that I get, but there is nothing that surpasses drumming for me. It is my passion.

You can learn more about Brett Balick at: