The Working Percussionist Podcast | Episode 3 - Building Community | CongaChops.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af_AIx0LDNs
In Episode 3, the CongaChops crew shifts from skills and reputation to something that quietly shapes every career in a word-of-mouth industry: community. We break down what “networking” actually means for working musicians—leading with authenticity, being accessible, and treating people well at every stage. We talk mentorship and “connecting the dots” between where you are and where you want to be, choosing gigs based on the people/music/money triangle, and why you can’t cheat experience. We also dig into how personality, confidence, and character come through the instrument—and why giving people their flowers goes further than most musicians realize.
What you’ll learn: • What community really means in a word-of-mouth music industry • Authenticity, accessibility, and building relationships without “networking” weirdness • Mentorship ladders: finding the right people at the right distance from your current stage • Why you can’t cheat experience—and how confidence gets built the right way • How personality and character translate directly into your sound
00:00 – Intro 00:19 – From skills + reputation to community 00:48 – Community in a word-of-mouth industry 02:06 – Authenticity & finding your people 03:40 – Respecting developing musicians 04:50 – Life outside the instrument 05:33 – Gatekeeping, access & why this podcast exists 06:38 – Choosing gigs: people / music / money 08:44 – Recommendations, professionalism & being prepared 10:17 – Feedback, confidence & criticism 12:18 – Mentorship “bridges” 13:19 – Reaching out to idols + local mentors 14:26 – You can’t cheat experience 16:07 – Courage → confidence 18:37 – Swagger, character & identity in your sound 23:17 – Accessibility & paying it forward 25:39 – Berklee community + long-term circles 29:36 – Showing up, giving flowers & staying positive
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