Help build a collaborative music education community

The story so far...

Hi, I'm Adam, I've been playing drums for the past 10 years, currently living in Dublin, freelancing as a drummer/composer and trying to startup a collaborative teaching centre. My main passions in life are music, creative collaboration and self-sustainable eco-friendly living.

For just over two years I worked with concern, I swapped my acoustic kit for an electric one because I can only afford shared accomodation. And unfortunately I didn't really play much, down to being exhausted or my house mates would complain and also the electronic kit can feel so inorganic, resulting in a very sterile experience. 8 Months ago I finished working with Concern.

I realised I need to play music, I need to make it, to teach music and be creative with my time and energy. I have been practicing every day since I finished with Concern and more recently, have been focused on neworking and growing my presence in the local music community.

Currently I'm working with a soul R'nB duo,LaGracia, to form a full group and compose a number of original pieces. I am also working with a funk disco fusion band to do the same. Very fortunately we have been able to rent a rehearsal space for very cheap and I have a loan of a kit until I manage to be able to afford one.

Right now the big problem I'm having is no computer/laptop, so I'm using internet cafes; libraries; and friends laptops whenever I can. I need to make showcase, education and promotional videos; record and edit demo tracks; organise rehearsals and events; and to promote myself and the projects I'm working on through social media.

Most of the work I do during the day is focused around practice, rehearsal, composition and lessons, during which I need access to media like songs/recordings for practice, and backing tracks for rehearsal and composition. The need for equipment suited to these tasks, is the primary reason for this fundraiser. Finally, there are the traditonal costs associated with printing of music notation and lesson material for students, which I hope to negate by utilising online resources and documentation.

During the night I need to reply to emails, edit and post promotional & educational media like videos and posters; listen back to rehearsal recordings to prepare for the next day by creating demo tracks and notating arrangements. I also write up lesson plans and source new material for lessons and to keep up to date with new styles/genres and the local music community.

It has been impossible to be at maximum productivity because using internet cafes, libraries and friends laptops is so impractical and inefficient. Up until recently my main focus has been on getting back to a professional level of playing, and creating new and innovative teaching techniques. Moving forward, my medium term goals are to produce a number of original pieces with the bands I'm working with and to get students and teachers on board for workshops and lessons via co-creation and p2p learning.

With my income at the moment I havent been able to save anything, so what I'm asking for is an investment in my passion to allow me to pursue my goals regardless of opening hours or hi-jacking friends computers.

Any donation will be greatly appreciated! Please check out the rewards to see what your donation will get you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my fundraiser.

Adam