As per usual, all situations being unique -it all depends on so many factors.   To tell them you 'want' to be a studio/touring drummer (a gun for hire, so to speak) is different than telling them you ARE just that.   If this is what you currently do for a living, then the ball is back in their court with a decision whether or not to hire a guy (you)who will have to be subbed in for from time to time (or worse).  

I would be cautious about telling them too much about your aspirations.   For one -it's not their business to know....it could come back to haunt you later (and DOES in this business).   I try to only deal with facts...not hypothetical situations.  

In other words, I've set up priorities (my main band) and others are second fiddle to that unless I find a hole in my schedule within two weeks of potentially playing or recording with another act.   Then I make my calls....group leader; agent; etc and get my clearance to proceed with the other gig.   Cover your a$$ at all times!!  

Otherwise, if you're NOT currently busy -I would just join up without all the forewarning of what you might be doing in the future....when the time comes simply explain your changing situation and deal with it then.    Take the gigs in the meantime AND the exposure.

If you're working with other bands, provide the new band with a general schedule of your availability and they can decide if they can work with it or not.  

Unfortunately, we can't always have our cake and eat it too.   To tell a group that you'll join BUT that you will be similtaneously looking for other work outside of their project isn't a great way to get the ball rolling.   In fact, unless they work only very seldom....they might be very unwise to consider you for drum chair....and likely won't.    

To me, the best situation (aside from being top of your Berklee class)  to get known and gigging around is to already be in the business.    I know guys who work at drum shops who have very successful 'hired gun'  schedules to keep up with.  Just think....you're looking for a drummer in a particular area....where are you going to go first??   A drum shop perhaps??   Those guysscoop up a lotof work.

The second way (my way) to market myself as a drummer is simply doing what I do for a living -playing drums.....and always trying to do it to the very best of my ability.   I often think of gigs (amongst many other benefits) as unknown auditions...even though that's likely not often the case.   You never know who's in the audience checking you out.      

Other marketing strategies:   have non-pretentious business cards available and drop them off to guitar/bass/keyboard/drum staff at your local music stores.    

-Arrange for 5 minute appointments at recording studios...if you are unexperienced (I don't know your level of expertise/experience)  ...make an offer.  Be available for free (if necessary)  to prove your worth.   If you've got the talent -the money will come in time.  

-Be sure you can read charts.   This is of utmost importance if you want to be a freelance pro player.  

-Contact the music director of a major cruise ship line.    Try that for a year.   I've known cruise ship drummers who have gone on to do great stuff ...it's another good place to make contacts.  

I was ALMOST offered the drum seat on an ocean liner four years ago ...the same job once occupied long ago by Gary Chaffee.    A local well established
teacher had refered me to the entertainment director for the job but then he decided my reading wasn't up to par with my playing (tough break for me!!).  I never knew any of this until after it had all gone down when this teacher explained what had happened -I appreciated his honesty and support.   A good missed opportunity but simply because I hadn't completely prepared myself for what the future might bring.

All in all -just be professional in every way, be outgoing and friendly and be SEEN PLAYING!   Your education and experience are worth lots....but people won't be truly excited to hire you until they hear you.    Then you just need to be a nice and seemingly responsible person to score the gig.  

I could go on and on as usual....but that's a start.

....IMHO  

I probably said this on my other thread ... but I just be upfront and honest with everyone.

I've said the following on numerous ocassions .......

" ... my schedule won't permit me to go full-time with any one band."

" ... I'm playing full-time (ie. professionally) and need to focus working with groups/artists/bands that are doing the same."

" ... I can't afford to do that." (Implying that it would cost you money to play with them, because you would have to turn down other work to play with them)

There are other responses, but they all vary depending on the situation. Your tone of voice, mannerisms and body language play a HUGE role in delivering this type of message.  Just reading the responses I sited above makes me sound like a royal class jerk. You have to be humble and gracious ... smiling as you explain that you just don't think it will work out. You need to come across as being disappointed that you can't work or play with them, while being sincere at the same time.

I'll share more later ...... if needed.

These are all great ideas to work from.

Bart - I don't think just reading those responses you suggested makes you sound like a jerk at all. I know exactly what you mean when you say them.  

Carlos - thanks for the heads-up on the videos. I'll be sure and check'em out.

Thanks fellas!