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Getting Started with Drum Lessons
Age to start lessons:
The earlier a child can be exposed to music, the better! Music has so many benefits
beyond music education! Music increases math, reading, spatial skills, and SAT scores. It teaches commitment, organization, self discipline, positive social skills and increases a child's self esteem!
The following is an average age recommendation for drums. The perfect age to begin
lessons is ultimately dependant on the individual child. Some students find success at
beginning lessons at a much earlier age than normally recommended. Other students
benefit from waiting until an older age to start lessons.
Drums: 8-10 years old and up
Students need to be able to comfortably reach each drum with their hands and touch the floor pedals with their feet.
Many school band programs require 1-2 years of piano to learn the fundamentals of
music before taking percussion lessons. Though we don't require a drumming student to take piano lessons before they can begin drum lessons, if a student is too young to start on drums, starting with piano lessons would allow them to get involved right away and prepare for future drum lessons.
What do I need to start drum lessons?
Please consult your percussion teacher for specific requirements.
Drum set/kit
A beginning drummer should start out with either a 4-piece kit (consisting of a bass
drum, snare drum, a mounted tom-tom, and a floor tom) or a 5-piece kit (one extra
mounted tom).
If your drum kit does not include cymbals, so you will need a pair of Hi-Hats (they come in pairs), a ride cymbal, and one crash cymbal to start. Hi-Hats will require a Hi-Hat stand, and the cymbals will all require stands as well.
Drumsticks
Drumsticks come in an endless variety of sizes, weights, and styles. Beginners should
normally start with a middleweight stick like a 5A or 7A. Eventually the student will
figure out which type of sticks feel the best and suits their style of music.
Practice pad
Every drummer should own a practice pad. A practice pad can allow a student to
practice at any time without the loud noise of a drum set. Students can rock out at night and not wake the neighbors!
Music stand
Lesson books and materials
Your lesson books and materials will be selected by your teacher. Your teacher will
either purchase the materials for you (please reimburse your teacher directly) or they will give you the information so you can purchase them.
Lesson log
A lesson log keeps track of your assignments, the concepts covered at each lesson, and your practice time. Your teacher may have a specific lesson log they would like you to use.
Pencils
Make sure to have plenty of erasers too!
Other helpful items:
Metronome
A metronome plays a beep or tone at the tempo requested. It is a very valuable tool for teaching and establishing rhythm.
Drum recordings
It is very inspiring to hear what years of practice can sound like!!