Starting Drums
What Do You need to get started with Drum Lessons?
An Easy Guide to Learning Drums
Drums are a great instrument to play! It brings together Musicality, Rhythm & Co-ordination. In the beginning you might find it a bit overwhelming, starting drumming for the first time is like stepping into a spaceship. There’s pedals, sticks, cymbals and all these strange names for things but you’ll soon find your way and hit the right beat (Sorry couldn’t resist :D)
The question we get asked from our students is, Do I need a Drumkit to get started with lessons? In Short No! Would it be helpful, Yes of course but Drums differs from Piano/Guitar/Violin in that you don’t necessarily need to have a full drumkit at home to practice with. You can use a Practice Pad and set of drumsticks.
New Drummer? Start Drumming with a Practice Pad and Drumsticks
1. Affordability and Accessibility
Investing in a full drum kit can be costly, especially if you're unsure of your child's long-term interest in drumming. A practice pad and drumsticks are a more affordable option, allowing your child to start learning without a significant financial commitment. If your happy with their progress and they want to continue then its time to start looking for a Drum kit. You have 2 Main Options, Acoustic (Traditional) & Electric.
2. Noise Control
Drumming can be loud, which might not always be appreciated by family members or neighbors. A practice pad significantly reduces noise, making it possible for your child to practice anytime without disturbing others. There is a low volume tapping but nothing in comparison to a full drum kit or electric kit.
3. Portability
Practice pads are lightweight and portable, meaning your child can practice virtually anywhere. Whether it's in their bedroom, at a friend's house, or even on vacation, a practice pad can easily come along. The pad pictured above is 7”, the come as small as 6” and upto 14”. Most of them are mountable onto a Cymbal Stand or the larger onto a regular snare stand.
4. Focus on Technique
A practice pad helps young drummers focus on developing proper hand technique and stick control without the distractions of a full drum kit. This foundational skill is crucial and will benefit them greatly when they transition to a full drum set.
Other Essential Gear for Starting Drums (Other than Sticks)
There are some other items which, although are very help, you won’t need straight away. Along your journey you can think about picking them up.
Metronome
A metronome is a time keeping device. Oringally the analogue versions were Clock work with a pendulum and bell. The bell triggers depending on the time signature you have selected.
For Drummers a digital metronome is preferable, the older style will work fine for using a practice pad but on the full kit you will need to use headphones.
2. Music Stand
Where do you put your music when you are learning? On a Music Stand! If you want to pick one up, they will make life a little easier. When you are using the practice pad at the start you can defiantly get away with not having to have a Sheet Music Stand but as you move onto a full kit it’s going to be a necessity.
Cheap & Cheerful, Koda BS04
Midrange & Efficient, Hercules BS050
Easily Adjustable, Hercules BS100
3. Ear Plugs or Ear Defenders
If you go to Drum Lessons you will most likely be taking lessons on an Acoustic Kit. This isn’t always the case, some schools use Electric Kits or Low Volume Kits. If you are taking lessons on an acoustic kit, it can get pretty loud. In our lesson rooms we have 2 Kits (one for the teachers, one for the student) and with backing tracks through the PA System it can get loud.
Ear Protection, in the form of either Ear Plugs or Ear Defenders are very important for the long term health of your hearing. In the early stages of lessons you will be OK without them but as you start to learn to play more you should invest in a pair.
You can get cheaper ear protection from as little as a few euros.
Conclusion….
Yes, it would be amazing if you had a Drum kit to start your lessons but its not needed. You can invest in lessons, a Practice Pad & Drumsticks. If after some time playing you feel a kit for home will help you to grow and you’ve invested the time in practice then treat yourself :D
What You Need:
Drumsticks
Instructor (Lessons)
What Would be Ideal:
Practice Pad
One More Thing….. Practice!
I know this is going to seem like a obvious point but practice, or at least, try to practice a little bit everyday. One step at a time, you’ll find your rhythm soon enough but only if you get behind the pad or the kit and grind it out!
Hercules EZ Glide Music Stand
Muffy Children’s Ear Defenders