How Do I Prepare for Drum Lessons?

You can prepare for drum lessons by setting aside the time you will need for regular lessons and practice, deciding the types of drums you would like to learn, and selecting an experienced instructor. Contrary to popular belief, drums are generally not an easy instrument to play for many beginning musicians. Drum lessons can be an excellent way to learn the fundamentals, but veteran drummers frequently report that dedicated and consistent practice sessions are essential for improvement. A good drum instructor can also help you get the most out of each practice session by teaching you the right mental attitude and work habits.

Scheduling enough time to devote to your drum lessons is one of the most important steps, yet it can sometimes be overlooked. Drum lessons are normally scheduled in either 30- or 60-minute sessions at least once per week, and many drum teachers recommend a minimum number of practice hours in between lessons. Fitting these practice hours in with the rest of your job or school obligations is vital for you to make progress on the drums. Skipping practice at home will be obvious at your next drum lesson, and this habit can easily equal lost time and money.

Starting drum lessons can be exciting because you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to the types of drums to learn. If you want to eventually play in a marching ensemble such as a pipe and drum band, snare drums are usually considered good beginning choices. Your instructor will usually have you learn beats while marching at the same time, so this component should ideally be part of your practice sessions as well.

If you want to learn to play a drum kit for a band, you should ideally have the opportunity to try out different musical styles such as rock or blues before deciding which one is your favorite to play. A drum instructor with experience playing different styles can be a good source of this information. Once you have purchased a drum kit suitable for beginners, it is also a good idea to set up a dedicated practice area where your drumming will not disturb others.

The right drum teacher can make a big difference in your effort to learn this instrument. A drumming instructor who is proficient in at least two music genres can help bring a good deal of stylistic variety to your playing. Selecting the best drum instructor for you can take some time but usually pays off many times over.