There’s something universal, perhaps even primal, about drumming. Much like singing, drums are one of the few instruments one can begin to play without an instrument in hand. In fact, we all learn about rhythm the moment we first start clapping. For this reason, every drummer will at some point experience a first-timer asking to try out their kit. Oli Raud got a chance to revisit that visceral feeling with his children as they explored drumming together.
From Band Basher to Drumming Dad
When Oli’s musical journey began two decades ago he was a guitarist first. Indeed, he remains one today. However, while playing in bands during his youth, Oli became intrigued by drums. Soon, he was bashing them whenever an opportunity arose.
“When everyone else put their instruments down,” he recalls. “I would always shoot over to the kit and start playing.”
"They play off against each other and try to get the best score. Gamifying the whole process has been fun for them."
Oli’s story is a familiar one. A father of two who lives on a regular street returns to an instrument after a few years away. Electronic drums ticked boxes that deter would-be percussionists from purchasing an acoustic kit. Most notable of these are space and noise concerns.
The Biggest Difference
A few years back, Oli purchased a budget electronic kit. While it featured drum-shaped pads and had passable sounds, the set lacked one key thing. That missing factor is the all-important feeling of connection he remembered from drumming in his youth.
For Oli, the first noticeable difference with newer electronic drums like Roland V-Drums is their responsiveness. He feels the result is a cohesive playing experience, just as with an acoustic instrument. Oli says, “It feels like you’re playing the drums.”
"You don't have to tune them all the time, and you're not annoying other people in the household. That's been a game-changer in our house."
Sibling Rivalry and Gamifying Music
As a busy parent, the benefits of electronic drums at home are many. After some time jamming and getting acquainted with the new electronic drum kit, he found his children playing it as well. When they connected to a monitor, playing became a shared experience.
After an initial exploration of sounds, the family discovered that Coach mode provided a fun way to track progress. The function even inspired some friendly rivalry between the whole family. “They play off against each other and try to get the best score,” says Oli. “Gamifying that whole process has been really fun for them.”
A Game-Changer in the House
There are practical benefits as well. “You don’t have to tune them all the time,” he laughs. “You’re not annoying neighbors, and you’re not annoying other people in the household. That’s been a game-changer in this house.”
Moreover, unlike an acoustic kit, an electronic drum set integrates seamlessly into the family’s home. Oli and his children can jump between numerous preset kit sounds at the touch of a button. They can access music collection for jamming via Bluetooth. If the kids feel inspired, Oli can even record performances with a USB connection.
"I'm genuinely getting that eagerness to get back up and start practicing drums."
The kind of bonding that Oli and his kids experience together demonstrates how central learning music can be in our lives. Oli’s story began as a teenager when he was naturally drawn to try out the drums. Later, when he rediscovered his passion on an electronic set, it he had an opportunity to revisit those early memories in a new way.
Now, using a kit like the Roland TD-07KV, Oli can share the pure fun, excitement, and sense of achievement he gets from drumming with the whole family. In the end, it comes down to enjoyment for he and his children. “I’ve always loved drumming because it’s fun. I’m genuinely getting that eagerness to get back up and start practicing drums.”
