Learning to play drum set is like learning anything new. It requires time, attention, and (most importantly) a plan. Many drummers start on a drum set because they’re inspired by great music. When anyone hears “My Hero” by the Foo Fighters, they want to hit some drums! Education can focus that excitement into learning a skill, and this is a skill every drummer enjoys for a lifetime.
Why Drums? Why Now?
To simplify your drumming goals, think about why you want to learn drums. Did you enjoy watching musicians like Sheila E. wail on drums with Prince back in the day? Or do you find inspiration from an up-and-coming YouTube drummer now?
Figure out why you want to play. Use that to define your drumming goals. If you want to play a drum solo to a sold-out crowd, do it. Map out the baby steps to become the next Neil Peart, the late drummer of legendary prog rock band Rush. If the end goal is to play along to some classic tunes with ease, there are plenty of smaller steps to plot towards that goal too. Goals enable us to define steps towards generally becoming a better drummer.
"Figure out why you want to play. Use that to define your drumming goals."
Yearn to Learn Your Way
After establishing the why, identify the how. There are many ways to learn the drum set. If you’re a visual learner and get the most out of pictures and outlines, try instructional books. Learn best by listening, discussing, and repeating? Try YouTube or Zoom lessons. If you need a little more flexibility, try online learning platforms like Drumeo or Melodics. Prefer hands-on learning? Then there’s nothing better than in-person lessons with a pro. If you pinpoint your learning style, then you can dial in on how to become the drummer you want to be.
There’s No One Good Path, There Are Many
Just because you learn one way doesn’t mean that it’s the only way. Learn a little bit from every source you find interesting. The classic financial phrase, “diversify your investments,” comes to mind. In drumming, think about diversifying your learning styles.
Pulling knowledge from many places makes for a better musician. With an in-person instructor, you gain a better perspective on how to hold and throw a drumstick. Teach yourself with YouTube videos to stay up on the newest techniques and drumming fads. You can even learn something from hitting your kitchen pots and pans.
"Listen to music with care. Pick up all the nuances of the drum set."
Let’s explore the merit of the three teaching approaches above. Whether you try in-person instruction, self-teaching, or unique learning, you’ll gain something from each. This will help make for a well-rounded drummer in the end.
Reach The Right Teacher
Find a teacher that suits both your wants and needs. An educator should inspire a drummer week after week. In-person instruction also instills the basics of grip technique and how to throw a stick. It may sound silly, but this little bit of knowledge makes a big difference.
Bad habits make for bad outcomes. An improper grip can result in tendonitis of the wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s worth spending time with a pro to get hand technique dialed in. A good instructor will give feedback on the spot and ensure you have healthy hands for a lifetime.
Method to the Madness
Teachers often help students work through classic method books too. Select a teacher whose playing you connect with. This ensures you’ll enjoy method books created by drummers you’ll also connect with. Once you get down the basics of the books, then you’re ready for the stage.
In-person instruction may offer the chance to perform. Music schools and community bands often have regular recitals. This provides a chance to set a goal, prepare material, and perform. Performance may sound scary, but it builds confidence in any player, which is key to success.
If you live in a small town or rural area, there are plenty of great online learning alternatives. Consider Zoom or Skype lessons. It’s easy to find a great instructor on social media who teaches remotely. This doesn’t offer all the benefits of in-person learning, but the convenience can’t be beat.
"The one thing needed to find success is simple. Enjoy every moment."
Lean On Technology
A second path toward learning drums is self-teaching. Many drummers consider themselves self-taught, but it doesn’t mean they can’t play well. It doesn’t mean they’re poorly educated either.
Several top educators and education companies sport hefty video learning websites. On Drumeo, drummers can access video lessons from a host of drumming legends. Get much of the benefit of learning from a method book or a teacher, but get the freedom to learn when it’s convenient.
You don’t always have to pay for great learning material, though. Consider all the free drum lessons available on YouTube. Most companies that have paid drum lesson videos offer plenty of free content on YouTube. There are also hundreds of other reputable education-based channels on this platform too. Find someone you like and dig into their content.
Today, there’s even software to learn drums via connecting an electronic drum set to a computer, like Melodics. Whether by software or video, technology provides great learning tools. It centers learning on the basics and provides the freedom to explore music genres and styles you love.
Learn Anywhere and Everywhere
Improvised learning methods can be the easiest and most natural way to get started. My mother often reminds me that I used to practice drumming right at the kitchen table. I used spoons, fingers, and even my feet to rehearse beats and patterns before a meal. Believe it or not, that learning carried over perfectly onto my drum set.
You don’t even need a drum set or sticks to start learning. Simply hearing a beat or groove can be enough to get you started. Listen to music with care. Pick up all the nuances of the drum set. This can carry you pretty far.
"Every stroke of the drum is a learning experience and will carry you forward toward your musical goals and aspirations."
Whether you want to study with a teacher, YouTube, or by tapping the kitchen table, there are plenty of ways to learn drums. The one thing always needed to find success is simple. Enjoy every moment. Play along to beloved songs and records. Rock out a little bit with a drum solo. Every drum stroke is a learning experience and will carry you forward toward your musical goals and aspirations.
