When can my child start drum lessons?
Our son John began drum lessons at the age of 3, and it was the best thing we have ever done. While many sites, friends, and even teachers will say that most children can start learning the drums at around 6 or 7, the reality is that there are many benefits for younger kids to learn too. Keep in mind though, you are never too old to learn, and many of the world’s best drummers didn’t start learning until well into their teenage years.
Fun Facts!
The drums are the most universal instrument found throughout the world, and are used for a variety of purposes in many different cultures. When your child starts learning the drums, you are actually opening them up to a world of learning opportunities, new friends, cultures, and even languages! Younger children in particular benefit from a range of positive cognitive, behavioural, and emotional skills that come as a result of learning to play the drums.
Some Signs That Your Child is Old Enough to Learn the Drums
Many parents wonder, and we were very much in the same boat, “how do you know when a child is ready to learn the drums?” It comes down to two simple rules - so don’t overthink it.
Does my child have the patience, and willingness to learn?
Will my child listen to instructions from others?
The drums are one of the most rewarding instruments for young learners, but don’t listen to what many others tell you - the drums are NOT one of the easiest instruments to pick up, and like any instrument will be frustrating, and require a level of patience. It took my son, for example, 3 weeks to learn a single bar rhythm! So before throwing your child into lessons, it is important to prepare them for what they'll need to learn, and get them to understand that it is a commitment.
Tips for Young learners Beginning the Drums
Drum size. While it makes it easier for young learners to adjust, or have mini-drum kits, this is actually not required. In fact, in our experience, these mini-kits were a complete waste of time, money, and if anything promoted bad technique. More important than the drum-kit itself, is the height of the throne/seat for young learners.
Get a properly sized drum throne. The drum throne should be at a comfortable height, and easily adjustable. If you find a good teacher, this should be part of their setup. It is worth noting that a good throne will last years, so if you are investing in a kit for your child, don’t skimp on the place where they sit! It can have major implications for posture, technique, and their enjoyment!
Focus on the basics. When beginning, students should focus on getting the basics perfected as opposed to just playing fast. Having a rock solid foundation with rudiments, and basic grooves, is like learning how to play chords and scales. Learn these, and you can play anything! Focusing on the basics has a number of added benefits, including teaching your child patience, and resilience.
Practice Pads. If you live somewhere where noise will be a problem, practice pads along with low volume cymbals and drum heads will help keep the sound levels manageable. Personally we have never used these, and I would advise use with caution. If you are buying practice pads, invest in good ones. The feeling of hitting practice pads, or even electric kits, is very different to an acoustic kit, especially the cheaper plastic ones. This can have a serious impact on a student’s technique, and even be quite bad for their wrists. There are also specialist sticks for electric kits, and practice pads. Your drum teacher should be able to advise you on the most appropriate type of sticks to use.
Protect your ears!! Hearing protection is critically important with drumming, and there are many different levels of hearing protection available depending on the needs of your child. We invested early in quality headphones and we all have our own pair neatly placed on hooks in the studio (Drumming will make you OCD). My son currently uses either Bose QC35s while amplified (which seem to fit his ears really well), or simple gardening ear protection headphones while playing without amplification.
Don’t use kids sticks. Kids sticks suck. They are poorly balanced, and will ultimately create bad habits. Instead, get a decent pair of 7A sticks. Your drum teacher should be able to advise you on what brands, types are best suited. If you are using an electric kit, then there are sticks that are best suited to the artificial bounce etc.
Mr Cool Playing the Drums