Do you like the drums? You want to start playing, but you don’t know where to start? Now’s the time to take drum lessons!
Distinct and captivating, filled with dynamic rhythms: the drums are truly a fascinating instrument! Playing the drums means knowing how to combine softness with energy, coordinating each element to produce a harmonious sound. The drummer’s role is essential, because it is the metronome for the whole orchestra. The drummer supplies the rhythm for the whole band!
1. Take drum lessons
Many people try to take up the drums on their own, they may sound okay, but they will eventually stagnate. Those who try to “wing it” on their own, may take months to understand the basic principles that a teacher could show you in just a few lessons. . The surest way to success is with the help of an accomplished drum teacher.
Don’t have the time? Try taking an evening class, or sessions adapted to your individual timetable.
Advantages of drum lessons:
- A solid base and rapid improvement
- A tried and true pedagogical method (almost all the famous musicans have gone this route)
- An accompaniment tailored to your particular needs (your drum teacher will help you discover and identify your own style)
- Greater versatility
- An in-depth study of rhythm structure (by learning to read drum music notation, you will be able to compose your own pieces)
- Learn musical notation (an asset for all musicians)
- Your teacher will correct you, teach you technique and timing, and give you tips to help you continually improve
2. Et aside time for practice
Be serious about practicing. To quickly synthesize the lessons learned from your teacher, it is essential to practise daily. Take your practicing seriously, and organize your schedule so that you have time to devote to your playing. The more time you spend on an exercise, the faster you will master it. Give yourself the time you will need. There is no pre-determined amount of time—it all depends on you!
3. Invest in a metronome
A metronome may not be the most fun purchase you will ever make, but it is certainly one of the most important! To work on your timing, train yourself to always play with a metronome. Start with 60 beats per minute, until you find YOUR rhythm. It may seem complicated at first, but you will see an amazing improvement as you continue to practice. As you learn your exercises, you can increase the speed and start having fun!
4. Important! Adopt the proper posture right from the start!
Bad habits are hard to break. Finding the correct posture right from the beginning is important for your comfort and also for your back! Your success depends on your posture—you will need it to be able to play longer and feel comfortable behind your kit.
LAST TIP: Record your playing, right from the start, in order to really follow your progression. Ask yourself these questions:
What do I need to work on?
What doesn’t sound quite right on the recording, that I didn’t notice while I was playing?
Where can I improve?
By recording yourself, you will have an audio library of your own, to check your percussion progress.
