Some questions about drum lessons.

What do you need to start beginner drum lessons? And at what age can I start?

The most basic set-up for a beginner drummer are drum sticks and a drum pad.  With this set-up drum teachers can teach the basic drum rudiments such as rolls, paradiddles, and rhymic figures like 16th notes and triplets.  This starter drum set-up will last for about 6 months of drum lessons.

If the students decides to continues with lessons ,then it will be time to rent or purchase a drum set also known as a drum kit.  The basic drum kit consists of a bass drum, snare drum, one rack tom, one floor tom or floating tom, one ride cymbal, one crash cymbal (sizes my vary but are usually between 16 to 20 inches, one hi-hat stand and two 14 inch hi-hat cymbals.  This would be considered a 4 piece kit drum kit as the cymbal and hi-hats are not usually counted as part of the kit.  Drum kits come in different sizes and can be classified as either rock kits or jazz fusion kits.    As well, cymbals can also come in different sizes and shapes also producing a multitude of sounds depending on where they are struck.  Drum shells are usually made of birch or maple.  Entry level drum kits can be made out of popular.  However, the student can compensate for the cheaper drum shells by upgrading to more expensive drum heads therefore improving the sound.

Electronic drum sets are available as well.  These drum kits have many advantages and features that are different that an acoustic drum set.  The biggest advantage to this drum kit is they can be used with headphones which can work well for some households. Also, the computer within the electronic drum set can produce different types of drums kits and drum sounds.  The drum student would strike drum pads much like the practice pads mentioned above.  These pads come in the roughly the same sizes as the acoustic drum kit.  However, they can be of either mesh or solid rubber.)  The more expensive the kit, the more options you have. 

The beginner drummer will also need a drummers thone or stool that can come with and without a back.  And most importantly, don't forget the drum sticks.  The standard size and weight for drum sticks are 7a's. These drum sticks are the most common size.

The best age to start drum lessons is around the age of 8.  Height will also need to be considered as the student should be able to reach the drum pedals as to make the most of the drum lesson.

If you'd like specific information on your drum set rental or purchase or if you'd like information on registering for drum lessons, just contact the Imagine Music Inc office.

Check out our drum teachers:

Peter Friesen