5 Steps To Learning The Drums
Playing the drums can be easy
I started playing the drums when I was 11 years old and I am lucky to have had some great teachers and mentors who have inspired and encouraged me to constantly explore new ways to play the drums.
Learning the drums can be easy and creating a personal drum practice can help you stay focused and dedicated. One of the best pieces of advice I received from one of my drum teachers was that it is not necessarily about the amount of time you practice, but how you practice that really makes a difference. Having structure and focus for 30 mins can be more effective than playing aimlessly for 3 hours.
I find it very helpful when I make a plan for how I want to learn a new drum or decide to take my skills to the next level. Here are some of the steps I've taken, and I welcome you to add in your own here, too!
01
Pick a drum
If you don't know what type of drum you want to play at first, that's okay. There are so many different types and styles of drum to choose from, so I know it can feel overwhelming to pick just 1. I’ve played many different drums throughout different phases of my life and I’ve realized that I choose the drum I want to play based on 2 things.
The first way is based on how the drum makes me feel. If you pick one up or hear a specific drum being played, and it makes you light up and feel excited, then that might be the one for you. Choose a drum that really makes your heart sing! That way, when you start playing, you will more likely enjoy working through the challenges.
You could also choose which type of drum to play based on your current lifestyle and living situation. If you have access to a garage or practice room, then you might consider playing the drum set. If you live in an apartment, maybe consider a drum that takes up less space, like a snare drum or a djembe. If you travel a lot, think about drums that are easy to pack up and take with you on a trip, like a tongue drum or frame drum.
Either way, just make sure the drum you choose is one you want to dedicate a signifiant amount of time learning about.
02
Explore
Once you’ve decided on the drum you want to begin playing, start exploring on your own. It can be helpful to let your own intuition guide your playing at first. Play around with the drum and see what comes out naturally.
How many different sounds can you make? Are there certain areas of the drum that sound louder or softer when played? Can you play the drum with your hands or does it sound better when played with sticks, mallets, or a beater?
When you allow your curiosity to emerge you can start developing a deeper understanding of the drum. You might be amazing at what you learn by letting the drum be your first teacher.
Another area to explore is the background of the drum and the culture it originated from. Each drum has its own unique history and you can’t fully understand a drum until you know its story.
03
Find support and inspiration
Once you’ve explored enough on your own, find a drum community in your area. You can gain so much by playing with other people and in group settings. You can also consider taking private lessons to really improve your skills and technique. There are also many options for taking lessons online and you can find drum groups all over the world now, so don’t let your physical location limit you from exploring and learning.
It can also be helpful to find out who the leading exports and educators are who play the same drum as you. Having inspiration from others really helps fuel your motivation to get better and keep learning. Integrate what you learn from others, but remember to add your own style and personality to how you play.
04
Make a practice schedule
It’s important to be realistic about your practice schedule. Sometimes it’s easier to decide how many days you want to practice each week vs. a specific number of hours. Again, it’s not necessarily about the quantity vs. the quality of playing that determines how your skills improve.
A fellow drummer has told me that playing the drums for just 4 minutes a day can be enough to receive it’s healing benefits. Hopefully, you will enjoy playing for more than that and find a practice schedule that works for you.
There will inevitably be periods where you get off schedule, but the key is picking it up again when you feel motivated. There are periods where I play the drums 3-5 times a week and other times when I only play once a week.
05
Stick with it!
Dedicating time to learning the drums, or any instrument, takes a certain amount of discipline. It makes it easier when you really enjoy the drum you play and have established a relationship with it.
There are so many benefits associated with playing the drums. If you stick with it you will find that it not only provides you with a sense of satisfaction and joy, but a lasting friendship as well.
Once you’ve learned a few things, share it with others so they can be inspired, too! Let your drum’s voice be heard and continue to explore your own unique rhythms while playing!
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