Choosing the drums as a first instrument builds a strong foundation for rhythm, which is at the center of all music. When learning the drums, the student not only begins to grasp the instrument and its specific techniques, but also will get an insight in how to read music. Reading notation for drums is not much different from reading music for piano, guitar, bass or string and wind instruments. The basis acquired here will be helpful with all other instruments, too.
For many private drum students, their main goal is to be able to play along with music, learn songs and, eventually, to play drums in a band. The drums can be used as a solo instrument, but, usually, drums are an accompanying instrument, albeit a very important one. If the main foundation of a song is shaky, the whole song will suffer – and the first pillar of the rhythmic foundation is the drummer! Good timing and musicality is important – the drummer must be able to lead a band at times, but also be prepared to listen to his/her fellow musicians.
When starting to play the drums my students will learn how to hold a drum stick, get an introduction to snare drum exercises (rudiments) and how to play basic drum beats. My private drum students are often amazed that so many of the world’s greatest rock and pop bands use the most basic drum patterns. From many songs by AC/DC to “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz use drum beats, which all of my students have learned and will learn in the first two lessons – guaranteed!
Why Private Drum Lessons?
Learning any instrument in the comfort of your own home is a plus, but with the drums there are two additional, special reasons. 1. Every drum set is set up slightly differently, because there are so many variables – every stand can be adjusted in height, angle and placement. Every drum can be tuned differently, the student can sit higher or lower etc. The result is that no two drum sets are alike. Learning on her/his own drum set will make the private drum student feel more at ease. 2. In many music schools drum sets are not maintained properly and often the student is not able to really express him- or herself on the drum set, because other music students learn quieter instruments nearby. The drum set is a loud instrument, that is in its nature.
Electronic drums offer a good alternative to acoustic drums, especially for students whose neighbors live too close or are not fans of loud drum beats at all times of the day ;0) With electronic drum sets, the set-up can be intense, because cables are also used and need to be set up. As hinted at above, unlike most other instruments, the drum set does not come in one single piece, but is made up of various drums, some cymbals and hardware. To set up a drum kit for the first time can be quite intimidating and I am happy to help you set it up and also tune it. Un-tuned drums can sound quite abrasive and unruly. Using muffling and dampening is also helpful in making a drum set sound better and more controlled.
Starting Drum Lessons
The drums seem to be an instrument, which have a magic draw for many students. Rhythm and beat form the center of most music and it has been said that the drums were the first instrument, which human beings “invented” and used. Learning to play basic drum beats, snare drum rudiments and starting to play along with recorded songs and other musicians quickly will be my main aim when I teach you the first private drum lessons.