~ Frequently Asked Questions
About Taking Drum Lessons ~
1 - I would
like to start taking drum lessons, what do I need to get
started ?
All you need to get
started is a pair of drum sticks and a beginners snare
drum book. A practice pad for home use is optional.
These items can be found at any music store near you. Prices will vary, but if purchased all at one time
the average cost is approximately $30.00 total
. (lessons not included)
2 - what's the best age to start taking lessons?
The typical age range is usually ages 8 thru adult. There are special programs and books available for pre school children
called kindermusic, but not all private music teachers offer this type of instruction.
3 - Once I start taking drum/music lessons, how often should I practice ?
The recommended practice time is 30 minutes (or more) everyday in a quiet area of your home with no distractions (if possible) .
This time frame will allow you to properly develop your reading and playing ability.
4 - The school my child attends offers free music lessons. what's the difference
between the free lessons offered at school and private lessons at home or a music store ?
The free lessons given at school are often done in group sessions of 2 and more students at a time. Its possible that
a student in group might not get the extra attention sometimes needed, where private lessons
offer a one on one session catering to the needs of each individual.
If your school offers these free lessons, it is recommended to take them as well as private instructions .
5 - How long should a student take lessons before they buy a snaredrum, or a drumset?
There really is no set time period. This would depend on the progress and interest of each student and
of course what the budget will allow. In general most students start out with a snare drum. However, brand new snare drums
can be a bit pricey so if cost is an issue and there are possible sound level restrictions where you live,
a great alternative would be to buy a practice pad . A practice pad is a wood block lined with rubber and usually cost less than $10.00.
Buying a drumset is generally the next step and is considered on the age and/or skill level of a student.
Another consideration is that when you buy a drumset, the snare drum is usually included so it pays to compare prices.
Another option is that some schools and music stores offer affordable equipment rental
programs as an alternative to buying new instruments.
6 - I purchased a drumset but I'm not sure where everything goes.
What's the correct way to setup my drumset?
Both images below show the correct setup of a typical 5 piece drumset with a ride cymbal and Hi Hat cymbals
for Right and Left handed drummers. The drum Throne (drum seat) and optional crash cymbals are not shown.
If you have more than one cymbal in your setup, The ride cymbal is easily identified because its usually
the largest (18 inches or larger). Any additional cymbals smaller than 18 inches are
considered crash cymbals and can be placed at different positions around the drumset.
7 - What kind of drum sticks should i buy? there are so many different kinds and sizes.
The recommended choices for beginners are: Size-5A for small hand yet has maximum taper for bounce and feel,
Size-5B slightly larger for medium hand yet same taper for bounce and feel,
Size-2B the largest and heaviest stick recommended for beginners. There are lots of brand names
to choose from and prices can vary anywhere from $2.00 pr. for no name sticks,
to $8.00 pr. (and up) for popular brand names.
The best way to check the quality of the sticks you buy, is to lay them on a firm and smooth surface ( like a glass top counter)
and roll them back and forth to see if it rolls evenly and that the wood has not warped or was poorly manufactured.
You should also check that they are the same length, usually 16" .
The more you spend the less flaws you should expect to see.
8 - I've heard about something called a Metronome but i'm not sure what it is, and do i need one?
A metronome is an electronic or mechanical device that beeps or clicks a steady beat and can be adjusted to different speeds
to produce what is called: beats per minute or BPM. A good example of beats per minute, is to look at a any clock with a second hand
and you will see it tick each second steadily for 60 seconds of each minute.
This could be considered 60 beats per minute if you played along with it.
A metronome can be an excellent practice tool for students to help them develop steady timing and increase speed
as well as dexterity by playing along with a steady beat. Prices for metronomes can start at
$12.00 for an electronic one, and can go well over $100.00 for a mechanical unit.
9 - Which drum book should i buy to get started playing?
A "basic snare drum method" book is recommended for younger students with a practice pad or snare drum to start out
with so they can get an understanding of the notes used and how to read them in music.
As well as the standard playing techniques used by drummers.
Adults or students that have purchased a drumset prior to taking lessons, can start out with a "Basic Drumset Method" book.
However, a drumset book may not cover all the fundamentals learned in the basic snare book.
Drumset students would benefit most by studying materials from both basic books.
While learning to read music is recommended for new students, depending on age group or specific goal oriented individuals,
its not always necessary in order to learn how to play the instrument.
There are also "teach yourself" books and video's, and online studies available as an alternative to taking private lessons.
However while most of these studies are very good and can tell you how to do it,
the benefit of private lessons is that an instructor can show you how to do it.
10 - I broke one of the heads on my drumset, how do i replace it with a new one?
The first thing you need is something called a "drum key". This is a small tool used to tune your drum or remove
the lug bolts (if needed) that hold the metal rim in place over the drum head itself. If you didn't get a drum key when you bought your snare or drumset,
you can purchase one at any music store for just a few dollars.
Before removing the lug bolts and rim from the drum, place the end of a tape measure on the inside edge of the rim and
on top of the head and measure across the drum head to the furthest point.
Round off the measurement to the closest inch, on a drumset the head sizes are commonly
12 in./small tom,
13 in./med tom,14 in./snare,16 in./floor tom,22 in./bass.
Once you have the correct measurement, remove the lug bolts from the drum and the metal rim and head will come right off.
The top head of a drum is called a batter head and the bottom head is called a resonate head (which are usually clear and made very thin).
So when you buy the new one, you want to make sure you get the right size and type.
Place the new head on the drum so it lays flat all the way around.Then put the metal rim on top and replace
the lug bolts and tighten by hand until they are all snug.
Check that the rim is even around the drum and not to tight on one side, then using the drum key tighten each lug 1/4 turn in
a criss/cross pattern until the wrinkles are out of the head, and you have the desired pitch.
Make sure as your tightening the lugs that the metal rim is even or you might damage the new head.
The best way to check that the rim is even, is to lay the drum on a hard flat surface and see if
it rocks back and forth anywhere on the rim. Any movement would indicate
the lug bolts are not adjusted evenly.
