What to Prepare for Drum Lessons

So, what do you need to get started with learning and playing the drums?

Often, the first question that arises is something like:

"So, I guess we need a drumset at home, right?"

Well, yes and no. Having drums at home certainly helps, but not everyone has access to them or the ability to produce so much volume without driving their neighbors or pets crazy! 

There are a few options:

A. A real, acoustic, wooden drumset with sound-dampening pads for the drums and cymbals

This is the most practical choice as the student has the drums available for performances or occasional, real-feel situations. Meanwhile, during practice, the drums are covered with sound-off or sound-dampening pads (thick, mousepad-like material) that significantly reduce playing volume. 

B. An electronic drumset made of mesh or rubber pads with headphones or an amplifier

Many students prefer this option for at-home practice, as the sound of the drums is similar to real drums, though it doesn't feel like hitting real drums. However, silent play, along with the ability to easily play along with tracks, is something students really enjoy. 

C. A rubber-padded practice kit that doesn't produce any sound

These practice drumsets are often used by seasoned drummers for warming up backstage. However, they don't produce any sound and cannot be used for performances. Still, they are inexpensive, low-volume options.

D. Practicing on acoustic drums in a rental studio

While this is fantastic for band rehearsals and rehearsals before a recital, it can be costly over a long period of lessons. Still, it is a way for the student to practice on the real thing with the guarantee of not bothering anyone. 

It's also possible to buy low-volume cymbals (cymbals cut with hundreds of tiny holes to feel like real cymbals but produce little volume) or cover acoustic drums with towels or soft materials. Improvising with what you have is always encouraged!

When you do buy drums (if you don't have any already), make sure the drums come with:

1. A snare drum (backbeat drum with wires underneath)

2. A bass drum (the large drum sometimes called the kick drum)

3. A hi-hat stand (cymbal stand with a foot pedal)

4. Any number of other cymbal stands (for crash cymbals or a ride cymbal)

5. A bass drum pedal (sometimes called a kick drum pedal)

6. A snare stand (for the snare drum to sit on)

7. Any number of toms and their mounts (drumsets often come with either one or two rack toms mounted onto the bass drum and a floor tom with three legs)

8. A drum throne (the drum chair or seat)

Please keep in mind that drumsets are often advertised, in photos, with cymbals. However, usually, drumsets DO NOT come with cymbals. Cymbals are often purchased separately. It is recommended to buy (with an acoustic drumset):

1. A pair of hi-hat cymbals (two cymbals on top of each other)

2. At least one crash cymbal (a downbeat cymbal)

3. A ride cymbal (typically the largest one)

While we do not need all of these things to practice and learn at home, having at least most of these items will be a great help when studying and performing. 

"Can we use any pair of drumsticks?"

Absolutely. Drumsticks are a drummer's personal choice. While there are hundreds of variations, drumsticks often come in sizes of:

7A (the smallest, common with jazz drummers)

5A (the next size up, the most popular size, and often used in pop, rock, and funk)

5B (the next size up, popular with hard rock drummers or drummers that want more weight)

2B (nearly the size of marching sticks commonly used by heavy metal drummers)

As mentioned, there are variations and custom options in between all of these. For most of my life, I played 5A sizes or variations of a 5A. These days, I play a Los Cabos maple 5B, which is more stick but with less weight.

That's right. There are several wood options as well:

Hickory (the most common and balanced weight)

Maple (lighter and denser with more stick but less weight)

Oak (a very strong wood, but also heavier)

Again, these are not the only options, but any of these is a safe choice. 

"What about drum books?"

I would love to look over whatever you have, but the book we use will depend on the student's current level and goals. A lot of the material I use will be handwritten and customized for the student. However, I am often a fan of:

FastTrack Music Instruction Drums Book 2 (a beginner to lower-intermediate drumset method book)

Hal Leonard Drumset Method Complete Edition (good for beginner to advanced)

Tommy Igoe Groove Essentials (for basics of all styles of music)

We will also use a variety of books and documents for the daily study of rudiments, reading, and technique. It's recommended to track all of these in a binder, folder, or notebook to help the student and teacher stay organized.

However, when it comes to choosing music to learn for recitals or personal development, that is between the student and teacher. We will either use self-made or previously arranged transcriptions. Together, we will also learn about and make "quick-charts" for guides on how to make it through songs that must be learned for last-minute performances. 

I hope you found this brief guide helpful. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Happy drumming! -RH