Drums are one of the first instruments a child wants to play. In fact, drumming is one of the oldest and most exciting forms of music! From ancient times, people have used drums to communicate, celebrate, and tell stories. As time went on, drums became an important part of music in different cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, people used drums in parties and ceremonies, while in Europe, drummers added exciting beats to military marches and fancy dances.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and drumming took an amazing turn! Jazz musicians began to play complex rhythms, and the drum kit was born, combining many drums and cymbals. Drummers like Buddy Rich dazzled audiences with their skills!
With the birth of rock and roll, drummers became stars too! They helped shape the sound of the music we love today, playing catchy beats that get everyone dancing. Modern drumming also includes styles like hip-hop and electronic music, showing that the beat never goes away!
So, whether you're tapping on a table, playing a drum, or dancing to your favorite song, remember: drumming is a fun way to express yourself and keep the rhythm alive!
Not only is it great fun and very rewarding, but learning to play drums is good for your child! Taking drum lessons offers a wealth of benefits that extend beyond learning to play the instrument.
First and foremost, drumming serves as an excellent outlet for stress relief, allowing individuals to channel their emotions through rhythmic expression, leading to improved mental well-being. Additionally, drum lessons foster discipline and patience, as mastering the drums requires consistent practice and dedication. Socially, drumming can bring people together, whether through group classes or jam sessions, encouraging teamwork and communication skills.
Furthermore, drumming enhances cognitive abilities, improving memory and concentration skills as students learn complex rhythms and patterns.
Drumming develops coordination and motor skills, engaging both the mind and body in a way that promotes overall physical fitness.
To sum it all up, taking drum lessons not only cultivates musical talent but also enriches personal growth, fostering creativity and confidence in students of all ages.
What Your Child Will Learn in Drum Lessons. In drum lessons, your child will learn a variety of essential skills that will benefit them both musically and personally. They will grasp fundamental drumming techniques, including proper grip, posture, and stick control, which establish a solid foundation for playing. As they progress, they will explore different styles of music, learn to read sheet music, and develop their sense of timing and rhythm through engaging exercises, practice routines, and playing a variety of styles of music.
Beyond technical skills, drumming offers numerous personal benefits. It cultivates discipline and commitment, teaching your child the value of practice and perseverance. Drumming also enhances coordination and fine motor skills, as they synchronizes their hands and feet to create beats. Additionally, this musical experience fosters creativity and self-expression, allowing them to communicate emotions through rhythm. Participation in group classes or ensemble performances encourages teamwork and social interaction, helping them build friendships and confidence. Ultimately, these lessons will not only nurture musical talent but also contribute to overall growth and well-being.
Begin the journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you recommend for children younger than 7 years of age who want to learn drums?
We recommend that children younger than seven years of age start in our Kindermusik program. There are several reasons for this:
-
In Kindermusik your child will learn to play percussion instruments with a steady beat both individually and in ensembles. They also learn to read the music for over a dozen songs and play them on the glockenspiel - a percussion instrument that helps children learn proper mallet technique and reading and playing rhythms.
-
Kindermusik graduates have learned to read and write music notation. With this background, your child will be able to focus on the physical process of playing the drum. Learning the drums will be more fun, more successful, and much less stressful because they can focus their full attention on what they are doing and not try to figure our how to read the music at the same time.
-
Sitting quietly on a drum throne and focusing for 30 minutes in a private lesson is often difficult for young children. Kindermusik is an active learning experience that teaches music reading and instrument play through the power of music games, creative movement, and musical story telling. This fosters a love for music that your child will carry with them as they continue their journey into a life of music making.
Do we need to have a drum kit at home?
You do not need a full drum kit to start.
For beginners, a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks are sufficient at first. As your child advances, consider investing in:
An acoustic drum kit: Great for sound quality but require more space, more maintenance, and a place where the loud sounds will not be disruptive.
An electronic drum kit: Good for apartments and homes without a separate practice space since they can be played quietly with headphones.
Our Drum Teacher
Mark Stever
Mark is an accomplished professional drummer and an experienced teacher. "There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the spark of rhythm ignite in a student's eyes. Teaching drums isn't just about technique, it's about sharing the joy of creating music together."