How Do I Start Learning Drums?
How do I start learning drums is a big question. There used to be a simple answer to that question, which was find your local music shop and take some lessons. But, with the internet there are so many avenues to learn the drums. With the vast array of information on the internet and countless drummers teaching on YouTube, the question is…where do you start?
✅First…Where Not to Start!
Now first off, I do not recommend learning the drums on YouTube. YouTube is good for learning how to fix random things around your house or little tasks that you need to figure out just that one time and the occasional cool drum beat. But drumming is a continuous process that requires structure. And most channels on YouTube do not provide a structured approach to learning.
From my experience, it is random drumbeats that each drummer knows how to play or it’s their coolest beats. Sometimes they are there just to show off the technicality of the drumbeat.
And then you have the distraction of multiple videos being suggested that do not even match the current video you are learning from. You could be learning a simple rock drumbeat and YouTube will suggest an advanced funk groove video right after. This takes you off of your learning path and causes confusion on how to progress from your simple drumbeats to the next concept.
🥁A Tried and True Method
So how do you get started playing drums? The tried and true method will always be private drum lessons with a dedicated instructor. This is usually done through your local music store or teaching facility. Now, with the internet you have the option for online lessons.
Online lessons give you the option to look outside your local music stores and teaching facilities and find an instructor that is the best fit for you. This could even be from your favorite drummer on YouTube if they offer private online lessons. This is a different approach than learning directly on YouTube.
A good instructor will be able to adapt to your learning style and your specific coordination needs. Not everyone learns the same way or at the same speed. Though we all get to the same place at some point, which is being able to play the drums with confidence and musicality.
At The Xgroove you have the option of In-Person or Online lessons with me (Chad Peters). I am a coordination specialist that can pinpoint the exact areas that you need to work so that you can progress on the drums fluently.
💻Online Courses and Curriculum
Another way to start playing drums is through online courses and curriculum. This can be a valuable source for people who like to learn at their own pace.
Some of us learn slower or faster and this option gives you the freedom to take your time with each concept you are learning or to push forward if you feel that you can handle more drumbeats or drum fills.
When looking for online courses, look for a beginner-friendly approach that will pave the way for progression in your drumming. The lessons and concepts must be relatable to the previous lessons. This is to make sure that everything you learn in your process can be combined with each other. This will build a strong foundation in your drumming and create flow for your creative process.
The Xgroove Flashcard System is a structured online course that not only comes with the physical product but also includes:
Full video playthroughs of every flashcard
A 13-page PDF lesson guide to teach you how to read music
Tips and tricks to help you with every drumbeat
🎯The Real Answer
In most cases private one-on-one lessons will be the best fit for everybody to at least get a good start.
After that, some people might have enough understanding of how to play and read music that they can jump to an online course and learn that way. And in some cases, a mix of both online course material and in-person lessons will work best for you.
At The Xgroove, I can get you started playing on the right path with a structured curriculum. I teach with The Xgroove Flashcard System, this keeps the whole system of learning streamlined so that what you learn in the lessons with me is reinforced by the videos in the flashcard course. So, you get the best of both worlds here!
About The Xgroove
Chad is an ambidextrous extreme drummer out of Las Vegas NV. Blending dynamics, tight grooves, and a deep understanding of rudiments, Chad's innovative approach pushes the boundaries of drumming, creating captivating phrasings through the seamless combination of hands and feet. Join Chad Peters on his mesmerizing musical journey and witness the boundless possibilities of drumming.
