I’VE NEVER PLAYED AN INSTRUMENT BEFORE, IS THAT OK?

Yes. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even seen a real instrument before. It’s my job to introduce you to the drums and help you to feel comfortable and at home behind the drumkit. You’ll be playing your first beats in no time at all.

SHOULD I BUY A DRUM KIT?

This is not really a simple yes or no question. On the one hand of course you should if you would like to. On the other hand if you are just trying out the drums and you’re not sure whether you will continue learning, or maybe you don’t have understanding neighbours or simply don’t have the space/money for a drumkit then it is NOT essential right at the beginning.

There is plenty of learning you can do off the drumkit and you can always book some time in a rehearsal room if you want to practice on the real thing. If you book at certain times of day then reheasal studios will often give a reduced rate for drummers who want to practice.

Having said that, once you know you want to continue then it will become fairly essential to get your own kit or, at the very least, to make sure you have regular access to one.

SO WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

Well, as a bare minimum – you need absolutely nothing at all. In fact you can start learning right now! Visit the Just Hands section to get started. You don’t even need drum sticks!

If you are thinking of having regular lessons though then there are a few things you might find you need:

DRUMSTICKS

Having a pair of drumsticks is absolutely essential if you decide to learn how to play the drums. They are your point of contact with the instrument and to a large degree drumming is all about how well you can control the two pieces of wood in your hands so the sooner you have a pair the better!

Drumsticks come in many different shapes, sizes and weights. The best thing you can do is to go to a shop and try some out. Most instrument shops will have a little pad on the counter for people to try sticks on so even if you have no clue what you are looking for just try a few pairs and find something that feels comfortable to you. Essentially to start with you just need ANY pair of sticks, if you decide you don’t like them then you can adjust accordingly the next time you buy.

As a rough price guide – a good quality pair made by a reputable company such as Vic Firth, Vater or Pro-Mark, should cost you £7-11.

METRONOME

A metronome is a device that keeps a steady pulse by means of a repetitive clicking or bleeping sound to help with your timekeeping while practicing pieces or exercises.

To start I would recommend something fairly simple like this but of course you can spend more and get something more elaborate if you would prefer. You could also use a free online metronome such as this one or if you have a smart phone there are many free metronome apps available from your preferred app store. I find using an app great because you have it everywhere you go, perfect for those impromptu knee tapping sessions while waiting for the bus…

PRACTICE PAD/KIT

A practice pad or kit is used for quiet practice. A pad usually consists of a rubbery surface of some kind layered onto a flat piece of wood or plastic. They can come with or without their own stand, with a strap to attach to your thigh whilst sitting. A practice kit is a collection of pads on a frame enabling you to position different pads as if you were sitting at a kit.

Again, you can spend as much as you want on ever more elaborate practice kits and pads but there are many affordable options available both buying new or second hand.