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Learning Drums & What It Can Do
Starting drums at 30 may seem daunting, but it’s never too late to learn a new skill. In fact, many people have found that starting a new hobby later in life can be incredibly rewarding. Learning to play the drums can provide a sense of accomplishment and give you an outlet for creativity and self-expression.
Drums Later In Life
While some may argue that the best age to start playing an instrument is during childhood, there are advantages to starting later in life.
Adults often have more discipline and focus, which is really the best way to efficient learning. Additionally, adults have a better understanding of their own musical tastes and can tailor their learning to fit their preferences.
If you’re considering starting drums at 30, there are a few things to keep in mind. First thing first, it’s important to have realistic expectations.
Learning any new skill takes time and practice, and progress may be slow at first. However, with dedication and persistence, you can make significant strides in your drumming abilities!
Second, finding a good teacher or instructional program can be incredibly helpful. A knowledgeable instructor can help you develop proper technique and provide guidance on how to progress.
Why Starting Drums at 30 Is Beneficial
Starting to play drums at the age of 30 may seem like a scary thing (as I’ve said), however, it can be a great opportunity to explore a new skill and reap numerous benefits for mental health. Here are some reasons why it could be the best thing to do.
The Proof In The Data
Benefits for Mental Health
Playing drums can have a positive impact on mental health. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Drumming has been found to increase endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and decrease cortisol, which is a stress hormone. It can also improve focus and concentration, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Exploring a New Skill
Learning to play drums at 30 can be a good idea for those who want to explore a new skill. It can provide a creative outlet and a way to express oneself. It can also be a social activity, as drumming can be done alone or with others. Additionally, it can be a fun and challenging way to stay mentally sharp and physically active.
To sum that up, starting drums at 30 can be a good idea for those who want to explore a new skill and reap the benefits for mental health. It can be a fun and challenging way to stay mentally and physically active, as well as provide a creative outlet and a way to express oneself.
Getting Started – Don’t Fret!
Drums at 30 can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also be overwhelming, especially if you have no prior experience with playing any musical instrument. Here are some essential steps to help you get started on your drumming journey.
Choosing the Right Drum Set
When it comes to choosing a drum set, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, you need to decide whether you want an acoustic or electronic kit.
Electronic kits are quieter and more versatile, making them ideal for practicing at home. On the other hand, acoustic kits provide a more authentic drumming experience and are better suited for live performances. They also just feel way better to play!
Secondly, you need to consider your budget. Drum sets can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s essential to choose a kit that fits your budget without compromising on quality. You can always buy used and save a lot of money.
Finally, you should also consider the size of the kit. A smaller kit may be more manageable for new drummers, while a larger kit may offer more versatility.
It’s also important to choose a kit that fits your physical space and doesn’t cause any noise disturbance to your neighbors. A basic 4 or 5 piece should suffice until you get better and put in the habit of time behind the kit.
Finding a Good Teacher
Having a good teacher is essential for anyone starting to learn a new instrument, and drums are no exception. A good teacher can help you develop good habits, teach you proper technique, and guide you through the learning process.
One of the best ways to find a good drum teacher is by asking for recommendations from friends or family who play drums. You can also search for drum teachers online or through a local music school.
When choosing a teacher, it’s essential to find someone who has experience teaching beginners and who can tailor their lessons to your learning style and goals.
I’m available to help you on your drumming journey and have over 21 years of drumming experience with thousands of hours of practice.
Starting to play drums at 30 can be a fun and rewarding experience. By choosing the right drum set and finding a good teacher, you can set yourself up for success and make the most of your drumming journey.
Basic Techniques and Practice
Mastering Basic Beats
One of the first things a beginner drummer should focus on is mastering basic beats. These beats are the foundation of any drumming style and are essential to building a strong rhythmic foundation.
A basic 4/4 rock beat, for example, consists of a bass drum on beats 1 and 3, a snare drum on beats 2 and 4, and hi-hat cymbals played on all four beats. It’s important to practice these beats slowly and accurately, gradually building up speed as proficiency improves.
From there you can do all eight beats (eighth notes) on the hi-hats and start moving the kick and snare around as you build confidence.
Another important aspect of mastering basic beats is developing a strong sense of timing. This can be achieved by practicing with a metronome or drum machine, which will help develop a consistent internal sense of rhythm.
It’s also helpful to practice with other musicians, as this will help develop the ability to play in time with others.
Hand Technique and Drum Fills
Hand technique is another crucial aspect of drumming. Proper hand technique involves using a relaxed grip and using the fingers, wrist, and arm in a coordinated motion to strike the drum. This will help develop speed and accuracy, and prevent injury.
Drum fills are another important technique to master. These are short, improvised patterns played between basic beats, and can add excitement and variety to a drumming performance.
It’s important to practice these fills slowly and accurately, gradually building up speed and complexity. It also FEELS fantastic when you get drum fills down.
In order to develop proficiency in these techniques, it’s important to establish a regular practice routine.
This routine should include time for practicing basic beats, hand technique, and drum fills, as well as time for playing along with music and practicing with other musicians. With consistent practice, a drummer can develop the skills necessary to play any style of music with confidence and precision.
There are techniques/concepts like the Moeller Method, middle finger fulcrum, Finger control, push-pull, heel toe, etc. that can all help your drumming journey. They can create more efficient and effortless drumming if time is spent learning them properly.
Common Challenges and Overcoming Them
Time Commitment
Starting drums at 30 can also seem daunting, especially when it comes to finding the time to practice.
With work, family, and other responsibilities, it can be challenging to commit to regular practice sessions. However, it is essential to make time for practice, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes a day.
I am always a supporter of 15-20 minutes and you can see MASSIVE strides even with that amount. But… You will obviously see even greater strides the more time you put in.
One way to make time for practice is to schedule it into your daily routine. For example, you could set aside time before or after work, during your lunch break, or in the evening before bed.
It’s also helpful to have a designated practice space where you can keep your drum kit set up and ready to play. If you practice for a long time on a consistent basis, you will get better and FASTER! Great drummers will spend a lot of time behind their kits because they see the benefit.
Correcting Bad Habits
Another common challenge when starting drums at 30 and any age is correcting bad habits. It’s important to identify any bad habits early on and work to correct them to avoid developing bad playing habits in the long run.
One way to correct bad habits is to work with a drum teacher or mentor who can provide feedback and guidance. They can help identify areas where you need improvement and provide exercises to help you develop good playing habits.
Another way to correct bad habits is to record yourself playing and watch the footage back. This can help you identify any areas where you may be making mistakes or developing bad habits. You can then work on correcting these areas during your practice sessions.
I am also a fan of using a mirror when drumming. It helps you see areas in real time and can help you fix bad posture as well.
Overall, starting drums at 30 may come with some challenges, but with dedication, commitment, and a willingness to learn, it’s never too late to develop your drumming skills.
Progress and Long-Term Goals
When starting drums at 30, it’s important to set clear long-term goals to track progress and maintain motivation. Here are two key areas to focus on:
Playing Your Favorite Songs
Playing your favorite songs is a great way to stay motivated and measure progress. As you gain more experience, you’ll find that you’re able to play more complex songs with greater ease. It’s important to take note of this progress and celebrate small victories along the way.
To help with this, consider keeping a list of your favorite songs and tracking your progress as you learn them. This can be done using a simple spreadsheet or even a notebook. By tracking your progress, you’ll be able to see how far you’ve come and stay motivated to keep improving.
Continual Learning and Improvement
Learning to play the drums is a lifelong process, and there’s always something new to learn. Whether it’s a new technique, a new style of music, or a new piece of equipment, there’s always something to explore.
To ensure continual learning and improvement, it’s important to set aside time each week to practice and learn new things. This can be done by taking drum lessons, attending workshops or clinics, or simply practicing on your own.
By committing to lifelong learning and improvement, you’ll be able to stay motivated and continue to make progress over the years. With each new skill you learn, you’ll be able to add it to your repertoire and become a more well-rounded drummer.
Being Realistic About Playing Drums
In summary, tracking progress and setting long-term goals is essential for anyone starting drums at 30. By focusing on playing your favorite songs and continually learning and improving, you’ll be able to stay motivated and make steady progress over the years.
You just have to focus on the POSITIVE of the whole journey. You are learning a new skill and have to believe and be patient that you will acquire them over time. You can and WILL do it!
Going Forward With Your Drumming
What are your thoughts and worries of starting drums at 30? I know I mention it multiple times and it may seem scary, but I’m here if you have any questions! You’ve got this and I’m rooting for you!