Giving your child the chance to play a musical instrument is an investment that will benefit them in the long run. Even if they don’t end up committing to it, any brief encounter with music will have a lasting effect on their life! With the right training, they will have a deeper understanding of music and they will certainly have more appreciation for it.
With that being said, picking the right instrument for a child aspiring to play the drums can be a daunting task. There are hundreds of choices available to you, and finding the right kit for your child can be overwhelming. But have no fear – the following suggestions will point you in the right direction and hopefully make the process easier for you:
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Know your price range. First and foremost, you need to have a price range in mind before browsing drum sets. Kids’ drum sets are typically cheaper than regular drum sets, but prices can vary drastically. There are options available as low as $100 all the way up to over $1,000, depending on the brand, the materials used to make the kit, and the number of drums included, among other factors. While there are drum sets available for those on a lower budget, you can expect to receive better quality if you decide on a higher-end drum set; generally, spending around $300 will get you a decent kids’ drum set.
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What is the difference between a kids’ drum set and a regular drum set? Both types of drum sets are fully functional and will provide aspiring drummers with everything they need to make music. The most notable difference is that kids’ drum sets are, unsurprisingly, smaller. If the child you are purchasing the drum set for is tall for their age, you may want to consider purchasing a regular drum set – let them try out both and see which is more comfortable.
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Where can kids’ drum sets be purchased? Superstores like Walmart and Target usually carry kids’ drum sets, but if you want a drum set that will last, you are much better off visiting your local music store or ordering a kit online. If you do not have a local music store, Musician’s Friend and Guitar Center both offer easy online shopping.
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Decide how many pieces you want to be included in the drum set. Most drummers typically play a three- to five-piece drum set. If you are unfamiliar with drumming terminology, the number of pieces included in the drum set is just the number of drums. Most kits come with at least a kick drum, a snare, and one tom. Four- and five-piece kits usually include extra toms. It takes experience for a drummer to develop a preference as to how many pieces they like in their kit, so don’t worry too much about having enough drums – in fact, for beginning drummers, it’s usually better to start simple with a three- or four-piece kit.
Be wary of the details. A common mistake that many people make when first purchasing a drum set is that they don’t pay close enough attention to what is included in the kit, and consequentially they may end up purchasing one without all the necessary components. Aside from the drums themselves, a complete drum kit should have kick pedal, cymbals, cymbal stands, and a drum throne. Be aware that many drum sets do not include these necessary components. If you have your eye on a particular drum set that does not include them, know that they can be bought separately – just keep that in mind as you’re looking at the price.
Familiarize yourself with different drum brands. There are many brands out there that manufacture drum sets, and most of them make both kids’ drum sets and adult drum sets. While the brand shouldn’t be the deciding factor for your purchase, certain brands are certainly more prestigious than others. Ludwig, Sound Percussion, and Pulse are just a few popular brands that sell quality kids’ drum sets, but there are plenty of other options out there if you look for them.
Research potential drum sets that you are considering purchasing. Once you have a general idea of what you are looking for, don’t just go to the store and buy the first drum set that catches your eye. Especially with kids’ drum sets, some kits are not as durable and functional as others due to differences in quality. Before you make the decision to buy a drum set, do some research on it, and look at reviews and ratings. Obviously, if a drum set you are looking at is notorious for falling apart within the first month, it is more than likely not a good investment. Drums are an expensive hobby, so it’s better to start off with a kit that will last a long time rather than having to buy a new one because the first one broke.
Buying the right drum set for your child is not as difficult as it may seem. While there are lots of factors that go into the decision-making process, rest assured that whatever you purchase for your kid, they will probably love it! Learning an instrument is always exciting, and anything that allows them to channel their inner artist will work. With their own kit for practice and a teacher to guide them in the right direction, your child will have everything they need to become a drummer.
Photo by mikecogh
Suzy S.