How long does it take to learn drums? Find out the reality in this guest post by Seattle, WA drum teacher Mason L...
If you’re like most people, you think that it takes a long time to learn how to play the drums. In reality, however, anyone can learn how to play the drums in a relatively short amount of time if they have the right instruction.
Drums are an extremely versatile instrument that can be used in a wide range of musical styles, so learning how to play them can open up a whole new world of music for you.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips on how to quickly and easily learn how to play the drums. Stay tuned!
Is it Hard to Learn to Play the Drums?
Playing the drums is a skill that can be learned relatively easily, especially when compared to other instruments. Here are a few reasons why:
- The drums are a very physical instrumen – people who are not mechanically inclined can still excel at playing them.
- They do not require a great deal of precision or timing, which means that even people with limited musical experience can quickly learn the basics.
- There are only a limited number of notes that need to be memorized – many famous drummers have only ever learned a handful of basic beats.
- People who are not naturally gifted musicians can still become proficient drummers with relative ease.
- Playing the drums is simply fun!
There is a reason why so many kids gravitate towards the drums when they first start experimenting with music. They are loud, they are energetic, and they allow players to let loose and express themselves in a way that other instruments do not always allow.
For all of these reasons, learning to play the drums is not as hard as it may initially seem. If you’re still feeling intimidated, though, it’s a good idea to sign up for drum lessons. You’ll learn everything you need to know in order to get started, like what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwKF7LiXW3I
How Long Does it Take to Learn to Play the Drums?
Many of my new drum students ask me this question a few weeks into their lessons: “How long does it take to learn the drums?” The answer to that question depends on what you’re trying to get out of drumming. If you want to master a few songs and beats, it might take a couple months; if you want to be reliable and confident enough to be in a band, it might take a year or two. But the great drummers we all look up to, the ones who have great careers as drummers, see drumming as a lifelong journey of constant learning. There are so many drumming techniques and styles that even if you master rock drumming, or swing harder than Tony Williams, there is still so much to learn.
My students usually ask me this question with a concerned tone, as they’re struggling with a concept we’ve been working on. Just like anything else you learn to do, sometimes you can feel uninspired, or maybe you feel stuck. Everyone has this feeling at some point, whether you’re just beginning to learn drums, or you’ve been drumming for a long time. Over the years, I’ve noticed some things about the way I learn to drum, the way I practice, and the way I handle adversity.
Set Reasonable Goals
One big mistake that students make is that they bite off more than they can chew in the practice room. For example, my current long-term goal is to become a better jazz drummer, but my goal isn’t simply “learn how to jazz drum.” My current goal is to develop my right hand to play a swing ride cymbal pattern consistently and quickly; more precisely, I’m working on playing a swing ride cymbal pattern at half note = 140. Setting goals is one of the keys to being successful, but if you set your goals too broadly, you might frustrate yourself by trying to handle too much at once. If you set smaller goals, you’ll make progress faster than if you set larger goals, and you’ll notice yourself improving when you see that you’ve completed your goal.
Be Strategic About Your Practice
The strategy of your drum practice is just as important as the amount of time you practice. Before you sit down in the practice room, you should decide what you are going to work on, and how long you’re going to work on it. Maybe you have three different things to accomplish; plan out exactly what you’re going to do and how long you’ll be doing each of the three things. It’s possible to waste a lot of time finding materials, thinking of what to do, and just jamming. If you’re drumming without a recording, always practice with a metronome. And make sure to learn about the way you practice and find the amount of time you can focus and work. I work best in small amounts of time with short breaks in between; I can cram and practice for large chunks of time, but only rarely. Figure out what works best for you.
Give Yourself Time to Improve
Remember that it takes time to learn drums well. When you feel like you haven’t made a lot of progress recently, check your list of goals to see what you’ve accomplished. If you have the gear, you can record yourself with an audio recorder or a video camera. It’s a little strange to watch or listen to yourself at first, but reviewing recordings is one of the least forgiving, quickest ways to find your weak areas and improve them. When you need a break from working, go back to lessons you’ve already worked through or songs you can play and remember what it feels like to be comfortable behind your instrument. If you’re spending a good amount of time drumming, and you have good practice habits, you’re probably making progress.
How Long Should I Practice Drums a Day?
Drummers are some of the most important people in a band. They provide the beat that the rest of the band follows and helps to set the tone for the music. As such, it is important for drummers to practice their craft on a regular basis.
But how much practice is enough?
The answer may vary depending on the person, but most experts recommend practicing for at least 30 minutes a day. This gives you enough time to warm up and work on basic techniques, while also allowing you to focus on more difficult pieces.
Of course, you can always practice for longer if you have the time and energy. Just be sure to take breaks every so often to avoid burnout.
By following these guidelines, you can make the most of your practice time and become a better drummer in the process.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Drum Rudiments?
Drum rudiments are the foundation of drumming technique.
They provide a solid framework for developing speed, coordination, and stamina on the drums. While it may seem like a daunting task to learn all 40 of the standard drum rudiments, the reality is that they can be learned relatively quickly with the proper approach.
A good starting point is to break down the rudiments into groups of four and practice them gradually, increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable with each one. Once you have mastered the basic rudiments, you can move on to more advanced techniques such as triplets and paradiddles.
With a little practice, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can master the art of drumming.
Can You Learn Drums in a Year?
It is certainly possible to learn drums in a year, but it will take dedication and practice. And when it comes to how long does it take to learn drums well, you really don’t want to rush things.
The first step is to find a good teacher who can give you a solid foundation in the basics. Once you have a grasp of the fundamentals, you can begin to practice regularly. It is important to set aside time each day to practice, and to make sure that you are practicing correctly.
You should also try to play with other musicians as often as possible, as this will help you to develop your skills and learn new techniques. With consistent practice and a positive attitude, it is definitely possible to become a proficient drummer within a year.
Music takes a lifetime to master, but you don’t have to be a master to enjoy music. Beginners can enjoy playing music and listening to music just as much as the experts. With time and good practice habits, you can make progress quickly and efficiently. And, in the grand scheme of things, making progress feels just as good as playing drums.
Drumming is a skill that can be learned relatively quickly with the right instruction. By following these tips, you should be able to get started on your own and begin making music sooner rather than later. Of course, taking drumming lessons is one of the best ways to expedite your progress, too.
Have fun and keep practicing!
Mason L. teaches drums in Seattle, WA. He received his Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from University of North Texas and has been teaching students since 2011. Learn more about Mason here!
Photo by aresauburn™
Suzy S.