What’s the best way to learn drums? Here, San Diego, CA drum teacher Maegan W. explains the differences between the three paths you can take…
Do you want to learn drums, but aren’t sure which route to take? These days we are lucky enough to have many options, but having too many can also be confusing and overwhelming.
Let’s take a closer look at the three main options so you can figure out which one will suit your needs and goals the best. (HINT: You can use more than one)
1) In-person lessons. To me, learning in person from an experienced teacher is essential. There is no better way to quickly and efficiently progress than to have a coach who can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and put you on a path toward your unique goals. There is something magical about the “Sensei and grasshopper” relationship that cannot be fully experienced any other way than in person.
Remember, in-person lessons can be in the comfort and convenience of your own home, or at the teacher’s school or studio. Either way is equally effective, it just comes down to personal preference and resources.
2) Online lessons. There are so many ways to learn online today that not taking advantage of this amazing option will keep you in the dark about what’s going in the big world of drumming. Let’s look at a few ways to learn drums from online sources.
- Skype. Skype is the next closest thing to the in-person lesson, and can be very convenient, affordable, and effective. Often when a drummer gets a gig to tour and has to leave their students, they will continue Skype lessons so the students can continue to grow, without having to switch instructors or start all over. This option is also popular if you want to study with a teacher who lives far away, or is famous and doesn’t give in-person lessons.
- YouTube. I love learning from other drummers and seeing what creative ideas they come up with. It is amazing how many people are willing to give away their best secrets for free (usually hoping to obtain you as a student later). There is enough to keep you busy for a lifetime. Even after graduating Musician’s Institute, I continue to learn new fills, songs, and tricks from other drummers on YouTube. You can also learn a lot just watching for entertainment. The best part of YouTube is that drummers can build an online community. It is fun to meet other drummers around the world, and sometimes you can find great gig opportunities, too.
3) DIY. The do-it-yourself approach to my knowledge is the least effective. There are so many books, videos, and different things to know when drumming that you spend the majority of your time trying to figure out what to learn. When I first started playing the drums, this is the approach I took. I would listen to music and try to figure it out. Later, once I started taking lessons, I learned more in a few months than I was able to figure out in the years of trying on my own.
I hope this helped clear up some questions about the different approaches to learning the drums. Please feel free to comment, like, share, or leave questions below.
Looking for in-person or online drum lessons? Browse our drum teachers here!
Maegan W. teaches drums, songwriting, and more in San Diego, CA. She earned a degree in Percussion from the Musician’s Institute, and has been teaching private lessons since 2004. Learn more about Maegan here!
Photo by Andrew Imanaka
Suzy S.