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Frequently Asked Questions:

What equipment do I need to get started?

Although my program is geared toward proficiency on a full drum set, some of the skills necessary to achieve this can be learned on a practice pad and this would be the least costly way to begin. In this scenario, the cost would be approximately $25.00-30.00 for the pad and $10.00 for a pair of sticks. In the future, I will ask you to purchase an advanced stick control method book which is available online or in local music stores for around $15.00. Lastly, a metronome will be needed and can be found locally or online for as little as $10.00. If you have a computer or phone in your practice space, you can use a free metronome software program or download an app on your phone. This is an excellent way to get started for someone who is just "testing the waters" to see if drumming is in fact something they will really enjoy and continue with before investing in a complete drum set. Historically, some of the greatest

drummers started out with just a snare drum or practice pad and many of the pioneers in the development of drum method insisted that their students spend at least a year at this before considering the drum set.


If you choose to start out with a full drum set, several options are available. There are several manufacturers of "starter level" drum sets and many of the big-name brands offer a starter level line. In this category, new sets will range from around $300.00 to $800.00. Alternatively, one can often find a good used set on Craigslist, etc. with the possibility of getting a higher quality set within the new starter set price range. There is also the option of electronic drums. These too will range in price as above. Although I prefer the acoustic drums, an advantage to electronic drums is that they're virtually silent and can be used with headphones in the event that noise levels in a neighborhood or apartment are a consideration. New, fully equipped professional level acoustic sets typically cost $3500.00 and up and the electronic sets around $1500.00 and up. Feel free to call me for guidance in choosing specific equipment.

How often do I need to practice?

I ask my beginning students to commit to a practice schedule of at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. This will assure steady progress at the beginning level. It is important to keep in mind that the worlds master musicians may practice over 8 hours a day and be performing several hours, several days a week -- That's a lot of time at the instrument! The truth is that the amount of practice you need will depend on your desire to achieve your goals. Our first lesson will include an exploration of those goals.

Do I need to have a natural talent to be able to learn to play the drums well?

Throughout human history, there have been examples of people who have achieved seemingly super human status in their field of endeavor. This is certainly the case in the history of drumming. Generally, what we see first is the awe inspiring performance of such an individual. Often, we fail to consider the process of maturation that lead to the ability to execute such performance. We are left with the impression that there must be some magical quality inherent in that person. The real "magic" is in the constellation of elements that went into that process of maturation. Examples of these elements are Patience, Drive, Perseverance, Goal Setting, Research and the Willingness to Accept and Overcome mistakes and obstacles.


The set of skills required in modern drumming is multifaceted; you are likely to have strengths in some areas and challenges in others initially. My experience, as corroborated by other teachers, is that a small percentage of students will go on to make a pioneering career as a drummer and a very small percent will display no aptitude at all. The vast majority of students will find the drum set to be a very accessible instrument and be able to play along with songs of their liking within a few months. If you really fall in love with drumming and can devote a significant amount of time to study the art, there's no need to conceive of a limit to what you can achieve. 

What is the best age to start lessons?

Over the years, I have found that I am confident that I can make good progress with the majority of students age eight and up. I am willing to accept students under eight on a trial basis. I've had some young students, as young as four, who were able to remain attentive and progress and some who did not maintain interest enough to benefit from instruction. It's a very individual thing. There are cases of drummers who started as young as two and have gone on to do amazing things. I think a key factor in such unique cases is that the child was surrounded by music and performers. If you have a young child who seems to be interested in drumming, my recommendation is that you get them near a drum set. Most music stores will have junior size drum sets on display that you can sample. See how they take to it. The internet has an abundance of videos of drummers performing; show some to your child. See how they react. If they display sustained interest, lessons may be appropriate. Children have a visceral approach to learning and I use a modified form of my program that emphasizes modelling, imitation and parental participation.

Do I have to read music to take lessons?

You do not have to be able to read music to start lessons but, as a student with me, you will certainly learn to read drum music. There seems to be a myth that drummers don't read music. It's probably based on the fact that the drum set is not a melodic instrument and so we are not generally concerned with pitch and scales. However, drums are certainly a rhythmic instrument and drum music is conventionally expressed in written notation - we just use the staff differently. I've met a lot of people who initially feel that learning to read might be difficult and unnecessary. If you're reading this, you have learned English, a very complicated language. By comparison, rhythmic music notation is a simpler language and is based on simple fractional math. Nothing to fear. In your lessons, written notation will serve as a way to visually perceive complicated patterns that would be tough to understand and remember by just hearing them. As a reader, you will have access to a wealth of instructional literature for drums. If you go on to play professionally in situations that require sight reading, you'll be glad you learned to read early on.

Can I learn to play drums on my own from books, DVDs or YouTube?

There are quite a few very excellent instructional books and DVDs available for the study of the drum set. Most include in their preface a statement to the effect that "These exercises should be learned under the guidance of a qualified instructor for best results." The reason for this suggestion is that there are subtle nuances to the proper execution of the many aspects of drumming. Also, to complicate matters, since the drum set is a fairly young instrument, there are a variety of methodologies in circulation and some may seem to contradict others. Regarding YouTube, I'll say I've seen some excellent instructional clips and some that leave much to be desired. It's a place where you can pick up some good tips and some bad habits as well. Use caution.


Over the years, I've met a lot of students who were self taught with varying results. Almost invariably, we needed to spend time undoing bad habits.

My recommendation is that, if for any reason it is not possible to take lessons, do make the investment in some good instructional media and take the time to make sure you understand what you are viewing and that you are physically executing it properly. It would be a good idea to take a few lessons early on, if possible, to get clear on some of the fundamentals such as proper grip of the sticks and hand and foot control. 

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