What To Expect at Your First Drum Lesson

Getting to Know the Drum Set

Are you getting ready for your first-ever drum lesson? It can be a bit intimidating, but it's also a lot of fun to learn the basics of playing the drums. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s what you should expect at your very first drum lesson. 

At your first drum lesson, your teacher will orient you to the drum set. There are a few basic components to a typical drum set - a bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat, and cymbals. Your teacher will explain the differences between each one and show you how they all work together. You'll learn about how to position the drums so that it's comfortable for you and also how to adjust the settings to get the best sound quality from the set. Your teacher may also explain the different kinds of drumsticks you can use, and which type is best for the style of music you're going to be playing.  

Picking Up Your Drum Sticks

Once you have the basics of the drum set down, it's time to start learning how to play. Your teacher will show you the proper technique for handling drumsticks and then teach you some basic rhythms and beats. They may also dig into the fundamentals of playing with both hands and feet to get you comfortable with the idea of playing multiple drums at once. As you listen to your teacher play, pay attention to the dynamics and stick technique so that you can mimic them in your own playing.

How important is practicing correct posture?

Before you can really dive into more complex pieces, you need to make sure that your posture and technique are good. Most drum teachers will help you identify any areas where your playing may be hindered because of bad habits or incorrect posture. To achieve a higher level of playing, your teacher will help you break these bad habits and practice with better posture and technique so that you can progress and develop as a drummer. 

Decide on your practice goals

After you've become comfortable with the basics, your teacher will most likely ask you what your goals are for the future. Maybe you want to join a band and need to brush up on certain skills, or maybe you just want to enjoy some recreational drumming. Knowing your long-term objectives will help your teacher guide you and ultimately help you reach those goals. 

Commit to a weekly practice routine

Drumming is a skill that requires practice, so your teacher may recommend a weekly practice routine to ensure that you continually build upon what you’ve learned in each lesson. Establishing a practice routine before you leave the lesson will help you to stay focused and motivated between classes. Whether it's 15 minutes a day or an hour every week, find a practice routine that works for you and stick with it. 

Getting ready for your first drum lesson doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance and commitment, you can expand your musical skills and enjoy the process of learning the drums. Be sure to listen to your teacher, ask questions, and commit to practicing regularly and you'll be playing like a pro in no time!