While there are a lot of books and instructional videos to help you gain your bearings, they don’t necessarily inform you on what drum habits you need to form in order to master the instrument. Beginner drummers need to master these training habits to improve on their skills:
- Set a realistic time for practice
While you may estimate that you can practice for 3 hours every Saturday, oftentimes this won’t be possible. Instead of setting lengthy goals like this one, instead implement 30 minutes of practice every day. It’s less time consuming, allows you to practice consistently, and allows you to implement your practice into your daily routine.
- Learn the basics
You can’t play the drums if you aren’t familiar with the equipment. Find your grip when using the drumsticks, learn how each section of your drum sounds, and practice using your kickstand. Familiarizing yourself with every aspect of the instrument and its parts will help you better understand how to create the music that you are interested in.
- Consider taking a drumming lesson
You can try using resources like Youtube for lessons, but it’s not the same as having a teacher assist you in person. They can actively identify your strengths, weaknesses, and help you improve based on where you are in your practice.
- Practice with a metronome
Using a metronome to benefit your drumming skills may seem a bit odd, but it is a great way to build accuracy, consistency, and a strong sense of rhythm. Start with a slow BPM, or beats per minute, like 60. After you have this down, begin practicing beginner songs.
- Watch the professionals
You can boost your skills by watching experts do what they do best. By simply watching their movements, style, and techniques, you can build your own drumming persona. Watching professionals can also motivate you and increase your willingness to practice.
When you first begin your practice, go slow and learn simple songs first. It’s normal to get frustrated, be patient with yourself and give yourself enough time to process this new information. Once you build confidence over time, you can slowly build up the tempo. If you’re looking for musical lessons or general information don’t hesitate to contact us at Create More Music!
