What Do I Need to Prepare for Drum Lessons?
Q1: What Do I need to bring into the lessons?
You are expected to have a folder to keep all the lesson materials and practice
guidance together. Please bring this in every lesson so that both students and I
are on track together. Please also bring a pair of sticks once purchasing them.
You are always welcome to bring in songs you like listening to or songs you want
to learn how to play them on a drum set.
Q2: What purchases do I need to make?
Please purchase a pair of drum sticks (any brands are fine, but the most common
ones are Vic Firth or Promark Hickory), preferably with wood tip (not a plastic
tip) – size of 7A for young students (age up to 8) and for students older than 8
years old, you have an option of either size 7A or 5A (which is heavier, hence, it
means there is more weight to the sound) or both (having both means you will
get to feel the difference and have an option to choose one over other for
certain songs/techniques).
You are NOT expected to have a proper drum set at an early stage of learning. It
is a loud instrument and takes up a lot of space. Furthermore, no matter what
your set-up situations at your place are, lesson materials will be the same. What
makes a great drummer is not to do with set up but one’s sheer commitment
on practices. I have personally experienced having all 3 possible options –
practice pad only, having an electronic drum set, then an acoustic drum set – at
different stages of learning. Therefore, I will confidently suggest slightly different
guidance and suggestion on ‘how to practice’ which are most relevant to
individual students’ set-up at home.
Here are some of the options you can consider, depends on your own conditions
and preferences:
1) Acoustic (Real) Drum Set:
Say you have a space for a drum set in the house (in somewhat sound-
proved room), understanding neighbourhood (you can make instrument
noises around your area), budget of no more than $2,000 and you are
aiming for long-term commitment to play drums. Then you can purchase
acoustic drum set.
For children (age up to 5), toy-like drum set would be best to practice and
play on. Price is around $150 ~ $200. Example can be this: [Click Me!]
For older children (age between 5 ~ 8 ish), junior drum set which includes
proper function of foot pedals would be best to practice and play. Price is
around $300 ~ $600. Example can be this: [Click Me]
For young adults ~ adults, a full-size drum set which includes a more
decent cymbals would be best to practice, play and move it around for
performances. Price can be varied but I would recommend setting the
maximum budget as $2,000. There is a Facebook Group Page called
‘SYDNEY DRUMMERS Buy, Sell, Trade’ you can sign into, if you want to
purchase a second-hand drum set. Otherwise, here is an example of a new
drum set: [Click Me]
2) Electronic Drum Set:
Say you have a small space for a drum set in the house but cannot make
instrument noises around your area, budget of no more than $1,500 and
you are aiming for at least 2+ years commitment to play drums. Then you
can purchase an electronic drum set.
The size of electronic drum sets is not as varied as acoustic drum set. This
is because electronic drum set in general are much easier for all-aged
drummers to practice and play on. The sound can come through either
speaker or headphones, so you also get an option of external or internal
sound production. Here is an example:
3) Practice Pads:
Say you are not in a condition to set up neither acoustic nor electronic
drum set. This is completely fine, but you are still encouraged to purchase
a drum practice pad. Practice pads these days are well-made that they
generate almost equal bouncing feeling to the drum skin of acoustic
drums. Price is below $100. Please purchase at least 12” Practice Pad. Legs
(that some practice pads come al ong with) are not essential. Here is an example: https://www.optimumpercussion.com.au/index.php/evans-12-real-