Starting off

[User Name]

I'm relatively new to drumming, and I was just wondering what everyone else did to get started. I mean, I don't suck, but I can't reach my potential.

[Class A Drummer]

The absolute best thing is to Get a good Teacher.

[User Name]

And where do I go about finding one?

[jayp]

Try craigslist.com or your local paper, also check arround a local music store they often have teachers

[IDDrummer]

I mean, I don't suck, but I can't reach my potential.

Of course you can reach your potential, or it wouldn't be your potential, by definition. :)

Seriously, check local music stores, Craigslist, or community newspapers for ads. Be sure and talk with the teacher first. Get them to tell you their expectations and teaching methods; in turn, you should be ready to tell them what you want to achieve.

[User Name]

Did you guys all start that way?

[fourstringdrums]

Did you guys all start that way?

I did. Well, technically, when I FIRST started playing, a few years before I officially took lessons or even got a kit, I learned by what others taught me. But once I started playing officially, I started taking lessons in school. Then once I got an actual set, I got a private teacher and had one for about 2 years. After that I was basically self taught and took lessons off and on over the years. Once I hit 17 (I'm 26 now) I stopped lessons completely because I didn't have time, and learned on my own. Then last year I started taking lessons again, and while I had to stop in December for health reasons, I just started up again a few weeks ago and will probably continue for a few months at least. A teacher at any stage is invaluable, but you eventually do hit a point where you can either find a more advanced teacher or you can do a lot on your own now that you have a good ground in your playing. For me, I want to start teaching myself, and want to try and save some money so that's why I may stop in 4-6 months. But I will always talk lessons on even a casual basis over my span as a drummer.

[aydee]

I lied. I wanted to join my school band. They asked me if I played drums. I'd never played them. I said " YES".

They asked me if I knew "EVIL WAYS" by SANTANA. I'd never heard it before. I said "YES".

The guitarist counted the song off, and somehow I played along......

Much later, I got myself a few teachers. Very important to have teachers.good teachers.

[fourstringdrums]

I lied. I wanted to join my school band. They asked me if I played drums. I'd never played them. I said " YES".

They asked me if I knew "EVIL WAYS" by SANTANA. I'd never heard it before. I said "YES".

The guitarist counted the song off, and somehow I played along......

Much later, I got myself a few teachers. Very important to have teachers.good teachers.

That should be on a bumper sticker "If you don't know the song, pray that you have a guitarist who doesn't know the drum part".

[aydee]

That should be on a bumper sticker "If you don't know the song, pray that you have a guitarist who doesn't know the drum part".

lol, guitarists!... evil people, too obsessed with themselves to pay any attention to anything else : ) ... kidding.... it helped that the guitar vamp is pretty much the same as the snare accents. Of course my playing was less ' latin' than it should have been.

[DrumMasterDave]

Hey, I was starting off i didnt have many good teachers around me. It was really tough because i was trying to team myself etc... What i found that worked for me is watch a ton of drummers. I would go to local shows, or turn on the music channel. I remember buying a bunch of drumming dvds and music dvds. I would watch their technique and style and get ideas. This is a great way to practice without paying for a teacher, however if you have a teacher, more power to you! Now adays, it is alot easier to watch professional drummers and teachers for free online. I mean look at this webite, there are a ton of videos with drummers that you can learn things from. Another is http://www.freedrumlessons.com/ there is a great site with hundreds of video lessons. I have posted that link before i know, but i just love the site and think its great for learning techniques and other styles for free. But yah, obviously look for a teacher, but if you cannot find one, then you should definetly look online!

Good Luck mate!

[User Name]

I don't know so much about actual lessons. I started off about a year ago just playing with my friend (guitar). I played drums prior in middle school band. I picked up the drums pretty quickly without having actually having any lessons or seen anything online (everything I know is self taugh). I just feel there is something I might be missing that might be necessary.

[PsYcHoTiC.DrUmMeR]

Getting a teacher in the, early stages at least, is important for your technique. If you don't get a teacher or you don't watch any instructional vids then you may develop bad habits that will stay for the rest of your life. Believe me i know, i was originally taught in primary by a band leader who had no idea about drums....I spent a whole year un-learning what i was originally taught. Dont let it happen to you!!

[Pat Petrillo]

My two cents would be this..

If you are able to play grooves pretty well, and you can pick things up from CD's, and you are having fun and making music, that's what counts. Don't think you are "missing out" on not taking lessons. I never took lessons until I was in college on drum set. I always simply played along to music and felt comfortable. Develop you knowledge of "groov-ology" (history), listen to the masters, and learn the music.

If you have a technical issue in regards to coordination, these can usually be broken down slowly and figured out. If not, a teacher can help you figure them out.

Not having a teacher at all is better than having a bad one, or one who is self absorbed and thinks they know it all. They could teach you to play tight, or send you on a path of un necessary technical jargon that is often confusing and discouraging.

Let the music that's been created in the past be your ultimate teacher.

Learn and memorize rudiment combos, especially diddles and rolls.

Start with simple, rhythmic fills orchestrated around the drums in a logical way. Think Ringo or Bonham.

Here's a sight that may help you find a teacher in you area. www.drumteachersnetwork.com

Good luck, and enjoy the experience.

Pat
www.myspace.com/patpetrillo

[nebula821]

Did you guys all start that way?

I've never been really interested in having an actual teacher because I thought it might take away some of my own flavor that I subconsciously put into my drumming. Thanks to all the resources available on the internet, including this site, you can really learn a lot on your own.