Do you think drum lessons are necessary?

[radurader]

So si there anyone out there who has never taken a drum lesson and been successful in learning the craft?

I have never taken a lesson, but am considering it. I sat down at a drum set about 12 years ago and it came naturally to me and have been playing ever since but when I visit these forums I realize I dont know much about technique or paradiddley-doo-whatevers, even in regards to time sigs Im a little out in left field. Am I alone in this and will lessons help me at this point?

[Deathmetalconga]

When I was first learning, I took lessons regularly. Twenty years later, I take lessons as I need them to learn specific things. If you haven't had a lesson, even just a few hours would open up new vistas and approaches. You should really do it.

[#choke#]

i have never taken a lesson ever i just got a drumset for xmas and i have wanted to play since i was like 5 and i have such a passion for it, it came sort of naturally .. im in a band ect and drumming is my life ...... i cant sit here and say ive never looked up anything on druming i obviously used youtube and onlinedrummer.com to help when i first started and got advice from friends who drum but i dont think its necessary if u are truely passionate about it and especially with the internet .......... and i also know how u feel about how everyone on this site uses the lingo and stuff sometimes im completely lost too

[Michael G]

Necessary? Well I guess not.

But it helps you so unbelievably much with your progress that I don't see why not to jump on the opportunity. I had several technique flaws that were pointed out and corrected by a teacher. And if I ever fall into one, boom there he is to correct it.

And you learn much more then you would on your own, and depending on the age, good stories about the "good old days." of drumming to impress others with.

[Muckster]

Necessary? of course not. Helpful? extremely.

[That Guy]

Most people don't realize how many bad habits they have acquired and developed throughout the years by playing without thier technique being critiqued by a professional instructor. Alot of poeple have found themselves in a very bad position when suddenly trying to correct these bad habits once found, usually by an instructor. All of a sudden, they are humbled by having to return to the most basic teachings in order to fix thier issues... most of which takes much practice, when it could have been checked early in the beginning by lessons. Lessons will increase your knowledge and skill when it comes to proper technique. Never think that you are above or beyond lessons.

Also, through my experiences I have found that most drummers that have not taken lessons have a really hard time keeping a solid beat for more than 30 seconds without jumping ahead or falling behind or throwing fills in improper places. They don't usually find this out until they come in contact with trained musicians. Basically, these ones can't really call themselves "drummers" cuz a drummer who can't keep a beat is a drummer without a job, and isn't really a drummer at all.

Lessons are extrememly important in the early stages of drumming.

[aboylikedave]

To paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld, if you haven't had a lesson, you don't know what you don't know. There's a crazy whole world of new stuf out there.

[ULTIMATEDRUMMER]

well I don't take lessons often at all

I guess it kinda makes sense how to teach yourself and it cost alot that I'd rather get books or gear.

[stoopid]

just try one lesson and show what you know and ask the teacher what you might be lacking and just try talking to him about different techniques and time signatures

i started out without lessons and did fine, i wasn't gonna take em'
but i got around to it and it helped my technique and ability to feel time and move ideas around a lot easier

[Johnest]

I have never take any form or lessons before this year... 26 years of drumming by myself. And you know what?... I have not lost all those years but i regret to have not take lessons before... now that i know what i don't know. Now, excuse me, i got to practice alot if i want to recapture i that lost of time.

[Class A Drummer]

Supposedly Buddy Rich Never took lessons nor could he read music, but im sure he would have been better or atleast gotten better quicker with a teacher (please correct me if im wrong).

[Derek]

I'd recommend lessons. Much can be learned on your own from books , DVDs etc., but so much more progress can be made from taking lessons. We can't ask a dvd or book a question or get clarification on a particular area.
A good teacher can see and point out flaws or make other suggestions regarding technique and application that won't likely happen on our own.
Having that mentor relationship makes a big difference in the growth as a musician.

[mind_drummer]

Supposedly Buddy Rich Never took lessons nor could he read music, but im sure he would have been better or atleast gotten better quicker with a teacher (please correct me if im wrong).

Max Roach never really took lesson too but began to play at age 6 and gigging at age 16.

[drumfoooood]

No one needs lessons, but if you find a good teacher it could help alot

[tomgrosset]

No, I don't think it's absolutely essential to have a teacher. But it can be quite helpful in the long run.

Basically, it all comes down to the individual. You're responsible for putting in the practice and hard work. The teacher isn't really in control of that. You're the one who's supposed to take initiative and accomplish your goals. The teacher is there to simply guide you.

[rmandelbaum]

I have taken lessens on and off over the years. I find that every so often it is nice to get an infusion of fresh ideas and new perspective.

[Bossa Nova]

well I don't take lessons often at all

I guess it kinda makes sense how to teach yourself and it cost alot that I'd rather get books or gear.

I'd rather get a drum lesson than gear. Good playing will make you sound better than good gear.

[kzdruma]

I would give lessons a try! I have been teaching drum lessons for about six years now and have completely convinced myself of it's importance. It's never too late to go back and learn the fundamentals... There are many teachers that will take part time students or maybe if you find a friend, you can talk a willing teacher into letting you switch off every other week with a friend! Good luck with your decision!

[ImDaDrumma]

I'm also with DeathMetalConga. I used to be against going back to lessons. But 20 years later, I realized that it's not that I needed lessons; I needed inspiration for new ideas. And I also thought about history and how knowledge is passed down to others, almost like stories. I no longer viewed it as being "taught".

Go get inspired!

[Mr. Pasquini]

I've taken since I started (Oh a year ago) and I have to say I would be nowhere near where I am without them. Insights about technique aren't all, though; teachers can give you new styles without you searching all over the internet for a decent video and they are FULLY INTERACTIVE!. That's right.

[#choke#]

nicko mcbrain ( iron maiden ) supposedly never took lessons either adn i think hes pretty damn good

[Ozzy Biz]

nicko mcbrain ( iron maiden ) supposedly never took lessons either adn i think hes pretty damn good

That doesn't change anything. Buddy Rich was adamant that he didn't pratice, that he only ever played in front of people. Does this mean you shouldn't practise in your own time? Add that to your Nicko theory and you wont get very far at all.

The fact that Nicko made a career out of drumming without lessons doesn't take away from the fact that they are damn helpful.

[#choke#]

So si there anyone out there who has never taken a drum lesson and been successful in learning the craft?

that right there is what i was responding to ozzy .. nicko never taken a drum lesson and its his career and hes amazing at it ... he has been "successful in learning the craft" ............

[Ozzy Biz]

that right there is what i was responding to ozzy .. nicko never taken a drum lesson and its his career and hes amazing at it ... he has been "successful in learning the craft" ............

Yes, it can be done. But lessons are extremely helpful, and are a great way to get an outside opinion on your playing; what is good, what needs work, what new you should be learning, etc. I don't take regular lessons anymore, but rather book an occasional one every now and then to get some new insight into different things, get some inspiration and try and make sure my technique isn't too bad...

[NUTHA JASON]

i never took lessons and i am quite successful but BUT, if i had taken lessons i'm pretty sure i would be an extraordinary drummer by now. only in the last four years have i been really concentrating on drums and learing the things i should have had down 12 years ago.

j

[Pete Stoltman]

People who excel at any endeavor without lessons/instruction are the exception rather than the rule. If you're one of those...be grateful. The 99.9% of the rest of us find some kind of instruction helpful. I wonder if guys on medical sites ask if they can learn sugery by watching You Tube videos? I heard Hippocrates never went to med school. :)

[furbeedog@gmail.com]

The way I see it, lessons are just one the many things that help you become a better drummer. Taking lessons should not replace things like playing with other musicians or teaching yourself, but rather augment those things. Sure, knowing what a para-diddle is may not be required to be a good drummer, but learning different rhythmic patterns and variations will only strengthen and diversify your playing ability. Also, if you're in a group and someone else in the group comes up with an idea, like a song in 11/8, and you have no idea how to play in 11/8 because you never learned it, then, depending on how integrated into the band you are, you're either gonna get the boot, or cost the band a good song. If you have a teacher/instructor however, you always have the ability to ask things like that should they come up.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

i have never taken a lesson ever i just got a drumset for xmas and i have wanted to play since i was like 5 and i have such a passion for it, it came sort of naturally .. im in a band ect and drumming is my life ...... i cant sit here and say ive never looked up anything on druming i obviously used youtube and onlinedrummer.com to help when i first started and got advice from friends who drum but i dont think its necessary if u are truely passionate about it and especially with the internet .......... and i also know how u feel about how everyone on this site uses the lingo and stuff sometimes im completely lost too

I am going to guess that at 17 years old, drumming is not your life. I'm willing to bet your are not supporting yourself by playing drums. I'm betting it is your passion. You may play for life and you may become a great drummer, but at 17 its hardly your life. When you have to get up and go to work every day, and start paying the bills, many other things will be your life. Not to put a damper on your dreams but just some friendly advice from an old man. I would suggest that if you do want it to become your life, that you find a teacher and learn all you can besides just playing with a band.

[Tomtom123]

That all depends how good you want to be. If you're all right being "just another drummer" then lessons may not be for you....if you want to excel.........I think you see my point. But, hey; that's just MY opinion.

[#choke#]

I am going to guess that at 17 years old, drumming is not your life. I'm willing to bet your are not supporting yourself by playing drums. I'm betting it is your passion. You may play for life and you may become a great drummer, but at 17 its hardly your life. When you have to get up and go to work every day, and start paying the bills, many other things will be your life. Not to put a damper on your dreams but just some friendly advice from an old man. I would suggest that if you do want it to become your life, that you find a teacher and learn all you can besides just playing with a band.

man in no way shape or form did i mean drumming is how i make a living i meant its all i do with my spare time or any of my time infact and i love it .... but thanks for the advice cuz i would love for it to become my life and job

[burnthehero]

I would say that drum lessons are necessary from the viewpoint that it's healthy to get an outside opinion. It might not be right, but criticism and evaluation is what makes us learn to do things better.

[furbeedog@gmail.com]

The other thing about not taking lessons is that if you only learn to play in the style of your band and play to be adequate within the band, when and if the band breaks up, whether it be disagreements, or everyone just moves on to something else, it will be very difficult to find work as a drummer.

[RudimentalDrummer]

Drum lessons are very necessary to a completely NEW Drummer comtemplating to do drumming because "The Basics Has To Be Right".....this is of utmost importance, if he/she were to excel in the future. Adopting a Bad Habit is a problem (it's difficult to change later-on and can stagnant progression).

Having said that, we must have an open mind in the area of drummings (the issue of what is term correct Techniques and which is not) - Yes there are right and wrong Techniques, but there are also many different forms of right Techniques depending on what we want to expedite at the moment......Therefore the need for a Drum Instructors, or Instructors as we learn from different person to be more diverse. Jamming with a Band to gain practical experience is something money can never buy, it precious and it help build confidence in drumming (besides taking drum lessons) most all all it teach us how to work with a Band.(here I believe Drummers playing in a Band should take a Basic Music Theory Education (Dont need to be an expert here - but good to know a little - short course will do) - it's good for us all as we understand better when the Band communicate to each other - I guess all those stupid jokes about Drummers came about because many thinks Drummers does not know anything about Music when bandmates talk in Music terms.)

At a later stage most drummer will be on their own - stop drumming and play their own style.

I found out something when I see hundreds of Drummers Drums at DXS - I've seen Drummers from Berklee, some Australian Uni, Drummers collective Graduate Students drum, needless to say they are Good (I have to admit), but surprisingly I have seen Drummers that had very little formal education (just plain Basics in Drumming) and they are Killer Drummers - - I saw them drumming side by side with Drum Xchange Singapore Members, so I know.

I guess drumming is very individual, some drummers really have higher potential in drumming....but - - Baisc Lessons we must all have. Sometimes - it good to be back to Basics (even for experience professionals drummers in their practicing).


Just my 2cent

[Derek]

David Garibaldi said that when he sees a drummer who really impresses him he arranges a lesson with that drummer whenever possible.
Garibaldi still finds value in taking lessons from time to time.

[Pete Stoltman]

David Garibaldi said that when he sees a drummer who really impresses him he arranges a lesson with that drummer whenever possible.
Garibaldi still finds value in taking lessons from time to time.

Great point. I've been drumming since 1967, percussion degree, and lessons up the wazoo for several years after college. A few years back I felt my drumming had hit a plateau and was just feeling stale. I approached a drummer who's playing I admired and asked him for lessons. It was great and opened me up to some new concepts and creative ideas. The feedback I got from this man was invaluable and helped me over my creative slump. Since then I have also gone to a few private lessons from "celebrity drummers" when I've had the opportunity. It's both a humbling and refreshing experience. You can never stop learning and the information that is shared in lessons can only help you become a better musician.

[PQleyR]

That all depends how good you want to be. If you're all right being "just another drummer" then lessons may not be for you....if you want to excel.........I think you see my point. But, hey; that's just MY opinion.

There's a difference between not having lessons and actually remaining ignorant through active choice. Learning does not necessarily require a 'teacher' in the strictest sense. It depends on the individual in question.

[zambizzi]

So si there anyone out there who has never taken a drum lesson and been successful in learning the craft?

Absolutely, you'll be glad you did it.

[RudimentalDrummer]

David Garibaldi said that when he sees a drummer who really impresses him he arranges a lesson with that drummer whenever possible.
Garibaldi still finds value in taking lessons from time to time.

Yes a very valuable point. I've seen & know one particular Top-Professional Drummers (one of the best in my Country) did the same as what Garibaldi does. He told me - There is always new things to learn from another drummer....The greatest Attribute I see in this is - "The Humbleness Of The Greats" - Having this right & good attitude is the most important in Drumming.

cheers !