Practicing your drums outside your music lessons hones your skills, but it can be difficult to do at home since the instrument is loud. Playing can be especially challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic since you may live with roommates or share a wall with the neighbors. Here are a few solutions to practicing at home without irritating those around you.

How to Play the Drums Quietly

1. Switch to Brushes

Drum brushes are typically used in jazz music because they create bright, swishing sounds. However, they're also ideal to use if you're trying to be quiet since the bristles dissipate sounds. Opt for a model with plastic or nylon wires, as they produce warm, subtle sounds that won’t resonate as much.

The handles come in many sizes and materials, including rubber, aluminum, and wood. Use brushes with a similar weight and thickness to your standard drumsticks so that they feel the same.

2. Use Drum Covers

These covers fit snugly over each drumhead and absorb vibrations before they resonate in the drum. Measure the tops of each of your drums and buy the same-sized rubber sound pads online.

You can also get rubber mats to cover the cymbals and muffle the kickdrum by stuffing it with towels and comforters to dampen the sound. If you’re on a budget or can’t go to the music store, put towels or blankets over each drum to quiet them.

3. Purchase an Electric Kit

If you want a long-term solution, invest in an electronic drum kit. These rubber pads detect pressure and strikes and translate them into digital sounds that can be heard with headphones. These sets come with a wide range of sounds, including traditional acoustic drums, djembes, and bongos, so you can easily find a model that matched your instrument.

If you want to practice your instrument without disturbing others, take music lessons at Hawaii MusicWorks in Pearl City. These professionals work with students of all ages and skill levels and teach in comfortable rooms with closed doors to keep loud drumming in. Get more information about their music lessons online, or call (808) 486-8600 to enroll.