Most people can agree that the idea of being a drummer is super cool. From the earliest age, kids discover that making noise is fun. A lot has been written about the benefits of playing drums. It’s fun, relieves stress, is a great physical workout, helps build coordination, and increases development in various regions of the brain. All of these are great reasons to learn to play drums, but sometimes, buying a full drum kit is not an option. Can you learn to play the drums without a set at home to practice? Thankfully, the answer is yes!

The early days of learning the drums are very much about understanding rhythm, and building coordination. Your first stop? Buying a good pair of sticks. Getting to know the weight and feel of a well balanced pair of sticks is essential to good drumming technique.

Next, instead of beating up your furniture, check out drum practice pads. Drum pads are usually flat, round or octagonal rubber pads with a rebound designed to replicate the feel of a real drum. They’re perfect for practicing rudiments, building hand dexterity and technique, as well as improving speed. Plus, you’ll be able to practice without waking the neighbors while still having the feel and stick response of an actual drum.

For something more advanced than a simple practice pad, there are a huge range of electronic options that can be expanded to create a full electronic drum kit requiring minimal space. Another great feature is the ability to connect to a computer to add an unlimited range of sounds.

If you’re thinking about starting music lessons, contact the skilled team of instructors at Hawaii MusicWorks in Pearl City. Since 1995, this locally owned music school has offered drum lessons to students of all ages and abilities. They’re dedicated to helping their students succeed, and their teachers are available online to provide virtual assistance if you’re practicing at home. Learn more about their music lessons online, or call (808) 486-8600 to inquire about enrollment.