It’s no surprise that taking drum lessons is an extremely satisfying activity. Humans have been using sound to commuicate since the beginning of our time!
We don’t really know when humans began making music. We DO know that percussion instruments were the first used aside from the human voice. Even before we were for enjoyment, humans were using drums to communicate across very long distances.
Rhythm is deeply encoded in our DNA and in our modern day culture. You may or may not encounter piano, violin, or flute in today’s music; however, drums are almost always present across all genres. We all love the combination of bass drum, toms, and cymbals so much that most all rock and pop music has these elements.
When considering taking drum lessons in a big city like New York, many people are concerned about the logistical barriers. For one, traditional acoustic drums are much louder than other instruments! If you practice at a music conservatory, you will be in a special room modified for sound treatment and sound isolation. Recording studios have an even higher level of sound isolation for drum sets.
So how can one enjoy playing the drums in New York City while living in an apartment building? The best way to avoid conflicts with neighbors as a drummer is electric drums! Electric drum kits can be used for teaching studios and for home practicing.
The author of this blog has a 10 year old who just started drum lessons. For home practice, his teacher recommended a Roland set with a small footprint and an excellent quality. Electric dumsets allow the player to practice with headphones, with minimal distraction for those around you. The sound of sticks hitting the soft rubber or mesh surfaces of the drums and cymbals is very soft. It is actually softer than practicing any other acoustic instrument! I also purchased a small drum speaker so that my child can show off to friends. Give an electric drumset a try at a music store and you will be pleasantly surprised at how realistic it feels and sounds.
Once you do get an electric drum set and rock out for a few hours, you will quickly realize that this instrument, just like any other instrument, requires time and guidance. You can look up some online drumming tutorials, but just like we always say – if you want to learn 10 times faster than when you try your hardest by yourself, then take some drum lessons with a professional. At Riverside Music Studios we have some amazing drum teachers who will get you to play some cool beats right at your very first lesson!
When you have a new drum set and start music lessons, you will be ready for a lifetime of an amazing activity. Playing music stimulates coordination, precision, and activates the entire brain. Besides the obvious musical satisfaction, you recieve side benefits of your brain and body staying active and healthy.
In the end, you will be able to play along with almost any rock or pop songs on the drums!
Give it a try and you will love it!
1727 Broadway, Suite 2
New York, New York 10019
160 Broadway, Suite 900EB
New York, New York 10038