What is the Best Age to Start Drum Lessons?

The right age to start drum lessons is usually around 6-7 years of age. This is the age when kids begin to develop their mental ability to consciously learn and focus on a subject. Drums, like any instrument, require patience and discipline to learn.

It’s always a proud feeling for parents when their child starts to show an interest in drums. Hitting tabletops and pans and pots is fine, but recognizing their talent and nurturing it is important.

Please keep in mind that 6 to 7 years of age is a very rough suggestion. It may be slightly earlier or significantly later depending on your own child’s personality and abilities. If you think your child might not yet be ready for drum lessons then there is no harm in delaying it for a while. It’s better for your child to have a positive and engaging experience learning this instrument from the get-go.

Learning rhythm and music theory is a big part of creating a musical foundation. It’s a challenge for grown-ups, let alone children.

What Do Kids Need When Learning to Play Drums?

Junior drum sets are made for kids and they are smaller and much quieter than full-sized drum sets. They can help a child build their technique and basic groove. You can alternatively go for an electronic drum set for kids. These are far quieter and there are and a ton of sound libraries to choose from.

However, a child doesn’t need a drum kit when they are just starting. They will start with rudiments and developing internal rhythm, which can be done using a practice pad and a pair of sticks. Also, if your child doesn’t want to play drums anymore, you won’t have needlessly spent too much money.

Drumsticks are essential at any stage. You can help your child find the right drumstick based on length, thickness, and wrist strength. Check out our article on drumsticks for kids for more information on recommendations and sizing. You can also buy rubber covers for the tip of the sticks in case you don’t want to deal with the sound too much.

If your young one does have access to an acoustic kit, make sure to buy hearing protection. Drums can be extremely loud for a child’s delicate ears. It’s also a good habit to instill since ear damage is one of the most common health hazards among musicians, particularly drummers. 

How Do I Know My Kid is Ready to Play Drums?

Look for early signs and general behavior your child is exhibiting. The most common tells are a good rhythmic ability and the ability to focus on a particular subject since all percussion is rhythmic and needs some commitment to learn.

If you are thinking of buying a drum set for your child then make sure that it is appropriate for their size. They will need to be able to reach all of the pedals and cymbals comfortably.

Above all these factors, a child should be motivated enough to take up drums. There’s no point teaching someone an instrument they have little interest in even if they have a knack for it.  

In-Person Lessons or Online Lessons?

One-on-one in-person drum lessons are by far the best option for kids to learn drums. In this case, only one child is the center of focus and the tutor can help to eliminate bad habits in technique at an early stage. They have the complete attention of the educator which is a nice thing to have.

The environment a student learns in can affect them as players. There are many modes available today that your child can be taught in.

There are one-on-one lessons, group lessons, and online lessons, which can be either. Before you enroll your child into one of them, you might want to take in some factors. 

Group lessons might give divided attention but your child engages with other kids, learns from them, and even interacts with musicians other than drummers. This helps develop the social skills of your child. 

With the internet these days, you can always opt for both of the above modes online. The advantage of online lessons is your child can learn from anyone, anywhere, while staying comfortably in the house.

What are the Benefits of Drum Lessons for Kids?

Drumming might look like it’s easy to learn but this is false. It takes a lot of effort to get the motions right, build a basic rhythm, rudiments, and grooves. Proper technique from holding the stick to hitting different surfaces is an important part of playing drums. Check out our article listing out the many personal and academic benefits to playing drums.

Can Children Under 7 Learn to Play Drums?

The right age might be 7 but of course, there are exceptions to every case. The great buddy rich started at the age of 2 and John Bonham started at 5. On the other hand, Neil Peart started playing drums at 13. 

If you feel like your child is ready to play drums or if you have a prodigy at your hands, there is absolutely no harm in giving your child drum lessons. It is never too early or too late to start learning an instrument.

Can You Learn to Play Drums at 40?

You can learn to play drums at 40. You are never too old to learn a new instrument. You can learn the basics of drumming in just a few months.

There is often a common misconception that kids learn how to play instruments quicker than adults, but the opposite is often true. As an adult, you may have a much better understanding of your optimum learning styles and techniques. Adults tend to be more disciplined at processing information and working through problems, which can greatly accelerate learning new skills.

Of course, it’s great to get a head start playing a new instrument at an early age, but you are never too old to start playing a musical instrument.

Summary

Drums are a great instrument for kids to play. It’s a great art form that helps them express themselves. Even though a common consensus is that 7 is usually a good age to start drum lessons, there’s no real barrier to when someone can start. There is no limit as to when they can stop either.

Take into account the above factors. If you believe your child has come of age and wants to play drums, go ahead, and get them started on a beautiful journey. 

Mike O'Connor
Mike O'Connor

I've been playing drums for over 18 years. I work as both a session drummer and a drum teacher, and I love to share my knowledge and tips on this site. You can also find me on the Electronic Drum Advisor YouTube channel.

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