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Take up drums at age 56?

I know this technically has nothing to do with high end audio but I know there are some drummers here that might be able to help me along here....or tell me to skip it altogether. And it does have to do with music.

I'm almost embarrassed to even post this. I'm 56. I have never played a musical instrument other than dabbling with a harmonica. I do not read music. I am certain that I'll never perform for anyone or play in a band.

But I've always wanted to play drums.

And now I have enough money to get a simple cheap used drum kit and I have a basement that is isolated enough to not bother the neighbors. (I actually have an acquaintance who refurbishes used drums who can probably hook me up).

So I have a couple of questions:

1) Can you teach yourself to play drums? Alone or with YouTube etc? Are actual lessons required? Can I skip the practice pad and start with a kit?

2) Is there any point? In other words, even if I were to learn to play are the drums the kind of instrument that you sit down and play for your own pleasure the way you would a guitar?

My realistic expectation is that I'd get a simple kit. Try to do something with it. Find that it is much harder to do than it looks, especially for a guy with two left feet. It sits in the basement for a while and then I sell it for a big loss but hopefully at least happy that I tried it.

Any other thoughts on the matter?

(If totally inappropriate for this site I have no problem removing the post.....especially if someone points me to a better site for the topic.)


n80

Showing 11 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
I say go for acoustic drums. There's nothing else that can provide the feel, the sound and the satisfaction of striking real heads whilst  hearing and feeling the resonances and vibrations of a drum kit.

If you start with an instructor, you will be learning the rudiments, proper form, and learning to read music. After a lesson you'll be given homework which will be reviewed by your instructor at your next lesson. I'm so glad I started with an instructor, but I was a teenager.
As suggested, watch and learn from YouTube videos. The best way for you to start is to have somebody show you the basics. Most music shops will have a drummer available that you can hire for some basic lessons.

Rudiments are so important and absolutely necessary even if you're not learning to read music. You should own a practice pad in addition to your kit. Spending time on the pad is necessary to learn proper sticking, fingering, and rudiments. 

To answer an earlier question, it's loads of fun playing along to recorded music using headphones or earbuds.

It sounds like you're really interested, so don't miss this opportunity. After years of not playing, a kid in my neighborhood bought a kit and let me jam on it. I was about 40 then and it was a blast from the past.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
You can find a nice used acoustic set (brand name) for $450
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
@n80, like our hobby here, there are always upgrades and tweaks with drums; hardware, pedals, cymbals, heads.
And before you know it, you're ready to move up to the higher line of kit.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
@n80, a very cool song to choose. The drummer is playing a nice accompaniment, but most importantly he is "in the groove" and keeping time as a rhythm section should.

 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
Lots of good advice. The consensus is no matter what your goal is and whichever type of drums you choose, learning the rudiments is key.

I must take exception to the statement that "drumming is all in the wrist."
All the great drummers know that for good technique drumming is in the fingers. Using proper fingering in addition to wrist movement is how to develop speed, control, and bounce. 
Watch the fingering of Buddy, Peart, Carl Palmer, etc. and you'll see how fast they are with minimal effort.



lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
Robert, that's why I recommend taking lessons. In the OP's case, he should at the very least have some  instruction to start him off.
I believe he said the music shop offers this.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
@richopp   Loved your story. And so true about proper form and strengthening the wrist while practicing rudiments. 
I was merely extrapolating the fingering concept forgetting that we're dealing with a beginning drummer. Fingering may be a non issue for him.

My advice to the OP is to warm up with the rudiments,  then practice and play the entire kit and have fun. What I did as a beginner was to have a friend teach me a basic rock beat that enabled me to jam to tunes right from the jump.

And Rich,
I forgot about the old expression "it's all in the wrist."




lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
@n80  Didn't you say the music shop offers lessons? It would be a tremendous help getting started if you sat in with another drummer.

You can do rudiments on your own.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
I understand. Get more control between your left and right hand with rudiments. 
IME, the coordination on the kit that comes first is right hand, left hand, right leg. Coordination of the high hat is next, so dont worry too much.

And since you're a beginner, the instructor won't expect you to lay down a groove on the kit. He may start with hands only on high hat and snare... 1+2+3+4. Then add bass, etc.

$25 hour is great. I think I paid $20 in 1972.



lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
Leading with the left hand is a great way to practice.

You can strengthen your left wrist by starting slowly on the practice pad using only your left. Do single strokes, doubles, triplets and keep proper form. 

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,391 posts
 
Glad to hear about your commitment to practice, and sounds like you're having fun. A real high hat sounds like a great idea.

You'll be missed on the forum.
Jim.

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