How To Find A Good Drum Teacher

So you’ve decided to take up drumming and want to know how to find a good drum teacher. You’ve got the basic kit setup, drumsticks in hand, and are ready to start learning how to play the drums. Or, you may want to improve some skills you already have.

Either way, you’ll need to find a good drum teacher if you want to improve. And so, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind when searching for a good teacher. And then make your decision to take your first lesson.

First, understand that having a drum teacher is a progressive journey. Meaning that you can always take lessons with one teacher and then move on to another. And because you should never stop learning. You should also never stop searching for sources of learning, teachers, and so on.

But of course, in the beginning, you would want to find a single good drum teacher. Who fits the following basic and desirable requirements.

1. Experience: It’s important to find a teacher with experience. Look for someone who has been playing the drums for many years and has been teaching for at least a few years.
2. Personality: It’s also important to find a teacher who has a pleasant personality. And who is patient and willing to work with students of all levels. You should also make sure that the teacher is able to teach in a way that is clear and concise. But this will most likely take a series of drumming lessons and a period of time.
3. Recommended: It’s a good idea to ask around and get recommendations from other drummers. You can check out music stores, and such before making your final decision. By following these basic tips to find a good drum teacher. Along with a little research, you should be able to find the perfect drum teacher for you in no time at all.

After understanding these basic ideas it’s time to begin the search to…

How To Find A Good Drum Teacher or Instructor

It can be challenging to get started in your drumming career without a good instructor. It can take a lot of trial and error as suggested earlier and so here are a few more beginning pointers to bear in mind. As you begin the search to find a drum instructor that’s right for you.

• Take some time to research different instructors in your local area. I’ll give some tips to help you do that later in this article.
• Read online reviews about local teachers if they are available.
• Ask around to see if anyone has any recommendations. your local, general music store may be able to help in this regard.

Take Your First Drumming Lessons

Once you’ve narrowed down your local options, set up a lesson with each. Select the top picks from your available options. This will give you a chance to meet the instructors in person. And you’ll see how they teach, and with whom you feel most comfortable.

When you’re choosing an instructor. It’s important to learn how to find a good drum teacher and find someone whose teaching style matches your learning style. Some people learn best by watching others. While others prefer to have hands-on experience. Some like to see written exercises, and some like to hear what a drum beat or fill sounds like.

Nothing is set in stone at this level so it’s important to expose yourself to different learning styles. Different perspectives of the same thing, and so on.

Remember too that a drummer needs to read music (see what the beat looks like). He has to listen to other musicians and imagine what a beat sounds like within his own head (hearing). And he has to program himself with the movements required to play a particular drum beat. Some call this muscle memory but in the end, it is an aesthetic way of learning. By doing.

But above all, make sure the instructor you choose is able to adapt their teaching methods to fit your needs. And who preferably covers all learning styles. So you can strengthen where you are weakest. And then take advantage of where you’re strongest.

Again, this may only be discoverable over a series of lessons so bear this in mind as you develop as a drummer.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good instructor will be happy to answer any questions you have. About their methods or approach to teaching or some other area. If you feel like you’re not getting the information you need, don’t hesitate to speak up. Then move on only if you have to and if your learning is being stunted somehow. Finding a good drum instructor takes some effort, but it’s worth it if it means you get more out of your drumming. And end up enjoying playing the drums more.

For now, though, let’s dig a little deeper into what we have already said. To help you get a clearer idea of how to go about finding the right drum instructor for you.

Researching Local Drum Teachers – and Not So Local Teachers

1. Ask your friends and family for recommendations – for drum teachers in your area

If you’re looking for a drum teacher, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, what type of music do you want to learn? There are different teachers specializing in different genres. So it’s important to find someone who can teach the style you’re interested in. Second, what is your level of experience? A beginner will need a different type of instruction than a more experienced drummer.

Finally, what are your goals? Do you want to learn for fun or do you have ambitions to play professionally? You should begin to answer these questions as soon as you can. Because they’ll help you get clear on what you want from your drumming. And what you need from any possible drum teachers.

Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start to narrow down your options. No matter who you choose, make sure to ask questions and communicate your goals. So you get the most out of your lessons.

2. Search online for reviews of local teachers

There are now many options for taking lessons offline and online these days. While some people may be hesitant to take lessons without a personal touch. There are still many advantages to learning drums online. First, it is more convenient and flexible than one-on-one, in-person lessons. Students can choose when and where they want to learn and practice. Additionally, online drum lessons typically offer a more budget-friendly alternative compared to traditional in-person lessons. And although some may need larger upfront fees, the long-term costs may be much smaller.

And finally, there are a wide variety of online instructors to choose from. So students can easily discover how to find a good drum teacher and then find an instructor that best suits their needs and learning style. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced drummer. Whether you’re starting out or looking to brush up on your skills. Taking online drumming lessons is a great way to improve your playing. Especially through structured courses and programs.

But, having said all that, the complete beginner and anyone who has been playing drums for less than a year. Should take one-on-one lessons for at least a year. This is because any potential bad habits or problems can be more easily rectified. With a one-on-one tutor, you get first-hand knowledge of what you’re doing wrong. Or right. So wait until your first year has passed before going online. And learning from random drummers unless it’s a structured program. It would be even better to take private lessons for 2-3 years. As you would have then covered the complete foundation found in drumming practice.

3. Go to a music store and ask the employees for recommendations

At your local music store, you may be able to find beginner drum lessons for as little as $15 per lesson. These classes typically last for an hour with an experienced instructor. I have found that local stores are usually in touch with local drummers too. Who may also teach and so you might want to try those teachers too. Stacking teachers in this was you approach the beginning in new ways is never a bad thing.

To begin, contact your local store and ask them about available drum instructors in your area. Don’t take the in-store option until you have tried other local options available to you. Collect some information before you make a decision.

4. Attend a drum workshop or clinic to meet different teachers in person

A drumming workshop or clinic is a great way to expose yourself to the drumming world in a positive way. And who knows, you may improve your skills and learn some new techniques. These events are most likely put on by your local music store too. And are usually led by a professional drummer. if you get a chance to play, they may be able to provide valuable insight and feedback to help you.

In some instances, attendees often have the opportunity to play along. Although it isn’t the usual case. You may also have the chance to receive one-on-one instruction where it’s available. Drum clinics are also a great way to meet other drummers and build a network of contacts in the drumming world. Some of whom will be teachers. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a drum workshop or clinic can help you take your playing to the next level. If only on an enthusiastic level.

Getting involved in the world of drumming is great for building your enthusiasm for the art. So don’t underestimate them as you develop as a drummer.

By that, I mean this may not be a great option when you’re getting started. But it is always something you can come back to after you have been playing drums for a year or two.

5. Interview potential teachers. To see if their personality and teaching style are a good fit for you

When looking for a new drum teacher, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are four key questions to ask a potential drum teacher:

1. What is your teaching experience? It’s important to find out how long the teacher has been playing and teaching drums. A more experienced teacher will be able to offer greater insight and guidance for years to come.
2. What is your teaching style? Different teachers have different methods of teaching. Some may focus on technique while others may emphasize creativity and expression. It’s important to know how to find a good drum teacher in order to find a teacher whose style matches your learning goals. For the first year, you would be best served by practicing the foundational stuff. You can then build on that later. Technique and technical ability will come later.
3. What are your rates? Be sure to ask about the cost of lessons upfront so there are no surprises later on. Rates will vary depending on the teacher’s experience and location. But it’s important to find a rate that you’re comfortable with. And that you can accept for at least a month or two or even more on a consistent basis.
4. Do you have any references? This may be overkill but if possible, try to get references from past or current students. This can give you an idea of what it’s like to take lessons from this particular teacher.

Asking these questions can help you find the right drum teacher for you. As well as ensure that you have a positive and productive learning experience. And remember, for the first 2-3 years you will be learning the foundational skills. Ready to build on it later.

Remember: “any house built on sand will fall if the wind gets too strong”.

6. Sign up for lessons with the teacher who makes you feel most comfortable. And excited about learning

So it’s time to take the plunge and take your first drumming lesson. Make your choice based on your research findings and book the lesson to get you started. If you like what you experience then book another or several. Before trying another teacher I would take at least 4 weekly lessons with one teacher. You can then try a different teacher if you like.

But remember your initial teacher had to deal with your inability to even hold the sticks. And so the second teacher would have a better piece of clay to work with so to speak. So don’t make a judgment on what you learned alone. This is why I recommended trying another teacher only after you had taken 4 lessons. In the end, your intuition will inform you which is the best option for you.

How Do I Find Drumming Teachers Near Me

If you’re interested in taking the first step to learning how to play the drums. Then there are no doubt plenty of excellent teachers near you who can help you to get started. A few lessons can give you the skills you need to start playing for fun. And solve the initial issues most drummers have in playing the basics. These are usually coordination and control issues on the drumset.

I have given some options for researching your local community for possible teachers. And so here I will recap on what we have already covered. As well as a few extra options you can use to find a suitable local drum teacher.

• Ask at your local music store, visit in person if possible and take notes and contact details
• Look at the notice board of the music stores you visit and take notes of any drum teachers.
• Ask friends and relatives in case they know of any musician who can point you toward a drum teacher.
• Search local newspaper classifieds and music sections. Visit the stores you find, and make notes of your findings. Whether they teach drums and so on.
• You could also place a classified ad in your local paper in the classified wanted section. Use a headline like this one, Drum Teacher/Instructor Wanted. Must accept beginners. Or, is suitable for beginners.
• Check your local supermarket noticeboards and any other noticeboards you see.

These are the most common ways of how to find a good drum teacher. But you could also give other instrument teachers a call. Ask them if they know of any drumming instructors. And if they can recommend one. You will find that in most cases they are willing to provide the number of a good local teacher. That is if they know of one that could help.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a drum teacher, we recommend finding one that is local (to begin with). Whose also experienced and has a compatible personality with you. But be sure to do your research before selecting a teacher. And trust your gut when it comes to making this important decision.

Take your first lesson with them to see if you have a connection and whether they can help you reach your goals.

So give it a go! You might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.

If you have any more sources of drum instructors or want to share how your first drumming lesson went? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

Good luck in your search and on your first drumming lesson.

The Drum Coach