Within this question, there was mention of both age and the fact that the drummer said he wasn’t very good.
Do you think you’re too old to start drumming or join a band? If you do, then think again!
In this post, I’ll show you why age doesn’t matter when it comes to playing drums, and how you can overcome the belief that you’re ‘not good enough.’ Stick around—this might just be the motivation, (pardon the pun), you need to pick up those sticks again!
Hey, developing drummers!
Whether you’re just picking up the sticks for the first time or getting back into drumming after years away, you might be wondering, Am I too old for this? Or maybe you’re doubting your skills, thinking, I’m not good enough to join a band.
Well, I’m here to tell you that age and ability are not barriers when it comes to drumming.
In fact, it’s all about your mindset and how you approach learning. Today, I’m going to break down why you’re never too old to start or join a band, and how you can boost your confidence behind the kit. Let’s get into it!
Let’s tackle the age question first. It doesn’t matter how old you are—if you love playing drums, that’s all that matters. The great thing about drumming is that you’re usually sitting at the back of the stage, out of the spotlight.
But beyond that, if you can play solid drums, you’re never too old to start learning or join a band. Trust me, no one’s going to care about your age as long as you can keep good time and bring solid energy to the music.
Now, if you’re worried about what the band might think about your age, here’s a simple tip: just be upfront. Let them know your age ahead of time and let them decide if it’s a factor. In most cases, it won’t be an issue, and they’ll be more interested in whether you can keep the beat than in how many birthdays you’ve had.
Now, onto that second point, which is even more important: If you’ve ever said to yourself, I’m not that good, it’s time to drop that thought. Negative self-talk can be a huge barrier to your growth as a drummer. If you keep thinking you’re not good enough, you’ll be stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. Constantly thinking that you are not good enough.
Instead, start telling yourself, Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better. Say it in the morning 20 or more times, say it before bed 20 or more times, and whenever doubt creeps in. Your words have power, so speak about yourself in a positive way. And eventually you will begin to think in a growth mindset way.
If you’ve already got some drumming chops—maybe you’ve mastered some basic techniques or are comfortable with timing—start looking for local bands just starting out. Most bands are really just looking for one thing: a good, solid time player.
You don’t need to be the flashiest drummer in the world to make a huge impact. If a band asks you to try something new, and you’re not quite there yet, just let them know you’ll work on it for next time. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
So, keep growing and whether you think you are too old, or not good enough, you will soon begin to knock down those barriers that may be keeping you stuck.
So, Whats Next?
Whether you’re 20 or 60, it’s never too late to start playing drums or join a band. It’s all about your mindset and your willingness to put yourself out there and grow. But before you go do just that, if you’re considering picking up an electronic drum kit for convenience, you might be wondering if that’s a good option to learn on. In my next post, I’ll answer the question: Are electronic drum kits okay for beginner drummers? Click the next post to check it out next!
