The drums are the engine of every band. Even though they’re sitting on a throne in the back rows, drummers bring the energy into rock and are like heroes to adults and children alike. Pros make playing drums seem easy, and believe it or not, one of the hardest parts is finding a good drum set.
The seasoned drum coaches of The Music Box have created a comprehensive guide for beginners shopping for their first drum kit, explaining how to find a good-sounding set that won’t break after a couple of months.
If you’re a parent wanting to enroll their child into the best drum school in Florida, swing by The Music Box and we’ll ensure your kid gets premium quality education and a warm, friendly atmosphere to refine their drumming talents. Meanwhile, let’s help you buy your first kit.
When Should You Start Talking Drumming Lessons?
The icons of the drumming world began early. The most famous case is the late John Bonham, the drummer of Led Zeppelin who began as early as five years old.
Even though his kit was largely comprised of coffee tins, cooking pans, and a few containers, he played his heart out and polished his skills to a shine before joining one of the most legendary rock & roll groups in the world.
Most experts will agree that music can only benefit kids, so the right answer to this question would be “the earlier, the better.” If a child starts taking drumming lessons at 4 years old, they will simultaneously develop a range of crucial skills, such as impulse control, decision-making, expressiveness, and more importantly, emotion control.
At The Music Box, we make groups of similarly-aged children and have our professional drum coaches guide them to become not just good drummers, but good persons. No matter how young or old, talented or passionate about drums you may be, everyone is welcome to start taking drumming lessons at The Music Box.
Choosing the Right Kit: Things to Consider
At The Music Box, we have a variety of premium-quality drum sets that our students can freely use. However, you may still want to consider buying your child their own kit so that they could practice at home and be active during online lessons.
Another reason why buying a drum kit for a beginner is a better idea than having them use whatever is available is that they will get to become more familiar with their drums faster. There are more parts on a kick drum alone than on any other instrument; getting to know the instrument is crucial for effective learning. With that in mind, let’s discuss the things you should keep in mind while searching for the first drum set.
Consider Buying a Premade Kit
Professional and session drummers have hundreds of different drum pieces at home, which allows them to mix and match them depending on what sound they’re after. Building a kit from scratch is always an option, but not only will it cost you more, but it will also take a lot of your time; researching the brands and comparing the prices can last weeks even if you know what you’re after.
All major drum manufacturers and retailers offer premade drum kits or bundles. The main difference here is that you won’t necessarily get to pick the parts. Brands often match their products by quality, price, and skill level, so the obvious choice would be to look for beginner bundles.
Determine Your Budget
You can always bring your kit to The Music Box, or you can leave it at home so that your child can use it for practice exclusively.
Many people place too much importance on the sound quality of a drum kit, and rightly so. If the kit sounds like a set of tin cans, there’s no point in paying hundreds of dollars for something you already have at home.
That being said, beginner kits often have “expiration dates”. As soon as the beginner learns the ropes, they’ll want to upgrade to a bigger, better-sounding set that could match their freshly-polished skills.
Keep the Kit Simple
A 3-piece kit is a tool beginners can use; a 5-piece drum set can be a distraction. Most children love to explore new things, and if something is a bit too complicated, they may lose interest and turn to the next new thing.
Buying a straightforward drum kit for your child will also save you quite a bit of money. The best thing about it is that you can always add new pieces after your child gains new skills at The Music Box.
Get a Durable Kit
Don’t assume that kids can’t destroy a drum kit just because they may not be as “strong” as adults. Drum kits wear every time they’re transported from one place to another, whenever they’re struck with drumsticks and they’ll inevitably degrade over time.
If you plan to buy a kit your child will use at The Music Box, the back-and-forth transport may put a few dents in it, or worse yet, pop the heads. Consider buying a durable kit, especially if you plan to resell the kit after your child grows into a better drummer and needs a better kit.
Put the Drums to Use at The Music Box
Now that you’ve bought the kit for your child, it would be a shame for it to collect dust in your garage. Although there are many talented individuals who’re self-taught, the fastest route to becoming a proficient drummer is to seek professional education.
We’re The Music Box, Florida’s premier provider of drumming lessons. Our drum coaches can’t wait to help your child become the next rock & roll legend. With a lot of new friends and the best teachers around, we offer quality education and best-in-class gear for aspiring drummers.
Pack up the kit, and come join us at 4321 Gunn Highway in Carrollwood, Florida, give us a call, or send us an email. Whenever you’re ready, just follow this link.
