By Starting a new hobby or passion is exciting and scary at the same time. No one starts something as an expert – everyone starts at the bottom and has to work their way up to the top.
It also means that even if you’re hesitant and self-conscious about your skill level now, there’s still unlimited potential for where you can go.
If you’re a newbie drummer who wants to grow your skillset and become a powerhouse musician, let these ten tips help you.
Table of Contents
1. Get Set Up with the Right Equipment
Before you can start drumming, you need drumming equipment. If you want to become a good drummer, you should make your decision carefully and not be afraid to invest in quality equipment that will last for a long time.
You can find high-quality drum sets and accessories online at destinations like the Drum Center of Portsmouth and trust that you’re starting on the right foot.
2. Go Slow and Steady
Don’t try to learn expert songs at the beginning. Keep to your own pace, and don’t be afraid to progress slowly and steadily. Start with the basics, find your rhythm, and go from there.
3. Commit to Learning to Read Music
Some drummers play by ear and feeling, but the best drummers are dedicated musicians who can read music and play a new song just by seeing the sheet music for it.
Learning to read music can feel much like learning a new language, but you’ll become more musically literate with perseverance.
4. Seek Out Inspiration
Find drumming inspiration from the best. Listen to classic rock records or find excitement in funk tunes – whatever makes you want to get on the drums and let your artist out!
Finding inspiration can also help you maintain motivation, even when things get hard.
5. Practice Makes Better
Perfection isn’t real, but practice will make you better. The only way to get the results you want is to put the work in, day in and day out.
Create a rehearsal schedule that you can stick to and block out everything during that time. Commit to your practice, and you’re sure to improve.
6. Stay Open-Minded
You may find that some styles of music are harder to play. Stay open-minded and give yourself enough time to get comfortable with the craft before you place judgments or decide to call it quits.
7. Get a Great Teacher
A good teacher can make a world of difference. You can find a local teacher or hire an online coach for virtual lessons.
Find someone who sees potential in you, is patient with newcomers, and is willing to commit to helping you grow.
8. Don’t Get Too Serious
It’s easy to be hard on yourself at the beginning of a new hobby, especially when a challenge arises or you can’t get something right.
Don’t take drumming too seriously. It’s supposed to be fun! Let it be.
9. Play with Others
Once you start to feel more comfortable with your drumming skills, start playing with others, whether drummers or different musicians.
You may even decide to start a band with other early-stage musicians. They can help you grow and add a social element to your hobby!
10. Keep Patience at the Center
Learning anything new can be frustrating, but you need to be gentle with yourself and have patience. Time and practice are the only two things that will make you better, so you need to allow for both.
The Thrill of Being New
Sure, it’s nice to be an expert at something. But there’s an absolute thrill in being new at something. Enjoy the challenge and excitement of taking on a new skill, and don’t forget to have plenty of fun along the way!
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