Being stuck at home during the pandemic made me realise how important honing a skill is. Time at home was a bit wasteful, I would admit because the bulk of it was spent on watching vlogs, Netflix and reels which are not even worth your time. The monotony of such a routine was making me unproductive and so I pushed myself to learn an instrument.

I was torn between learning how to play the piano or the drums. First of all, I asked the question – am I too old for this stuff? Thanks to YouTube, I saw people even older than me. That gave me more confidence.

Going back to my dilemma, I chose drums instead. You can always learn another instrument some other time anyway. Besides, we have a drum set just gathering dust in our garage. I tried to learn the basics by watching drum lessons for beginners on YouTube. It was helpful but not as great as having a real teacher beside you.

Fast forward and thankfully, the lockdown in Melbourne was lifted and business went back to normal. I finally decided to take the plunge and sign up for drum lessons. I was a little nervous at first, but I’m so glad I did it!

Although I had some learning from internet videos, I still welcomed the basics and started from square one. From holding the drumsticks and the correct patterns of hitting the drum, I enjoyed learning all these in a real music school.

Well, I must admit, the first sessions were more about understanding the strokes like single, double and paradiddle. Mastering the basic five led me to the next level and then the next. I still am not an expert but I am proud of what I have achieved so far.

I was surprised at how quickly I picked things up. I guess learning comes easy when you are passionate about it.

After a few lessons, I was starting to feel more comfortable with the drums. I was able to play some simple beats, and I was even starting to improvise a little bit. My teacher was always there to offer encouragement and guidance.

As I continued taking lessons, I started to get better and better. I was able to play more complex beats, and I was even able to learn some simple songs. I was really starting to enjoy playing the drums.

I’ve been taking my drum lessons for about six months now, and I’m really glad I did. I’ve learned so much, and I’m having a lot of fun. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be a professional drummer, but I’m definitely going to keep playing.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned from taking drum lessons:

1. Patience is key.

Learning to play the drums takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t pick things up right away. Just keep practising, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

2. Find a good teacher.

A good teacher can make all the difference in your learning experience. Look for someone who is patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable about drums.

3. Set realistic goals.

Don’t expect to be able to play like Phil Rudd overnight. Set small, achievable goals for yourself, and you’ll be more likely to stick with them.

4. Have fun!

Playing the drums should be enjoyable. If you’re not having fun, you’re less likely to see it through. So relax, enjoy the process, and let the music flow through you.

If you’re thinking about taking drum lessons, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to learn a new skill, have fun, and express yourself creatively.

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your drum lessons:

Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Try to set aside some time each day to practice.

Listen to other drummers. One of the best ways to improve your drumming is to listen to other drummers. Pay attention to their technique, their style, and their groove.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. One of the best things about playing the drums is that there are no rules. Experiment with different beats, different sounds, and different styles. Have fun with it!

I hope this blog post has inspired you to take drum lessons. It’s a great way to learn a new skill, have fun, and express yourself creatively.

It is never too late to play an instrument especially when you have the determination to learn it.