[MSellers]

Hello all. My name is Mike and I live in central OH. I'm a 30 year old newlywed that wants to finally start my dream of becoming a drummer. I don't have the space or money for a full drum set right now so I'm looking for advice on where I should start. Are there things I could do on my own before getting private lessons? I've looked at some practice pads and what not but I'm not sure what would be best. I'm looking forward to learning and appreciate any advice. Thanks

[Church Drummer]

Welcome!! Getting a practice pad, and some sticks, and learning some basic rudiments is a good way to start. It will go easier with a teacher but ther are some websites that will show you how to play them. My favorite is 40 Essential Rudiments. This will help you build some coordination with the sticks, and some hand strength, and facility. You can't go wrong with learning some of the basics of drum music notation the Alfred Drum Method is a good place to start for that. This will help lay a foundation for when you do get a set, and you won't be starting from scratch.

[drummergyrl1390]

church drummer is absolutely right... rudiments , rudiments, rudiments, these are the building blocks of drumming, also... i don't know if you can read music... but you need to be able to read rhythm in music... although I don't use this when I'm playing drumset, I do use it in school band, and I am more well-rounded in that I can play anything you give me. Also... if you can read rhythm or basic notation you will understand better how the drums work. Rudiments will also help you build up your speed and technique as well as control... you will also find out later that you can end up incororating those rudiments into fills, etc. I would recommend getting a book like Alfred's Drum Method Book One, also the Ultimate Realistic Rock Drum Method by Carmen Arpice is a very good book for the intermediate drummer and is geared more towards the drumset....there are also plenty of online wesites that you can get rudiments off of these are the top three drum websites that I have used

40 Essential Rudiments
DRUM RUDIMENTS
» Free Drum Lessons - Learn How To Play Drums Online

free drum lessons .com is wonderful...
hope this helped
God bless
Lauren

[MSellers]

Thank you both very much! That's very helpful.

[Church Drummer]

Originally Posted by MSellers

Thank you both very much! That's very helpful.

Your Welcome, enjoy yourself, and let us know how things progress.

[drummergyrl1390]

totally! let us know!