[Nucci]

Hey everyone, I've been wanting to play some sort of instruments for the longest, but definitely decided that drumming was the ultimate path to take.

I'm wondering how I can start out. I know it will take loads of practice.

I'm going to be a sophomore in college this year and have a bit of free time that I figured I'd fill learning to play something.

Again, how should I start out and progress?

My friend who is an excellent drummer gave me a pair of sticks and a remo putting pad and told me to just work on coordination, (my left hand is much weaker/slower), speed, basic stuff like paradiddles, and playing to the beat of songs.

What would be your guys' advice as to reach my goal? I enjoy drumming particularly from metalcore, but I would love to play to anything in the future.

Thanks!

[hippy chip]

I started playing around with drums about 9 months ago, and a drummer friend gave me the same advice---work on coordination, and rythm---then power, and speed! my left hand is getting better by the week! I am lucky that noise is not an issue, so I can practice on my full size kit---and I also have a practice rig---snare, bass, and hi-hat---those are where I was told to concentrate my practice, and add in the others later! Progress is slow, but I am enjoying drums very much. good luck!!!!

[Tainojim]

Rudiments are the key to all drumming. Fortunately you guys have the internet to get free drumming lessons today. I started drumming 52 years ago long before in a galaxy ....

All screwing around aside, learning the "Moller Method" is still the best way to start.

Though I'm a dinosour at drumming:

Jim Chapin on the moeller technique - YouTube

[MaximusDukusErectus]

Have the Chapin video......very helpful......

[Tainojim]

Welcome to our world of drumming. But then again, what do I know, I've been drumming for the past 52 years.

[knarfin]

Glad to have you on the team! The thing I learned about new instruments is that if you don't start now, you'll never be good. So who cares if it takes 2, 5, 10, 20 years? You just gotta commit and do it.

This is what I tell people when I give drum lessons for beginners. The linked video talks about relying on your wrist for a consistent, strong, and efficient stroke. I'm not a fan of snappy, finger-y, arm-y techniques except in cases where it adds visual appeal to a performance.

The best advice I can give you is to practice every day and find a good teacher. You need to practice often and practice correctly. There's nothing worse than getting good at playing poorly, and a great teacher can help you avoid that.

[Tainojim]

You can't be stiff at all time. Stage appearance is also quite impressive, on the other hand it's all a matter of feeling out the music and being comfortable with it.

Even what some drummers call mistake, can be applied in a riff here and there.

Be yourself and let the other be themselves.

Bottom line is that you play the way you want to develope your own skills.

The so called teachers of perfection only mimic the music sheet of the old. Very old.

Even Amadeus was very flatulant in his sheet music.