Is your child ready to play the drums? Have they started playing patterns on your pots and pans, or do they seem mesmerized by YouTube videos of Neil Peart on a drum kit? If you have a budding drummer in your family, you might be wondering if it’s time to start private lessons.
This blog will help you determine readiness, but please remember that every child is different, and there is no real consensus on the perfect age.
If you’d like information about our drum lessons in Columbia, MD, or if you have interest in piano lessons, another instrument, or our fun rock band program, get in touch.
What’s the Best Age to Start Drum Lessons?
The best age to start drum lessons is considered by many to be ages 6-8. A child at this age will have developed motor skills, enough strength to hold the sticks and play the instrument, enough strength for good posture, long enough legs to comfortably sit and reach the pedal, and a strong enough attention span to benefit from private lessons with a teacher. Furthermore, they will be able to comprehend more advanced language and communicate with their instructor.
Can Kids Start Drum Lessons Before Age 6?
Yes, kids can start lessons prior to age six. A toy drum kit is a great way to galvanize a love for music, as are bongos, tambourines and other rhythm instruments. Many standardized music programs for kids, like KinderMusik, use rhythm instruments with young kids. If your child is big enough and mature enough, they can even start taking lessons on a kit.
More Than Drumming – Music Education Has Other Benefits
Drumming offers more than just musical education; it can provide a range of developmental benefits. A study published in the journal Developmental Science suggests that rhythmic exercises, like drumming, can enhance cognitive and motor skills in young children. Drumming can help improve hand-eye coordination, listening skills, and even boost memory and concentration. The repetitive nature of drumming can also assist in the development of patience and focus, and it’s a great stress reliever.
Parental Involvement is Key For Young Drummers
Young children won’t often succeed by practicing by themselves on the drums for 20-30 minutes. They will get distracted, play with poor technique, goof around, and fail to make progress. This is natural!
A parent can turn drum practice into a rewarding family activity. Your child will look forward to playing the drums if you are also learning basic beats, rudiments, and techniques alongside them. It doesn’t need to take much time – 15-20 minutes per day is enough for a young child to see significant progress.
Are Children Older Than 8 Years Old Behind? Can They Still Start Drum Lessons?
Children in late elementary school or even middle school are absolutely not too late to learn the drums at a high level. Even high schoolers can get caught up to their peers within a couple of years, if they practice. Adults students often take on the drums as well, and many reach an advanced level of drumming within five years if they are enthusiastic about it.
For instance, if you have a 10-year-old who wants to play the drums, but you’re worried they will lag behind other kids their age who have already been taking lessons, don’t worry. Older kids usually make up that gap quickly if they practice, attend lessons, and want to learn drums. We often receive questions about how long it takes to learn the violin, piano, guitar, or other instruments, and if you want more specific information, sign up for a trial lesson so that you can chat with an expert at our studio. They will tell you everything you need to know.
If you’d like to enroll your child in our music lessons in Columbia, please get in touch. We have a fantastic rock band program, private lesson program, and offer access to our practice facilities throughout the week. We’d love to meet you.