Why Take Drum Lessons?
Drum lessons are a great choice for kids who are at least 7 to 8 years old. Just like any other instrument, drum students will learn all the foundational aspects of music when studying at SMMC. This includes learning to read music, learning to play with dynamics, and learning foundational exercises and techniques for the instrument. The latter part is called rudiments and involves developing stick control and coordination. By learning to play drums, students of all ages will develop gross motor skills, gaining coordination for using all their limbs together. Fine motor skills are developed by practicing the aforementioned rudiments. On top of this, the physical nature of the instrument helps to relieve stress and anxiety. As such, it helps with a students overall mood, outlook and confidence. WOW-sign me up!
Some Considerations
Parents can be a bit apprehensive if their child shows interest in drums as a musical instrument. They are seen as loud, large and expensive. While there is some truth to this, each of these hurdles is manageable and easily resolved. Volume on an acoustic drum kit can be controlled by using a drum mute pack like Evan’s “Sound Off” drum mute pack (available at SMMC). These padded mutes simply sit over each drum head and muffle the sound while preserving the bounce and feel of a drum head. If expense and space is a worry, a good electronic kit is the solution. The Alesis Nitro Pro and Command Mesh kits are 30% cheaper than a drum set and more compact. These electronic kits also come with headphone jack’s so only the player can hear the sound. In addition, the mesh pads make a limited amount of noise when compared to an acoustic kit. So all in all, a win-win choice for parents and students! In some instances, younger students are quite capable of playing drums too. For younger children, it’s best to try out the instrument first to make sure it is a good choice before making the commitment.
Congratulations Cedric W.
Cedric has been taking drum lessons with SMMC since February 2024. Currently, Cedric studies drums with Mr. Ryland Kelly. Ryland holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the prestigious Julliard School in Manhattan. While there, Ryland studied bass, piano and composition. He has performed at notable venues such as Blue Note NYC, The Highline Ballroom, Sullivan Hall and The Kennedy Center. Of Cedric, Mr. Ryland writes: “Cedric is a great student who practices consistently. He shows up on time every week having the material from the previous lesson well prepared. Cedric recently finished the book “Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer” by Charles Dowd and now is working on “Syncopation” by Ted Reed. He’s learned several songs by Nirvana, Weezer, The Smashing Pumpkins, Beck and more. He has also participated in every recital since I have started working with him. This shows that Cedric likes to push himself to get better and rises to the opportunity to showcase his skills. He has a great attitude, a strong work ethic and has continually shown progress since we started working together. I look forward to witness Cedric’s growth as a drummer in the years to come!”
Cedric Performing
Enjoy this performance of Cedric playing drums at our last recital!
Get To Meet Cedric
We sent a few questions to Cedric to get to know him a little better. Here is what he had to say!
1. How long have you been playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it?
“I have been playing the drums for two years, and I enjoy it because I like creating rhythms and beats.”
2. How did you get started playing drums and why did you decide to take lessons?
“My uncle is a jazz drummer, and he showed me the basics when I first started. I decided to take lessons because I wanted to improve my skills on the drums.”
3. What do you like about how your instruments’ sound and is there anything that makes your instrument special?
“I like that the drums can make many different sounds, and I can combine them to create unique beats. I think my instrument is special because there is usually only one drummer in a band.“
4. If any, who are some of the artists you look up to for your instrument and why do you like them?
“I look up to my uncle. He is a great drummer and I appreciate how he helped me get interested in and start learning how to play the instrument.”
5. What is your favorite food, movie/tv show, video game, etc.?
“My favorite food is my mom’s chicken soup. I like the TV show Young Sheldon. My favorite video game is Terraria.”
6. What are your top 3 favorite things to do in your free time?
“My top three favorite things to do in my free time are swimming, building with LEGO, and playing video games.”
7. What have you done this year that you consider to be the most fun you’ve had all year?
“The most fun I had this year was when I went skiing with my brother at Mammoth Mountain.”
Wow-thank you for sharing Cedric! It must be awesome to have a jazz drummer in the family and any trip to Mammoth Mountain is gonna be a good, memorable trip! Keep up the great drumming.
Start Your Own Musical Journey
If you are ready to get yourself or your child started on their musical journey, our wonderful teachers are eager to work with you. Study with degreed educators who have years of experience. Whether you are a beginner, have not played for years, or looking to make the jump to intermediate or advance level, our teachers have the tools to help you achieve your ambition! Book a trial lesson today!