If you would like to learn drums, purchasing a good quality video DVD course can be a wise investment.  They allow you to stop, pause and replay footage so you can analyse the correct way to play with regard to stick control, posture and grip. They are also great for revisiting previous lessons to ensure that you have understood and mastered what has been taught.

Even if you have a tutor, it is still a good idea to have some videos to compliment your learning.

Here are some of the best courses available:

Free Drum Lessons

There are a number of places that you can find free drum lessons online.  These tend to be introductory level lessons that concentrate on giving you the basics of how to play the instrument.  This is great if you want to give drumming a try, before you invest in a drum kit (or if you have a child that is interested in learning). Suitable for beginners

The Rudiment System

The Drum Rudiment System is a comprehensive program for learning drum rudiments.  The rudiments are a set of drum patterns that are for the basis of all drumming.  Learn the rudiments correctly and your instrument will be far easier to master. You will also be able to take your drumming to a much higher level.Suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced players

The Drumming System

The Drumming System is the ultimate course on learning the drums.  Provides everything that is required to become an accomplished musician including rudiments, fills, hand techniques, foot techniques and playing different styles of music (including heavy rock, jazz, Latin and groove rock).

Different people learn in different ways so this course comes with multi-angle video footage on DVD and also comprehensive written materials.  You will also be able to practice you newly developed skills with the included play-along DVD’s. Suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced players.

Tips for Learning the Drums

Here are a number of tips and techniques that will help you improve your playing and help you learn drums more effectively.

Metronome – These are essential for drummers and help you play in time.  There are many electronic metronomes available that are inexpensive and allow you to quickly vary the tempo.  These include the quality Dr Beat range from Boss.

Drum Practice Pad – it is really useful to have a drum practice pad to help you, particularly when you are just starting to learn the drums.  These allow you to practice at any time of the day without annoying the neighbours.  There is now a large range of drum practice pads and drum silencers available, so there is no excuse not to practice! See our page on drum practice pads for more information.

Drum Sticks – Drumsticks come in a range of materials and weights/thickness.  If you are just starting playing the drumkit, wooden sticks with a 5B thickness are about average.  As you progress, you may want lighter sticks such as a 7A if you play jazz or heaver sticks if you play heavy rock, such as a 2B.

Notebook – It sounds slightly odd, but one of my most useful tools to learn drums is my notebook.  I use it to note what learning goals I wish to achieve and I also quickly jot down what I have been practicing and the date. I can then look back through the notebook and see the progress that I have made.  This is a great motivational tool.