Does your child constantly drum on household objects like table tops or pots and pans? Do they like to make noise using whatever they have in their reach? Congratulations: you just might have a drummer in the family!

There is a drummer inside almost each and every one of us, and it's no surprise why: the drums are one of the most universal instruments found throughout the world, and are used for a variety of purposes in many different cultures.

Still, many parents wonder: how do you know when a child is ready to study drums? Here at School of Rock, our instructors can help you determine the best age to learn the drums, for kids or even yourself.

WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO LEARN DRUMS?

The best age to start drum lessons is generally between ages 6 to 7, as this is the age where most students gain the mental focus needed to learn an instrument. Even so, while ages 6 to 7 are considered the best age to learn the drums, there are always exceptions, and it ultimately comes down to your child's willingness to learn.

Is your child ready to start drum lessons?

For the beginning musician, the drums are one of the easiest instruments to pick up, and are an ideal instrument for students of all ages. Still, all students are unique, and each progresses at their own pace. Before placing your child into classes, it’s important to prepare your child for what they'll need to learn.

Concepts like rhythm or timing are important music skills when learning the drums, and younger children in particular can benefit from the positive effects of music on cognitive development. These effects will have a positive impact on growth and learning in other activities. This is especially true when drums are taught in a focused music program that combines group practice with one-on-one instruction.

7 signs your child is ready to LEARN THE drumS:

1. Your child can comfortably hold the sticks. Children may get frustrated if the sticks are too big for their hands. If the drum sticks are too big, consider hand percussion instead.
   
   
2. Your child has basic rhythmic ability. If you notice your kid is able to keep rhythm as they dance or play along to songs, then they have the basic rhythmic ability needed to learn an instrument. Programs like the Little Wing music program are focused on teaching younger kids these skills.
   
   
3. Your child count to 4. When starting the drums, it’s important to understand drum notation – which uses timing and basic counting skills.
   
   
4. Your child is motivated to learn. If your child expresses interest in wanting to play the drums, then they probably are ready to take the next step.
   
   
5. Your child has the focus required for lessons. Most lessons are between 30-45 minutes long. Children that cannot hold focus for this amount of time may not be ready to begin lessons.
   
   
6. Your child has time in their daily routines to practice. Regular practice is essential to learning any instrument. Children with no time to practice will fail to see results, and become frustrated. Our experts recommend students practice for at least 30 minutes every day.
   
   
7. Your child is mature enough to commit. In order to start the drums, a student must be mature enough to take on the commitment of learning an instrument, repsect their peers, and practice consistently.

Tips when starting the drums

When learning the drums, there are some tips that will help make the journey successful.

• Look at drum size. To start, the drums should be set up to fit the student’s size.
  
  
• Get a properly sized drum throne. The drum throne should be at a comfortable height and all drums should be in easy reach.
  
  
• Focus on the basics first. When beginning, students should focus on getting the basics down as opposed to just playing fast.
  
  
• Use practice pads for quiet study. Practice pads along with low volume cymbals and drum heads will help keep the sound levels manageable, especially around the house.
  
  
• Protect your ears. Hearing protection is important with drumming, and there are many different levels of hearing protection available depending on the needs of your child.
  
  
• Learn with other students. Playing with others is a great way to quickly improve at an instrument. School of Rock offers unique opportunities for young students to play together in a band as part of a fun learning environment.

Is it ever too late to start drums?

Absolutely not! While we recommend that drummers start studying at ages 6 to 7, kids shouldn’t have all the fun. It’s never too late to pick up the drums or nurture your inner rock star. In fact, the School of Rock Adult Program sees many adult students meet success in learning to play an instrument every day.