03. Getting Started
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO GET STARTED:
- Drumsticks
- Method Book
- Practice Pad/Stand
- 3-Ring Binder, Paper & Pencil
- Metronome
- Hearing Protection
1. DRUMSTICKS
Sticks are available at any music store for around $10-$15 a pair. They come in an endless variety of sizes, weights, and styles.
I recommend that students purchase two pairs for lessons/general playing situations– one for more technically oriented pad and snare drum music and a lighter pair for students also wishing to study drum set.
Stick Size Recommendations
- Pad/Snare: 2B or 5B
- Drum Set: 5A or 7A
2. METHOD BOOKS
These will vary from student to student. After evaluating the student’s ability level in the first lesson, I’ll suggest one or two books that might best compliment that student’s level of experience and goals.
3. PRACTICE PAD & STAND
Most of us don’t have the luxury of a sound-proof room to rock out in late into the night, so a rubber practice pad with an adjustable stand is a great way to practice to your heart’s content without bothering your neighbors/parents/roommates.
4. THREE-RING NOTEBOOK, PAPER & PENCIL
For is for keeping track of lesson assignments, music, and handouts.
5. METRONOME
A Metronome is a time keeping device that is a necessary tool for efficient practicing. When playing louder instruments like snare drum or drum set, it’s helpful to have a digital metronome so that it can be used in conjunction with headphones and gun muff style hearing protectors.
6. HEARING PROTECTION
Hearing protection is VERY important. I cannot emphasize this enough.
Earplugs can be purchased at any drugstore.
Gun muff type hearing protectors work best for full volume practicing and can be used in conjunction with ear-bud or iPod type earphones in order to protect a student’s hearing as well as make it easier to play along with recorded music. Some even have built in metronomes.
