Basic Music Fundamentals

• The ability to play the drums relies on the skill of maintaining a steady beat. This skill is one that can be practiced and refined during drum lessons. After a child can keep a beat, he will move on to learn the basic music fundamental called rhythm. The drums do not require a child to learn how to read music or understand melodies and harmonies. Lessons may be adapted so that children are learning how to play beats and rhythms by ear. More advanced students may be taught the method of notating these rhythms and how to notate the music for a drum.
  
  

Expectations and Goals

• Very young children may or may not progress as quickly as a teenager, but even young children can learn basic beats and rhythms on the drums. You cannot always expect a young child to focus for an entire lesson, so using favorite and familiar songs throughout a lesson can help maintain interest. Over the course of regular lessons, you will notice your child's ability to keep a steady beat and even begin to learn more complicated beats. One goal is for your child to learn each basic drum rudiment, including rolls and paradiddles. Another goal is for your child to be able to play a basic rock beat along with a favorite song. Communicate these goals with your teacher. Also communicate expectations to your child and encourage your child to practice.
  
  

Benefits

• Music lessons can be costly, but the value of a musical education is great. Research shows individuals who engage in music education also do well in other academic areas like math. Children who take lessons also can gain the ability to focus and learn new things more easily. Group classes are also great opportunities for socialization and cooperative learning skills.
  
  

Considerations

• Lessons are not appropriate for every child, and it is also important to find the right teacher. Teachers should be comfortable teaching children and should have a balance of encouraging your child to learn and progress while also making the lessons fun. You may wish to purchase an instrument, and the instrument should be the proper size for your child. Children in any music lesson should practice their instrument, and supporting and encouraging your child will help improve success. Overall, drum lessons for children should be an enjoyable learning experience.