How to Find the Best Drum Teachers

So you want to learn how to play the drums? Drums are actually one of the coolest instruments to master. Without drum beats, the music feels dry or dull. Sure—there are a lot of alternatives like beat boxes or synthesizers, but the feel of a real drum beat still differs from these instruments. Learning how to play the drums is not an easy task, though, and you need to find the best drum teacher in order to ace the beats! But how do we find the best drum teacher?

Finding the best drum teacher is not simple, but remember, the term BEST is subjective. What you consider best, may not be best for others, and the other way around. In simple terms, it is up to your standards to set the qualities for a best drum teacher.

One thing that cannot be stressed enough is the importance of your own goals and musical preferences. If you enjoy rock music and want to play a hard hitting style like Keith Moon, you might not want a jazz teacher. At the same time, you may find some commonality, depending on the style, if it is a jazz player like Gene Krupa who was equally flamboyant.

All that is to say, these kinds of influences, goals and preferences should be discussed before jumping in. Particularly with an instrument like drums, there are so many styles and techniques to choose from that some direction and focus may be required to obtain the desired results.

Another thing to consider before you begin your search for the best drum teacher for you is the importance of practice space. Yes, drums are loud, and as with all instruments you will need to practice in order to get better. There are electronic drum kits that are becoming more advanced, but you will want to make sure your teacher is amenable to this practice if you are going to go that route.

The best drum teacher need not have a wide array of diplomas and certificates, or a tall exhibit of trophies and medals. An excellent drummer may not be an excellent tutor so be sure to ask about his or her experience in teaching students to play the drums.Also, make sure to determine whether or not he is still active in the field. This is an important quality of the best drum teacher. A teacher who is still engaged in music is definitely more fervent and passionate than those who have settled to teach for the rest of their lives.A very important thing to consider in choosing the best drum teacher is his personality. His outlook in life and his way of dealing with people is a big deal. A tutor needs to be motivating, inspiring and dedicated to his work. Moreover, he should be flexible and must learn when to be strict and when to set back a little.There is no doubt that the best drum teacher will play a big role in your hopes of becoming an excellent drummer; but remember, your improvement and mastery in this skill will greatly depend on your commitment and passion.

Photo Credit:John Pemble