I love teaching beginners. I’ve taught children as young as eight and adult beginners too embarrassed to tell me their age (they cough it up eventually). It’s rewarding on many levels, but the main reason I enjoy it is that nearly everyone makes rapid progress in those early stages. Regardless of the extent of one’s musical education - or lack thereof - anyone can be taught to play a musical instrument. While there’s no doubt that trying anything new or different can be daunting, keep in mind that nobody comes into the world fully formed. Everyone has to be taught to do what they do.

I start adult students on the drum set at the very first lesson. While it’s important for all students to understand the mechanics involved in executing a stroke - it’s the equivalent of brass and woodwind players learning the correct embouchure - I prefer to introduce those concepts to adults only as the need arises. With younger students I work on fundamentals extensively since a solid technique is essential to their development. But generally speaking, adult beginners have hectic schedules with work, kids, and other obligations. Most take drum lessons simply for the enjoyment that comes from learning to play along to their favorite songs. For others it’s something they’ve always wanted to do and are finally summoning up the courage to try it. Since playing professionally is not on their to-do list, I try to keep the heavy lifting to a minimum. I do, however, request that all students learn to read music. Don’t panic, though. Reading music is not difficult. You will learn most of what you’ll need in the first few weeks.

In addition to being a lot of fun, drumming is an excellent way to relieve stress, lose weight, reduce hypertension, and improve cardiovascular health. A vigorous one-hour practice session on the drums can burn as many calories as a 20-minute jog on the beach. And since sustained workouts release endorphins, the natural “feel good” polypeptides produced in the brain, drumming can help improve one’s focus, concentration, and self-confidence as well.

So, what are you waiting for? No more excuses! Go for it!