Flaherty's Drum Lessons

Drum Lessons - to take or not to take

When you decide you want to try to learn to play the drums or percussion instruments it is important to remember that you are learning a new language. It is a combination of reading drum and percussion music, learning to play by ear from listening and applying what you are reading and finally writing sketches of what you hear and maybe even composing your own music thoughts and sounds. It is to your benefit to start your journey with a person who is qualified with credentials, playing experience, teaching experience at all age and ability levels and most of all “loves to teach.” This will insure your success.

For the parent with a student in school band it is important to note that school band programs do not (unless the band director has a regimented percussion training class designed by a percussion instructor and follows it) prepare students for the big change in how hard music is in high school or college programs. Passing out music and performing it a few months later with little or no percussion training is the norm. Sight reading, rudiment training, ear training, repertoire, audition preparation are only some of the critical areas all students need to cover. Most students moving from middle school or junior high to high school are three to five years behind. The only option for the director receiving them is to hide them on an easy instrument until they develop skills. Going on to college is the same. Drum and percussion lessons with a well rounded percussion teacher is the route to go to insure opportunity.