2. misc-audio
  3. 148500-115924

Take up drums at age 56?

I know this technically has nothing to do with high end audio but I know there are some drummers here that might be able to help me along here....or tell me to skip it altogether. And it does have to do with music.

I'm almost embarrassed to even post this. I'm 56. I have never played a musical instrument other than dabbling with a harmonica. I do not read music. I am certain that I'll never perform for anyone or play in a band.

But I've always wanted to play drums.

And now I have enough money to get a simple cheap used drum kit and I have a basement that is isolated enough to not bother the neighbors. (I actually have an acquaintance who refurbishes used drums who can probably hook me up).

So I have a couple of questions:

1) Can you teach yourself to play drums? Alone or with YouTube etc? Are actual lessons required? Can I skip the practice pad and start with a kit?

2) Is there any point? In other words, even if I were to learn to play are the drums the kind of instrument that you sit down and play for your own pleasure the way you would a guitar?

My realistic expectation is that I'd get a simple kit. Try to do something with it. Find that it is much harder to do than it looks, especially for a guy with two left feet. It sits in the basement for a while and then I sell it for a big loss but hopefully at least happy that I tried it.

Any other thoughts on the matter?

(If totally inappropriate for this site I have no problem removing the post.....especially if someone points me to a better site for the topic.)


n80

Showing 1 response by bgoeller

bgoeller
73 posts
 
I played for more than 30 years, sometimes in a band, mostly for my own pleasure. Of course, unhesitatingly, if you want to play I encourage you to do so.

My only advice is to consider an electronic kit, and for one reason only, you can manage the volume. An acoustic kit can be loud, especially in a small space. And if you want to play along with music, that music has to be loud. I'm sure it took a toll on my hearing. 

I didn't switch to electronic until about 20 years in. No, its not the same as playing 'live' but as a drum hobbyist, it was no longer worth it to subject my ears to that sustained level of sound.

There is so much tutorial content on youtube that I would recommemd starting there instead of commiting to an instructor. If you get into it and dig it, then consider lessons, but shop around for an instructor you jive with.
More to discover