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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 3 responses by chayro

chayro
3,031 posts
 
Can you start at 56?  Why not?  I mean, if you're just playing for your own enjoyment.  There is so much out on the web now that wasn't there when I was a kid, but I would suggest you start out with at least a few lessons from a local teacher.  The web stuff is great for people who already understand drums, but there is something special about having someone actually in the room with you when you start out - just to keep you from making some really bad mistakes.  Once you have an understanding of the basics, there are tons of instructional videos you can learn from. 
Also, don't listen to so called "drum gurus".  Listen to the people who played on the records.  They are the real thing.  However, a good teacher can point you in the right direction and give you the ability to understand what the people on the records were doing.  That's very important.  
Good luck and don't feel self conscious.  
chayro
3,031 posts
 
Don't worry about not playing with live musicians.  Put on a pair of headphones and play along with records.  They're better than anyone you're going to play with.  
chayro
3,031 posts
 
That's great to hear.  It's important that we have interests that take our minds off all the bad stuff going on in the world.  If you have any interest, you should check out some of the videos of orchestral snare drum playing.  Really amazing control at whisper-quiet dynamics and insane rhythmic shifts.  Like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-n3k64H0EA
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