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 cisgo

 At 54 I purchased my first drum kit last year. Mostly for physical therapy (disabled). I last played drums in 79 for about a week (borrowed uncle's kit to do a high school talent show). Did a lot of research, wanted a nice Tama kit with all the trimmings, but realized acoustic drums in my basement would be bad. Moisture would ruin them in no time.

   I looked at electric kits extensively. Roland is obvious tops, however you have to pay a premium. I settled on Alesis DM10 MK11 Pro and put it in a spare bedroom. Mesh heads similar size of acoustics and a lot of equipment for the money. The module comes with training programs, metronome, play along tracks, etc. Enough to keep you entertained. I use an Ipod and plug into module to play along. With a memory stick/computer you can get creative and assign sounds to drum/cymbal triggers, endless possibilities. Plenty of loaded kits, no need to tune and to me that is a plus. Just grab a pair of Audio-technica M50s and your set.