To get started, here are my picks for drum gear.
This type of drum set is all you need to start…
It features a Kick (bass drum), snare drum, high tom, floor tom, cymbals, pair of hi-hats, ride cymbal and a crash cymbal , snare stand, hi-hat stand, two cymbal stands, bass drum pedal, a drum throne and sticks! If you get a five piece kit with an extra tom tom, than that is even better!
Other gear for a great start: Music Stand, metronome, ear plugs, blank music notation book.
Drum Gear.
How did I start and what did I start on? With way less than what’s in the picture above! I started with a small 5” by 4” rectangular gum rubber pad on two angled bocks of wood or a pillow. My first real drum was the washing machine because when I sat on top, I could play it like a Cajon! Mom was not happy….
So, be brave and start with that practice pad, they are made way better these days!
My advice is get the best gear you can afford, but keep in mind that if you are buying for a young player, their size and the size of the drums matter, make sure they can reach the pedals! And make sure you get everything you need. A used set of drums can be a tremendous value. I still search for good used equipment!
Look at this VIDEO to help you make a choice. I am not affiliated with a drum company. But I can say confidently that an entry level drum set from:
PDP, Yamaha, DW, Mapex, Pearl, Sonor, Tama, Ludwig or Gretsch will do you well for many years.
Other complete kits: DCP VIDEO
Method Books.
I have been blessed to have had great instructors both in the school programs I started in and a few years later, my private instructors. I will never regret the solid foundation that came from those books and learning to read music. It wasn’t just learning what the notes were and counting; it was a language onto itself, a whole other wolrd of communicating and I reaped benefits beyond my wildest imaginations.
I know of many very gifted musicans that did not learn to read and are great big stars in the music world, however some will tell you, that if they had to do it all over, they would have learned to read music.
From a working musicians standpoint it’s a must, you will get more work simply becasue you can read. You will have the ability to hear something and notate it so you won’t forget it! Isn’t that the coolest!
So here is MY list for a few must have books for beginners to get started:
“Syncopation” by Ted Reed
“Stick Control” by George Lawrence Stone
“Alfred’s Snare Drum Level One” - Alfred Music
“Drum Sessions Book 1” by Peter O’Gormon
One Stop Music Shops and Pro Shops.
I feel an obligation to keep my people who visit Thrivedrumming.com informed on where to buy your gear, just as if I were a professional photographer I’d hip you all to B & H photo right? Thank me later…
I am not affiliated with these wonderful retailers, but over the years they have earned my respect, trust, and therefore my business. Please, by all means shop wherever you like, and shop local, I can you tell that in my experience as a music teacher I have been asked many, many times where to buy equipment, these are only a few choices, but they are my favorites.
Drum Shops for drummers:
The Original Long Island Drum Center
Complete Music Stores:
THRIVE Drumming and…
I have been playing Sabian cymbals for thirty plus years, my ears are happy!
I am a member of Sabian Education Network, the support they provide drum and percussion educators is unparalleled!