First Drum Lesson

[CanyonCarver]

Yesterday my took his first drum lesson. He's 10 and took a few guitar lessons with me, but seems to be more interested in drums. (That suits me fine, if you know what I mean—now I may have a in-house drummer).

Anyways he has a terrific teacher that was recommeded by my guitar teacher. The guys has experience teaching kids and seems to have great chemistry.

I sat in the back of the tiny drum room as the lesson went on. It was neat to see that after 30mn, my son could play a simple drum lick and hold it more or less steady. I felt really proud, and hope he'll stick to the sticks...[img]images/smilies/woot.gif[/img]

No drum set as of now, but there are plenty of used sets for sale in the local Recycler paper, plus Xmas is around the corner, with 2 grandmas willing to pitch in... [img]images/smilies/whistling2.gif[/img]

[ericgtr]

That's really cool CC, my son is 12 and plays snare drum in school but I never thought of getting him lessons, I may look into that. Your son is at a good age to get his own kit, my parents bought me a kit when I was his age and I have been into music ever since [img]images/smilies/rock.gif[/img]

[CanyonCarver]

Cool, Eric! Find a cool teacher who's into rock, and let him rip it up! My son's teacher has so much long, black hair he looks like cousin it. Seeing men with long hair is all too rare these days...

I think it's a matter of time before we make the move, but I need to know how serious he is about drums before investing in any equipment.
We need to see how dedicated he will be. The cool thing is that two classmates are taking lessons at the music store, one is learning bass and the other guitar. It would be an ideal combo if they get into it.
Certainly beats soccer as far as I'm concerned (never been a sports fan).

I think I could even be talked into buying a minivan for the sake of transporting instruments. I can see the minivan now: Red with white and black stripes, and a bumper sticker saying: Forget Soccer Moms, I'm a Rock N' Roll Dad! [img]images/smilies/icon_jam.gif[/img]

Alright, shutting up now! [img]images/smilies/icon_jam.gif[/img]

[ericgtr]

LOL @ the sports thing. You are a dedicated dad CC, your son is lucky to have you.

[Tripoutski]

Great. Just great. CC's got a 10 year old that plays better than me. [img]images/smilies/icon_doh.gif[/img]

Seriously, this is so cool. I am stoked for you CC. You are also right-on in having someone else teach him. Even if you were a drummer, there is something about having a teacher AND a cool dad to guide him.

I encourage my 5 year old to play what he wants. He has a guitar and keys in his room, but they sit idle. I certainly do not force it, but they are there if he wants them. I thought that he would like the drums, but so far, no go. Well, he's only 5, so I have time. Meanwhile, I taught the 1 year old to hold a stick. He can blow 20 minutes strumming a guitar on the floor and hitting that stick on something (I hate it what he hits the guitar).

Kids are great. Now that the schools are cutting this stuff out, it is up to guys like us to introduce them to music in some fashion.

[Tripoutski]

Eric,

Let him run with it if he wants! Cool that he is doing it at school. I gained so much from my geeky school band days.

BTW...Yes...I did go to band camp.

[mab8485]

"Certainly beats soccer as far as I'm concerned " i wish i got started on music earlier instead of wasting about 5 years playing soccer lol. Even after all that time i was still shit.

[CanyonCarver]

The kid asked me last night if he could have a lesson on Friday too!
2 lessons a week? Does he think money grows on trees ???? LOL!

Anyway I told him that once a week is probably all he can handle if he has to study and practice.

Xmas is getting closer and it looks like there could be a drum set under the tree this year... Keeping my fingers crossed, but this kids looks like he's wayyy stoked!


Trip, so when are posting pictures of your school band days?


Eric, thanks for the kind words.

[ericgtr]

That's a good idea CC, don't want him to get too much of it too fast and burn out. Now you have me thinking that maybe I should get my son a kit, I don't know how his mom and step dad would like that though.

[CanyonCarver]

I don't know your arrangements with your ex, but you may want to have a kit at your place instead, either a real kit, or an electronic one if you're concerned with neighbors...

The other big benefit I see in having my son play music with me, is to stay close to him as he nears the teenage years. Things may get a little hairy for us in the coming years, and I'd like to try and have a good influence and contact with him at this critical time of his life. For now, I can do no wrong in his eyes, but I know it probably won't last if I don't keep working the bond between us.
There are alarming cases of drug use and abuse, early sexual experiences in our area, and I will do all I can to stay ahead of the game to try and steer my son in the right direction.

[CanyonCarver]

Second lesson today for my son.

He’s been practicing every night all week with me, and has made good progress, considering that he doesn’t have a drum set to beat on—just various cushions and empty cardboard boxes.
After learning a basic rock pattern lat week, he’s learned two cool fills today. It adds to his main pattern to make something that I can totally jam on.

We’ll be playing tonight when get home! Whoo Hoo!