I was a percussion major in college but never finished. I've played off and on for years (I also play bass and some guitar), but I have never taught.
I was thinking about starting to teach private drum lessons and have a few questions -
What books do you use to start a new student? Do you just stick to the pad for a month or two or more before getting on a drum? I imagine many kids would be impatient and not want to wait to starting banging on the drums so maybe a combination of the pad and rudiments with some snare/set to keep them interested? Do you teach traditional grip, matched grip, or both? Do you have more success having the students come to you or going to them. Any other suggestions on getting started?
Thanks

Geostott, I don't teach, but I can give you some thoughts from my own lessons. I wasn't limited to the practice pad at first, but my teacher limited me to the snare for work on basic rudiments. I had a couple of books by the time I started lessons, and my teacher was OK with my books, so he didn't have me go out and buy more. I hooked up with my teacher through the music store, so this might be an avenue for you to pursue, or talking with music teachers at local schools and offering your services might be a way to let students know you're available.

Geostott, I don't teach, but I can give you some thoughts from my own lessons. I wasn't limited to the practice pad at first, but my teacher limited me to the snare for work on basic rudiments. I had a couple of books by the time I started lessons, and my teacher was OK with my books, so he didn't have me go out and buy more. I hooked up with my teacher through the music store, so this might be an avenue for you to pursue, or talking with music teachers at local schools and offering your services might be a way to let students know you're available.

Thanks for your input Pastor Bob. How old were you when you started? I guess one would have to have slightly different approaches for kids vs adults.

geo , I would think you are going to need to tailor your lessons per the student . Everyone has their own pace and desire .

I was originally taught traditional many years ago . My son has been taking lessons at school while I teach him stuff at home and his school has been teaching him matched grip because it is supposedly easier to learn .

geo , I would think you are going to need to tailor your lessons per the student . Everyone has their own pace and desire .

I was originally taught traditional many years ago . My son has been taking lessons at school while I teach him stuff at home and his school has been teaching him matched grip because it is supposedly easier to learn .

I started thinking about this because my 9 year old daughter in 4th grade, who started with violin in school last year and is doing well and playin in the elememtary school orchestra, also started with the flute this year. Now she wants to switch from flute to drums. The teacher, of course, would like her to stick with the flute but she sounds like she really wants to switch. I don't want to push her to drums but I was thinking it would be cool because of how much I could help her.

I had to laugh when I saw the music teacher's response to my wife's email about this. She said the kids who play the drums are usually the ones that can't get a sound out of the other instruments (What do you call someone who hangs out with musicians....). Her attitude changed a bit when my wife told her that I was a drummer, etc.

Thanks for your input Pastor Bob. How old were you when you started? I guess one would have to have slightly different approaches for kids vs adults.

That's a good point Geostott. I was at a slightly more advanced age when I started - 52! :icon_mrgreen:

I think that you will find that students will come in all shapes and sizes, as GF noted. If you get students from a school band, they will have things that they are working on, and will need your help with those things, while others might be brand new, and need all the help they can get, starting from scratch . Even if it is someone from a music store, you will get a range of students, from those playing for the first time to those wanting to move up to a drum set.

I started thinking about this because my 9 year old daughter in 4th grade, who started with violin in school last year and is doing well and playin in the elememtary school orchestra, also started with the flute this year. Now she wants to switch from flute to drums. The teacher, of course, would like her to stick with the flute but she sounds like she really wants to switch. I don't want to push her to drums but I was thinking it would be cool because of how much I could help her.

I had to laugh when I saw the music teacher's response to my wife's email about this. She said the kids who play the drums are usually the ones that can't get a sound out of the other instruments (What do you call someone who hangs out with musicians....). Her attitude changed a bit when my wife told her that I was a drummer, etc.

She will be a step ahead of the other drummers because she already understands the concept of counting time . It never hurts to know how to read music and play other instruments either . Good luck with it , she will love it Im sure .

Getting the rules about corporal punishment worked out right away is always a good idea. :icon_lol: