Hello, drumchat folks! I thought I'd introduce myself and ask a few noob questions. I'm 43, happily married, have two kids ages 12 and 9, and am returning to the drums after a 25 year estrangement.
To make a long story short, I had some natural talent and a year or so of lessons, practiced/jammed with a few wannabe bands but never performed "for real", and then packed up the drums when I graduated high school in 1984.
I still have the five piece black Pearl set with New Beat hihats and a no-name crash and ride. Other than some pitting on the chrome hardware, the drums are in great shape. I set them up every few years, and surprise myself at both how much I can still play, and how rusty I am. A couple of years ago put new Evans heads on everything, in a short-lived burst of ... something.
I've never really been able to STOP playing the drums. I play along with whatever music is playing, on the steering wheel or my legs or the table - I'm sure you know how it is. When I hear a good song on the radio, I can't help but visualize myself in the drummer's seat, playing along.
I'm at a point in my life where I feel the need to fish or cut bait. I want to take a shot at playing drums "for real." If I can't keep it going, I think I need to surrender the dream, stop calling myself a drummer, sell the kit, and get on with my life. The "I coulda been a contender!" feeling is too pathetic.
So, I just set up the drums in the basement again, ordered the Groove Essentials DVD and companion set (they should arrive today), printed out a sheet of rudiments, and started watching some of the many free drum lessons available online.
I'm going to take a shot at this.
So, some questions:
1. If you started playing later in life, and/or have busy family life, how do you keep from being overwhelmed and discouraged? I feel like there's too much to learn, both about hardware, important drummers, and playing techniques, and too little time!
When I see videos of some 19-year old prodigy who has been playing since he was 3, or older guys who have been playing for decades, it's hard to simply appreciate them and be inspired, and ignore the voice in my head that says "it's hopeless" or "what's the point?"
Now, I don't expect or even hope to ever be as skilled as they are or to give up my "day job" and become a celebrity drummer. It best, I hope to jam with friends or or gig at "open mics" or maybe play in a "real band" a couple times a month.
How do YOU (older folks especially) stay motivated when there's so much to learn and so little time?
2. Should I spend some money on private lessons? With the wealth of free material out there, or inexpensive DVDs, I'm not sure lessons are worth it. On the other hand, I can see where an expert observer might really help me avoid noob mistakes and get off to a strong start.
3. I'm thinking of picking up a Yamaha DTXpress IV Special V2 so that I can practice in the evenings after the kids are in bed. I can get it online for about $1300, which is already pushing my budget. Is it overkill? Is there better bang for less buck out there?
I sincerely appreciate any advice or suggestions you may have for someone in my position.
I'm sure I'll have a million more questions, but the UPS truck should be here any minute, and I can't wait to tear into Groove Essentials...
-John
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