Snare Drum or Drum Kit?

Question

Im gonna join the grade 8 school concert band next year. Im planning to play the drums/percussion. I don't wanna look like a complete idiot. So im gonna start drum lessons. My drum teacher asked me if I wanted to focus on the snare drum or the entire drum kit. Im a beginner so I don't know which I should learn first. I used to play the violin. But I quit because it was so boring. Are the drums funner or lamer than the violin? Are the notes harder to read/learn than violin notes?

Answer 1

OH MY GOSH!

The EXACT same thing happened to me :D

No joke!!



Well, I joined in year 7, had no experience, and used to be a piano player. I started drum lessons with the nicest tutor in the world, and have since won trophies in numerous contests. I'm so happy you're trying drums too!!! All the best.



Anyway, enough about me. I'd suggest go for just the snare drum, for starters, not the whole kit.

If you're anything like me, you're not certain if drums is right for you. Getting a drum kit before you're absolutely in love with drums can be a big mistake.



If you just get the snare it's cheaper, but still fun! It's a really good starting point, and then if you find it fun and develop a passion (like I did) I'd suggest getting a full kit.

& there's really no limit to the stuff you can do on just a kit!!

I find drums really REALLY fun, the funnest instrument in my opinion (and I've tried all except the Baratone!)



The notes are really easy to read as well.

There's no A, B, C, D,E, F, G... no staves, no octaves etc.

Just different note shapes for a different drum. When it comes to reading the music itself, drum is said to be the easiest instrument.



Best of luck

I hope you can really do something with drums

:) :) :)

Answer 2

Drumming on a kit is something that you have to be able to feel. If you want to be in an orchestra-type band, it would be an easier transition to snare drum. The notation is similar, only there are no changes in pitch, and the rhythm may be more intricate.

If you want to be in like a rock band, then by all means start on the kit. It's not going to come as easily as you might hope, because of the hand-foot coordination required.

Answer 3

I never recommend starting on a drum set. Start with a practice pad, some sticks, and a basic instruction book that will help you build a foundation in the rudiments. Take lessons from a qualified instructor if there is one available. After you get your hands under control then start working on a drum set. Everything you learn regarding rudiments can be transferred directly to drum set.



Drums can be a lot of fun if they are your instrument of choice. Any instrument can be fun as long as you enjoy playing and practicing on it.



Any question you ever have regarding drums or drumming can be answered by the great people at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/drumzillaslair .

Answer 4

the drums are defiantly funner than a violin and easier.... but if you're joining the school concert band you defiantly wanna focus on the whole kit

Answer 5

I have a few snares for a few uses. One of them, Pearl chad smith sig series, has a pearl cc marching head on it. This I use for metal, or whatever... It is very loud, cuts through anything, but has some annoying overtones.