5 Things I wish I knew as a beginner drummer

Every beginner drummer starts with excitement, curiosity, and a whole lot of noise — the good kind. But between online tutorials, gear choices, and trying to coordinate four limbs at once, it’s easy to feel lost.

The truth is, a few simple principles can dramatically speed up your progress. Whether you’re taking your first drum lessons, returning after a break, or helping your child start drum lessons for kids, these are the five things I wish I knew when I first sat behind a kit.

1. Find a good local Drum Teacher FIRST!

Nothing replaces the value of a real, in‑person drum teacher. A great drum tutor can correct your grip, posture, and movement instantly — something no video can do. They’ll also help you avoid the bad habits that slow drummers down for years. A good teacher gives you structure, accountability, and personalised feedback that accelerates your growth. And remember:

• You don’t need weekly lessons forever — even drum lessons for beginners once a month can keep you on track.

• Think of lessons as an investment, not a cost.

• In Australia, private lessons typically range from $75–$100 per session.

If you’re in Victoria, finding a Drum Teacher Melbourne based is one of the best decisions you can make early on.

2. Frequency beats intensity — small steps win

The biggest mistake new drummers make is practising in big, inconsistent bursts. Progress comes from frequency, not intensity. A little bit of focused practice several times a week beats a single long session every time.

Aim for 1% improvement each week — a philosophy used in high‑performance systems around the world. Slow, mindful repetition builds accuracy and confidence.

The golden rule: Practice Slow, Learn Quick.

This approach helps you develop real control, instead of rushing through mistakes and reinforcing them.

3. Setting up the drum kit correctly is half the work

Before you chase speed or fancy fills, learn how to set up drums properly. A comfortable, ergonomic setup makes everything easier and prevents injury. Many new drummers struggle simply because their kit is working against them.

Key things to check when you set up a drum kit:

• Stool height: Your thighs should angle slightly downward; this gives you balance and mobility.

• Hi‑hat height: Keep it close enough to the snare that your hands move naturally between them.

• Ride cymbal & floor tom spacing: Avoid big gaps that force you to overreach but also to get your stick stuck in between the two as you are finishing a drum fill.

• Bass drum pedal: Clamp it firmly so it doesn’t slide mid‑groove.

Watch your favourite drummer perform live or online and study how they position their gear, tune their drums, and move around the kit. Good setup = better sound + better technique.

4. Balance your practice time for maximum growth

A well‑rounded drummer grows faster and stays motivated. Divide your practice into three essential areas:

• Technique: rudiments, warm‑ups, stick control, reading, and subdivisions.

• Beats & fills: build vocabulary slowly, then increase tempo with control.

• Playing music: start this from day one — real songs develop timing, feel, and musicality.

This balance keeps practice fun and prevents burnout. It also ensures you’re not just learning patterns — you’re learning to make music. Whether you’re taking drum lessons, practising alone, or working through material from your drum tutor, this structure works at every level.

5. Listen to music and study great drummers

Your ears are your greatest teachers. Listening to music helps you understand groove, dynamics, feel, and musical context. Ask your drum teacher to introduce you to iconic drummers across genres — jazz, rock, funk, metal, Latin, and more.

The more you listen, the more naturally your playing develops. You’ll start to recognise patterns, phrasing, and stylistic choices that you can bring into your own drumming. This is especially powerful for any beginner drummer who wants to build musical taste early.

Summary

Start with a real teacher, practise consistently, set up your kit properly, balance your routine, and listen widely. These five habits will fast‑track your development, reduce frustration, and help you grow into a confident, musical drummer — whether you’re learning on your own or taking structured drum lessons for beginners.

Drum Lessons with Bateras Beat Australia

Bateras Beat Australia offers drum kit lessons in Melbourne and online across Australia for drummers of all ages and levels — from complete beginners to advanced players and Metal drummers (a demand we're servicing more than ever lately)!

We specialise in personalised learning, great teachers, and a supportive community. Explore lessons at baterasbeat.com.au and start your journey with a passionate Melbourne Drum Teacher today.