Drum kits, books & equipment

Choosing a drum kit

Acoustic or electronic?

An acoustic kit offers the most natural feel and helps pupils learn to control volume and dynamics. An electronic kit can still be a very practical choice where noise or space is limited—especially if the pupil also has occasional access to an acoustic kit at school or during lessons.

Whatever kit you choose, a practice pad is invaluable for developing hand technique quietly.

Size and layout

For younger pupils, I usually recommend an 18-inch or 20-inch bass drum. A standard 22-inch bass drum can be unnecessarily large for a child.

If graded exams are a possibility, check the relevant syllabus before buying. A versatile setup normally includes two mounted toms, a floor tom, hi-hats, a crash cymbal and a ride cymbal. Some starter kits do not include a ride cymbal.

Essential extras

• A supportive drum stool

• A music stand

• A practice pad

• A metronome or metronome app

• Suitable hearing protection

Keeping the peace

Agreeing sensible practice times makes a tremendous difference. Short, consistent sessions—avoiding mealtimes, late evenings and other agreed quiet periods—are usually easier for everyone to support. Be considerate, be upfront and be consistent.

Believe it or not, my mum said she missed the drumming when I moved out!

A strong first book: Play Drum Kit

By Ben Garraway and Lee Stanley

This book grew from a request I made to the authors: to bring the drum-kit and snare-drum material from their other books together in one volume. It is a clear, well-structured package that I have used successfully for many years. The free downloadable backing tracks are particularly useful.

More information: https://www.playdrumkit.net/

Grade exam books

Every exam board has strengths and weaknesses. Grades can provide useful goals, but pupils should never learn only the minimum required to pass an exam and immediately move on. That approach leaves large gaps in technique, reading and musicianship.

Buy the official book for the relevant grade and use it as one part of a broader programme of study.

Trinity Rock & Pop: https://www.trinityrock.com/instruments/drums

Trinity Classical & Jazz: https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/music/grade-exams/percussion

ABRSM Drum Kit: https://www.abrsm.org/en-gb/drum-kit

Rockschool: https://www.rslawards.com/learn-drums/

Essential equipment beyond the drum kit

• Music stand: https://amzn.eu/d/0f4tVesZA

• Metronome—or use a reliable app: https://amzn.eu/d/0a31i0xQ

• Drumsticks—a 5A is a good general starting size: https://amzn.eu/d/0812e8DLA

• Practice pad: https://amzn.eu/d/00U0AphS

• Suitable headphones: https://amzn.eu/d/0bzeegZe

• Hearing protection suitable for musicians

These are examples rather than compulsory purchases. Ask me before buying if you are unsure.

Further books worth knowing
Technique
• Stick Control and Accents and Rebounds by George Lawrence Stone—classic technique books that remain immensely useful.
Jazz and brushes
• The Jazz Drummer’s Reading Workbook by Tom Morgan—excellent for learning to swing with a band.
• Jazz Drumming Transitions by Terry O’Mahoney—useful for moving between common jazz styles.
• The Sound of Brushes by Ed Thigpen—a superb guide to brush movements; you can even practise directly on the book.
Snare drum
• 50 Short Pieces for Snare Drum by Keith Bartlett—classical-style pieces from beginner to moderate level.
• The All-American Drummer by Charley Wilcoxon—a rudimental classic.
Play-alongs and method books
• The Drummer’s Play-Along by Cristiano Micalizzi—many styles with charts to play through.
• A Fresh Approach to the Drumset by Mark Wessels—exercises, etudes and a great deal of useful material.
• Basic Drumming by Joel Rothman—a huge collection covering many areas of playing.
• Groove Essentials by Tommy Igoe—grooves in a wide range of styles, with charts and play-alongs.
• Survival Guide for the Modern Drummer by Jim Riley—particularly strong play-along tracks.

A note on recommendations

No single book or piece of equipment suits everybody. Age, size, experience, musical interests, available space and budget all matter. If you are one of my pupils, please ask before making an expensive purchase—I’m always happy to help you choose.

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