This Should Be Everyone's First Drum Lesson

[@thecorporatelawgroup7093]

Daughter took one harp lesson. Learned Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and played it at school talent show a few days later, and has played harp over 20 years.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Love it!

[@AVClll]

I think the harp beginners course would appreciate this a little more. Jkjk totally kidding!

[@Nmdixon-cu7vm]

This was a primary reason why my uncle, back in the 80’s, dropped lessons after a year. He was probably 13 or 14 at the time and he said all he was doing was rudiments and never even sat behind a kit. He said I got good enough and bought my own kit and started playing to records and the rest fell into place.

[@michael69419]

Same for me.

[@ILikeWafflz]

Honestly, this is basically all I've done in my 13 years of owning a drum set. I assigned music I wanted to learn, found exactly what I couldn't play, and practiced specifically that. A few times over the years I would wonder if I was causing trouble for my future self by never doing any of the "do X amount of Y rudiment at Z bpm" type of practice; but I can comfortably play songs I like, so I'm happy with how it's been going so far. One thing I learned recently that's helped me a lot though is breathing through my nose. That got rid of a lot of general tension.

[@ethanpunto9222]

I have the same approach to piano, sure it means I'm not as disciplined and as skilled as some classical pianists but when I come to learn a piece that's a little out of my skill level I'm then like "okay what's this technique" and then I practice that technique to get it down. I think if I were just trying to aimlessly practicing technique exercises I simply would end up not playing

[@Deeevious]

Just got my first ever drum set today. This has me super excited for my journey

[@yongyea4147]

So fun

[@GeorgeKarolemeas369]

How’s it going? I’m using pads, books, cushions, ME Lol. I love it 😅

[@weeniepooper2213]

@@GeorgeKarolemeas369how y’all doing now haha

[@GeorgeKarolemeas369]

@@weeniepooper2213 dude I’m a freak of nature. I’ve learned the drums and electric violin in a rediculously short time. Actually I’ll post some next week. No. Later this week. Check them out.

[@GeorgeKarolemeas369]

@@weeniepooper2213 how are you?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

This is an instant win for any drum student. Playing music. This is the #1 issue and mistake I have had to address with students over the past few years. Are you working on music or material that is directly related to music you want to learn? We should ALWAYS be working towards the music. I spoke to a drum student just the other day...they had been playing almost a full year and had never learned a song! And they were discouraged, demotivated, bummed out. As they should be! Your first drum lesson should be working towards playing a song. Period. My students in my online drum school learn to grip the stick, play a beat, play a fill, play a song. Each of those short lessons is geared towards conquering that first song. It's a HUGE win! Learning the drums is not NEAR as challenging if we connect it to MUSIC as soon as possible. If you're just starting out on the drums, I also give a TON of examples of songs that you can play almost right away. There's no better way to learn the drums than to play with music! Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts! ► Start Your FREE StephensDrumShed Drum School Trial Here: bit.ly/2TpkJmJ Subscribe or I will steal your cymbals: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb Check out a playlist of my Beginner Drum Song Lessons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmakg32HesyCo80

[@roadboat9216]

I was a drum/percussion instructor for a number of years. I agree with you a hundred percent. I was doing this 40 yrs ago with my student.

[@peacegroove7854]

Playing music is what the student wants, our job as teachers is to go backwards from the drum part to the basic skills he will need to master in order to play the song, creating a pathway that shows the road map, the bridge between where they ARE and where they WANT TO BE. That connection is the difference between BORING ( not knowing why they practice) and EXCITING (this is getting me closer everyday to my goal!). Thanks for your wisdom Stephen, keep it up! 💯

[@groovymetal5679]

Playing w others..simple parts in simple songs..are some of the best times I’ve ever had Trick for me, play the song that matches my instrument My daddy’s bluegrass Martin didn’t play AcDc…but I learned the rhythm part…not until I got a Crate Combo & Eppy SG, I was practicing flying instead of playing

[@spangled_shalalala]

I can’t believe I searched a video about the drums because my first lesson is tomorrow, and I got weezered

[@vampire_money99]

😔

[@69CamaroSS]

Thank you!! Just got a kit agin after 20 years without one….loving teaching my sons kit playing….THIS is priceless!! 👍🥁🤘

[@timduggan9196]

I bought an e drum kit and joined drumeo a couple of years ago. I enjoyed the lessons up to a point, but after a year I still hadn't learned a song, which you are absolutely right about. I want to play along to songs.

[@happytimz3]

Back From the Dead - Skillet was my first song. Took a couple lessons but every lesson was the basics of drum beats and fills and it's what made me fall so deep in love with the drums: music.

[@thahyst]

So true. I've been drumming for a little over 20 years now, and years ago, when I started following along with songs, it helped me so much more than anything else did and allowed me to be more creative while I'm playing.

[@handler803]

Thank goodness I found this video. I used to scoff at drummers for not being technical or choppy but this vid made me realize that the goal should be making music

[@mboyer68]

I agree with you 100%, that getting to playing songs is the best way. I started playing guitar when COVID hit and I was doing scales and blah blah blah and it got boring and stupid, so I started playing songs, more like riffs of songs of course, and it became so much more fun. I started learning much faster, I'd be driving home from work super excited to practice a song I had learned the night before and learn a new one that I had heard on the radio that day. The passion for the instrument comes from playing songs you love, in my opinion. Now I have a Tama beginner kit and I'm LOVING IT!!! Guess I just love learning.... almost anything!

[@LeoKaraguezian-ni2gx]

U rock bro!! I tried this woth my 4 yr old daughter who i was trying to entice to drumming...and IT WORKED!! I used We Will Rock you song. Priceless!!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Love this!

[@normlor]

SUCH GREAT ADVICE. I HAVE BEEN PLAYING PERCUSSION FOR 56 YEARS AND WHEN WE HAD A BAND PRACTICE THE BAND LIKED TO JAM. THIS WAS NEVER MY LIKING AND I WAS NEVER GOOD AT SOLOS ON MY CONGAS. I TEND MORE TO EASY POP/ STANDARD JAZZ. A GREAT VIDEO, MANY THANKS

[@fepatton]

This is really a key point, and one that I'm struggling with as a beginner guitar player after many years of playing and teaching drums. What I did as a teacher (like MY drum teacher did), was break the lesson into two parts - learning a song the student likes (adding complexity as they get better), and reading/rudiments. I didn't want to skip the rudiments and reading, but you want the student to have fun. My drum teacher had me playing the Doobie Brothers "Long Train Running" right from the beginning.

[@classixdrummer]

Absolutely brilliant, Stephen. Spent a long time with the 28 basic rudiments on a concert snare in my first year on the drums. Not that I ever regretted it but if I hadn’t bought a trap kit and played it at home to learn songs I don’t know if I would have stuck with it. I mean, you can only take Bolero for so long right?

[@scottbrower9052]

I'm a beginner and self-teaching. And I just started with Back in Black. Worked great!

[@janessagrant]

That was my first one too. Some parts I haven’t event attempted yet. Just pretend I’m playing them.

[@Subilon]

Thanks Stephen.As a teacher this is what I needed to hear.i want to excite my students so I teach them songs.Some rudiments I teach for warm ups and I teach them some hand and feet control for fills but i primarily want them to play to music.

[@IrrelevantInformation]

Got a little guitar back in the day, then lessons for Christmas. I was unbelievably grateful that my parents were able to get me some lessons at that time, but my biggest takeaway from the lessons was that rules and technical aspects are not what a beginner needs. Even if it sounds terrible, just get to the point where you have fun playing along with a song as soon as possible. You're not going to build lifelong bad habits in a month or two. The only think that matters at first is that you're having fun, then you'll naturally seek out guidance. I picked up drums recently and banged around with a smile on my face to all kinds of songs for a week or so before I started looking for help online. Fortunately, now we've got infinite knowledge through KZbin. That's a super long winded way of saying that I agree. Thank you.

[@blahblahgdp]

Never been formally trained, just highschool guitar class. But music has always been a big part of my life and being able to play the songs I love I feel has kept me going for this long

[@claystaggs8908]

Wow I can’t believe you’re first song was weezer-sweater lol. I think mine was honky tonk man - Dwight Yoakam. My parents got me a kit when I was about 8 and I taught myself with a cd walkman, remember those 😂

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Love me some dwight!

[@69CamaroSS]

HA! I had a Sony Discman that (HAD to be) sat on a piece of foam (due to skipping) on a secondary snare behind my right shoulder….headphone cord down the back….ah, the 1980s….🤔😉

[@ZaxDrumsGolfandMore]

I agree with this!! I wish when I started up I would of been more consequent and told my teacher want to learn a song. But his thing was if I learn what he is teaching me I would be able to learn the songs by myself. Which after a 20 year break and getting my e-Kit finally worked out. But I think I would of stuck with it if I would of learned songs right away!!

[@modularcuriosity]

I do that when I teach guitar. The first lesson is the 2 chord song "A Horse With No Name". When a kid can go home from his first lesson and can play a song it's magic.

[@alexpacheco2031]

just traded a Mic for a cheap Drum set, no idea how to play, this "is" 1st vid i watched, looked up how to read drum tabs playing "Sweater" took me....20min. thx great vid

[@daithiod]

I bought a drum kit for my students and thought I’d give it a go myself. Never felt so intimidated in my life. Play guitar, a bit of bass, but God almighty, the drums scared the bejaysus out of me. Needless to say, I haven’t touched them since but they have become quite alluring again recently. Great ideas in this short video. Go raibh maith agat.

[@Mrtcoltpilot56]

Wish this was done for me back in the late 60's taking lessons. Mostly focusing on the written and rudiments. Finally I said I want to play something with drums in it. That's when Money, Money came out learned rather quickly. I was 10. Moved up to learning the Monkey's, then latin beats such as rumba, tango and cha-cha. Unfortunately got into junior high and was told they had to many dummers and had to choose another instrument. Saxophone it was. Stopped private lessons on drums and onto the sax. I was livid as a kid. Now I just muddle through everything. I enjoy playing Chicago with its many different rhythms. Buddy Rich will always be my favorite. My brother on accordion, folks on the Grand Wurlitzer Organ so we had a house full of music.

[@huntergeorge3909]

Just got the Roland VAD507 today for my first kit and jumping right into lessons. awesome tip/idea - thank you!

[@ronlagrone6077]

Brother, your snare sounds FANTASTIC! My daughter is watching your video right now...she just got her first kit :)

[@Bozha_Kapetanovic91]

I am a grateful to my father (who is actually a guitar player, but he had some drum playing exp.) he learn me how to play some SKA song for the 1st time and not some basic practice on drums :)

[@mikede2464]

AC/DC Back in Black. First thing I ever played sitting behind a drum set.

[@23max232323232323]

You're right. I've been given an old drumkit 4 days ago. I've been playing every breath you take and all these simple songs I already know. My advantage is that I can play the guitar and the keyboard. One thing though, I made sure that I was holding the drumsticks in a correct (or better in a way that you don't hurt yourself) and that I did the same with my footwork, I watched some videos and my drummer, with 35 years of experienced, checked what I was doing. I think that comes before the song. I've had guitarists coming to me who could play a simple song but they were holding the guitar in a way that was harming their wrist or shoulders, all because they learnt over the internet. So, technique that does not lead to injury (rather than saying correct) is the first lesson, then songs, particularly if you need to motivate a student, songs are the best because they feel they have achieved something.

[@-I.am.smol-]

Alright Now i need a set of drums

[@ignskeletons]

I just bought my first drum kit ever (life long guitarist) and the first thing I did was went to KZbin to learn 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson. It's a simple song but it's doing a great job teaching me timing and the fundamentals + it's just an iconic beat. I pulled up a 'vocals only' of MJ on that song and it was just my drums + his vocals, no other instruments and it was amazing trying to keep timing for him. I'm lucky my drums have built in bluetooth.

[@jeremyvanengen3341]

100% this is how I learned to play guitar, it's why I didn't learn piano, and it's how I'm GOING to learn to play drums. Thanks!

[@itsLemontree]

just like piano, I did the boring stuff then printed music from songs i liked and learnt them. Self taught so I did a mixture to keep myself passionate about it. I don't know how far into drums I want to get, but I can get started on electric drum pads for cheap. ty for this, cant wait to see the rest of the videos

[@mikeriddle5795]

I bought a drum set 4 days ago. You got me to play my first song, Sweater Song. Today I heard Beautiful by Christina Aguilera and was like, Hey! That sounds familiar! Now I can play two songs! Thank you!

[@kalaalefaio5108]

After a couple weeks of lessons my first teacher handed me a 45 (if you know, you know) and said learn this, it was Sly and The Family Stone, "I Want To Take You Higher" and it was 1974.

[@thomasnappo6309]

Stephan...Playing to music..is the best lesson you can give to a student 100%😊

[@waynesmith537]

Hi I’m interested in learning to play the drums as now at 66and retired have the time to learn I was looking at a allesi nitro max kit as space is important also been listening to led zeppelin most of my life and would like to play John bonham grooves eventually when I’ve unterstood how to play you are a great teacher and explain everything a beginner can understand thanks.

[@lisaspera8590]

i have to say I've learned so much from you.... You really are a great teacher I love all your videos I watch them over and over, keep doing what you are doing and thank you so much for your content, it's awesome.

[@vickomf1]

My first drum lesson was paradiddles for an hour. Discouraged immediately. 25 years later, I want to give myself the chance to learn again.

[@RuntzD420k]

ngl i used to drum so much as a kid and just in the last year picked it up and i went straight for the hard stuff. Dont be afriad to sound bad your first couple times playing a song its part of becoming better. GOTTA GET IN THE REPS

[@avos1350]

COOL IDC

[@hanglooserecluse]

Great song ideas. And I am literally thinking of this for my 6 year old daughter. I just bought an e kit and she has great rhythm as I have lots of African drums and percussion around the house . Good video. And you covered all genres including my favourite, Metallllll but I like all music and have loads of musicality so my daughter has potential

[@jefflancaster4423]

I am not a drummer though I'm thinking about picking it up. I understand I will not become Danny Carey overnight. But I play guitar and I've recommended the same principle to others, learn root notes, one shape of the pentatonic scale, and a 145 and you will be able to have fun easy and quickly . Play the blues. This was a great video.

[@dudustickytricks]

No idea why, but I half-expected a switcheroo at 1:53, and the song would be YYZ. "Yeah, that's right. I taught a 6-year-old that in 30 minutes. I'm that good. Sign up for classes, now." Great video, as always. Thanks!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lololol

[@69CamaroSS]

What? Not La Villa Strangiato……

[@sebastiangomezmusic]

100% agree! I try to do this with every student. At the end of their first lesson or trial lesson I want them to be able to play a song they can remember when back home.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You're a great teacher

[@TotallyOnYT]

The drum part in Undone by Weezer is one of the main reasons I really got into learning about drums, it tickles my brain

[@zoomin9397]

I’ve been playing for like a week and a half maybe. I started of with learning a simple four bar drum beat and placed it in songs I like. I’m currently playing sonne by rammstein, which conviniently uses the same beat except some 16th note kicks that I cannot do yet, and I can almost play it without getting off tempo and I can even do some of the fills christoph schneider does. So yeah I 100% agree you should practice with songs cause it’s a blast.

[@rhythmantic]

I learned the drums by playing along to all the pop song recordings from the 1960s: The Beatles, Stones, et al the groups from the British Invasion, Hendrix, Cream, as well as Motown, Muscle Shoals, L.A. Wrecking Crew hits, Stax, etc.

[@Awertnex]

I learned and got good at vocals through recording songs and writing stuff, it only makes sense to follow the same path with drums.

[@balfit]

First, I decided I want to play the drums. Then I realised it doesn’t work by itself out of the box. I sat down with a piece of paper and drew up for myself what is being hit after what or together in Smells Like A Teen Spirit. I started to follow my drawing slowly. Then after some practice, out of the blue, without gradual speed change or anything, I could play it in tempo. I learned a few more songs then faster, but always with the ‘what-after-what/with-what’ method. I got as far as 3 limbs independence. Then I noticed how many drummers can keep the beat with the 4th while also using that in independence. I figured I need a teacher and started learning the missing foundations… I like where it lead (apart from the recent hiatus thanks to the infamous pandemic)…

[@meekoloco]

Great vid Stephen! Great ideas, I use some of the same songs to teach beginners!🤘🏼

[@jackthecraftian]

One feedback: a lot of people struggle with playing three points at a time (coordination issues) when starting out so I think you get the point. Otherwise good advice

[@martincattell7039]

Wow just took and completed my first ever drum lesson well worth it.

[@SleepySteve79]

Good tip man, I'm just starting and i'm as far as We Will Rock You basic as you shown. Sore sheen and acking back after 30min practice. Guess I got some work to do. I'm gonna check it out, good stuff.

[@Dr.Sarcastic]

Superb first lesson. Thank you

[@kayshirley5072]

This was amazing! Thank you!

[@modernmusicstudio303]

This is a great lesson!

[@supobostarman]

Been playing drums 50 years and teach and I couldn't agree more. Get into music right away! I also approach the drum set as a whole instrument rather than a collection of instruments. This way the students learn to play the whole kit not just the bass, snare and hihat.

[@Sansekai]

My first song I played was Evidence from Marilyn Manson. Took me one session to get it. Very easy to start :) In had no single experience at the drums. Started from the totally beginning at level 0

[@barryfarrant3281]

Thank you. its seems sensible to learn something which you can play and relate to. Also it gives good feeling of satisfaction if you can play a tune. However, please try not to forget we are not all as musical as you! And what may be easy to some 6 year olds could still be challenging for many of us. Morzart wrote his first music aged 5. Ta.

[@zurioster487]

I just love this it helps alot and I am a beginner

[@dudders___1684]

my first song i started learning on set was schism, after i learned the basics and fundamentals

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks for a great first drum lesson 🙏

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet!

[@lobosueltoema]

I started playing drums back in 2004 or some at 14yo just because my mom want me to do SOMETHING beside school and it seems like some random day i said "playing drums" just to say something. The thing is that a few months later i already forgot about that but my sister came home and told me that her bf at that time and his band was having their weekly rehearsal at just two streets from our home so they said: "hey, tell your brother to come with us and have a good time" (they didnt say anything about playing). I went with them and they start playing some songs i they played preaty clean tbh. The thins is my sisters bf played guitar but has to play the drums for the band so the last 20 or 30mins he told me to sit on the drumkit and play. I was like..." Mmm ok. But what the hell i do?" He just told me: count 1-2-3-4, hit the hh and kick on 1, just hh on 2, snare and hh on 3 and agaim just hh on 4. I did exactly that and then they started playing a song that i knew and liked back then and eveything just make SENSE. It was amazing hahaha. My first real class took me like more than a year. I just learned by listening music, paying attention to the drums parts and practicing the song on a pilow😂. Damn what a fucking journey ❤

[@daynnethedrummer684]

A great first song I've found is Yellow by Coldplay.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Excellent first song

[@ronineditor9920]

Other great beginner songs are really most of Michael Jackson's best songs, incredibly easy, like Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean. There's such a sense accomplishment when you can jam to a great song.

[@DrummerGAS]

Beat It and Smooth Criminal are far from the beginner level. Billie Jean is nice and simple but too fast

[@ronineditor9920]

@@DrummerGAS Really...? I play them one-handed but they seem so easy... just a straight, simple time. Smooth Criminal just has some stops, only a handful of basic fills. Billie Jean is easy though, lot easier than Back in Black which has those half time sections and fills.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Billie Jean is one of the first I teach students

[@DrummerGAS]

@@StephenTaylorDrums I guess everyone is different. My students are unable to play those 8th notes on the hihat at that speed until the 4th lesson or so.

[@ronineditor9920]

@@StephenTaylorDrums I honestly don't know of an easier song than Billie Jean. Glad I'm not totally off.

[@sancho783]

What kind of kit is this. I play on electric drums

[@andrew7603]

This is my problem. I've got a practice pad but it just doesn't interest me enough. Probably gonna grab the Gen. 2 Td-17

[@Thisisaweirdthing2makeusdo]

You got me motivated coach 💪🏻

[@mycatisstinkyaf]

I just started about a month ago and I also started with undone by weezer

[@dageonyar]

That outro blew my mind ;)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol...no one watches the outros

[@89MazzaUK]

I do kinda wanna know, like, how the hell do I get my body to move right? I made a cool beat on my own, maybe not in time but it was fun, tried to bring in the kick and cannot do it! I just literally keep in sync with my right arm.,

[@csanadgeiger6974]

i learned drums as like a side project kind of thing to my guitar, without owning a drum, and i too started with a song that i played on my friends kit. that song also just happens to be i bet you look good on the dancefloor by the arctic monkeys. yea its not quite easy but i did it mostly good. now, a year later i know toxicity and chop suey by system of a down and a lot of other things from the arctic monkeys

[@ruthlesstony2133]

I just bought my 7 year old a drum set for Christmas this year. I'm kind of torn on getting him lessons or having him watch videos. Idk what to do

[@Noodlenostra]

Excellent video!

[@BeechHouse]

I'm 60... My first instructor a few years ago dove right into reading sheet music. I hated it. Not only do I want to learn to play my fav songs but I also want to develop my own style. I retire from the corporate world at the end of this year. Just bough a decent drum kit and can't wait to dive back in.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yea, that's not my approach. Reading comes with time or never. Doesn't affect your drumming. It does make it easier to learn down the road but I lead with learning music first. So within the first couple of lessons you've learned an entire song. As we work through the material, you begin to recognize the sheet music. It happens organically.

[@bugtogs9344]

I’m teaching myself currently, my first song I started with is the kill by 30 seconds to mars

[@johnbriner747]

Awesome,Thank you 🙏

[@christimko9296]

At some point things have got too come together, I play Bass guitar and Trumpet, lessons on trumpet, bass by ear… eventually your ear will lead you and help to learn

[@terpedia]

My first song to play drum is ramones song, its easy, fun, but very tired 😂

[@MessianicJudaism]

I would like to play from Miqedem Ashrei Ha’ish, the problem is I can’t hear the drums. I wish I could learn hoe to isolate the drums from the music.

[@sherry_gray101]

Thank you so much it helped me a lot .....😊

[@xdsensory1652]

I started like 2 weeks ago and I decided to try and learn how to play highway to hell, i got most of the beat down but i need to work on my timing, grip of my sticks and some of the ending part. Could i get some help pls?

[@LucianoDelaney]

Awesome,Thank you

[@lucacrab]

I literally have 6 months on drums and the only song I can play is Come Together by The Beatles, just because I taught myself how to. Other than that is just grooves.

[@cdubs9918]

I took drum lessons for 6 months and the entire 6 months I never hit a drum. I wasn't even in a room that had a drum kit. I was given 6 months of learning how to read drum sheet music from old jazz songs and occasionally hit a practice pad. It was so boring I just quit. It was intolerable.

[@nexuennex9151]

Amen. Not the break just Amen.

[@thepugster6027]

Hey bro, i just started drumming and would love to learn how to play decode from paramore, any chance you can help me? I tried to watch other vids for it but they all go pretty fast and not that good of an explanation in my opinion. Thanx

[@Kaynighthood]

How did you do that lim on back in black ugh

[@anidamanns7968]

preach it baby girl

[@bennymalone]

First time I sat behind a kit I played Hey Jude and it felt great

[@joshroussel7035]

Great intro song for metal with double bass: a little piece of heaven by avenged sevenfold.

[@flyingfisherman100]

Please do some punk beets. Awesome content.

[@DJSCRIP]

My first song I’ve played was Green Day 21 guns and paradise city by Guns N’ Roses

[@Johansson15]

Thx for help 😀😀

[@Marsha-yl8wl]

Thank you

[@goproracertv]

Absolutely!!