The Surprising Benefits of Taking Drum Lessons as an Adult
There is an infamous adage that says ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ and well, when it comes to music, we beg to differ. Music is something that transcends various barriers and is a tool that can connect people regardless of age and other demographics. While starting to take music lessons as a child certainly has a multitude of benefits, even adults can join in on the fun and walk away with a new skill!
So if you have recently been on the hunt for online drum lessons for adults, but were hung up on whether such a thing even exists, rest assured that it most certainly does! And not only that, but here at Music House, we want to educate you on some of the surprising benefits that drum lessons have, even for older folks. Keep reading to learn more!
Physically Beneficial
One of the best things about the drum is that it is a very kinesthetic instrument. Kinesthetic means that it relates to a person's awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body, usually through sensory organs, such as muscles and joints. For example, a dedicated drummer who plays regularly should see an improvement in their coordination over time, as they use all their limbs to create different types of rhythms and music.
The physical benefits of online drum lessons for adults doesn’t stop there! It can also help to improve one’s balance. Standing at the drum is no easy feat, especially considering you have to keep yourself anchored while playing. This will also double as a core workout! You might not believe that at first, but give it a try, and you will see soon enough for yourself.
Plus, have you ever watched a drummer like Travis Barker or Phil Collins sit behind a drum? They use their whole body, especially on a drum kit, and the amount of upper body strength present is unmatched. While they might be sitting, don’t confuse them for being stationery!
Mentally Beneficial
Humans are creatures that learn all throughout their entire lives. Sure, key developmental stages occur during childhood where we learn integral information pertaining to walking, talking, and basic skills in general. However, our brains have something called neural plasticity, which means that it has the ability to learn, grow, discern, and retain new information even as we age. According to numerous studies, learning a new skill helps us to stay sharp and focused throughout the entirety of our lives.
Being a musician and learning music certainly applies here. Even if you have played an instrument in the past, but you never learned to sight read music, this could be an excellent skill to have. Sight reading integrates both mental and physical faculties, as it focuses on looking at a piece of written music and playing it without hearing the rhythm first. While it takes some time to master, the pay off will show up in the long run.
When it comes to music, there are near-limitless possibilities to keep learning. Soon, you will be able to start tackling more advanced concepts and learning more complicated pieces of music. Join up with a band and see how the drums work when paired together both classically and in more contemporary, modern pieces. You are bound to have fun mixing things up! Plus, there are many different types of drums to try: bass, snare, taiko - it goes on and on!
Emotionally Beneficial
It is no secret that music can be an emotional experience. Whether you’re listening to it, playing it, attending a live concert at a venue, or having a full-on jam session in your car while stuck in Kansas City traffic, music triggers a full spectrum of emotions. It is a stress reliever, gives us energy, and more often than not, soothes the soul.
Playing an instrument such as the drum has its own unique benefits as well. As adults, we are no strangers to emotions such as stress and frustration. Deadlines at work, juggling intense schedules, trying to keep everything moving and going - it’s a lot to handle, to say the least. However, if there is one thing that can provide a healthy outlet, it’s hitting on a drum.
Think about it: you are hitting something with sticks or mallets and making a loud noise in exchange. Sort of like using the punching bag at the gym, this has the same effect! You are able to work out some of the tension and frustration in your body while making music in return. This seems like a pretty fair trade!
Wrap Up
So as you can see, you are never too old to learn something new, especially in the realm of music. Whether you used to play ‘once upon a time’, or it has always been an area of interest that you never quire pursued, taking drum lessons can be a lot of fun. Not only that, but the benefits are there plain as day! Get physically active, keep your brain sharp, and soothe your soul with a little music.
Drum Lessons for Adults
Are you interested in taking classes? Here at Music House, we are proud to offer private lessons for musicians of all ages. The drums are one of those instruments that sounds its best when played in a group setting which is why we have tailored our curriculum to include advancing through various milestones.
For example, we will walk through the fundamentals first, taking the first few months to get comfortable with the instrument, rhythm, and going over sheet music. Then, we will work our way up to integrating your drumming with other musicians, then to performing in the auditorium. Join a jam session with a professional band or become a member of one of our adult workshop bands! This will give you some great experience and exposure.
No matter why you want to pursue music or the drum as an instrument, our knowledgeable staff & faculty members are here to guide you through this journey. Young, old, or somewhere in between, Music House is sure to be the place for you.
