Posts Tagged ‘drums’

Drums, A Family Tradition?

Saturday, March 12, 2011
posted by Drummer Dad 12:50 AM

My son has a really special birthday coming up and I want to make it as memorable as I possibly can.  My kid will be turning five and I’ve never seen a kid more excited in my life!  He says that because he is getting older now and will soon be facing the responsibilities and rigors of kindergarten next year, he believes that he has earned the right to own a drumset  just like his cousin.  Ok!  My girlfriend who has been like a second mom to him is a little leery but I think it’s pretty cool!  Because he is only five, we have begun looking at three piece kids drumsets.   I think my girlfriend will be more on board when she sees that a kids drumset is not as expensive as she might think.  I have bookmarked some really great websites!

I think we should let the kid fulfill his fantasy because kids need to explore all kinds of interests when they are young.  My nephew will get quite a kick out of this and will probably even give his little cousin a few pointers.  I think when it’s all said and done my boy will have one ‘rockin’ birthday!

A Drum History Lesson

Saturday, March 12, 2011
posted by SKWiley 12:18 AM

Did you know that drums are the world’s oldest musical instrument?  Before the materials used to make drums today were found, different tribal groups have already played the drums in order to create sounds and rhythms in certain religious rituals.  Drums were used for tribal dances or simply to deliver a message or signals. Drums are usually cylindrical in shape and are open on one or both sides.
 
Drums have really evolved because nowadays, together with other instruments, drum sets are being used by drummers in a band.  A full sized drum set today often consists of: drums, cymbals, triangles, chimes and tambourines all at the disposal of today’s rockers.  To play the  drums, you can use two sticks, your fingers but for floor drums, you need to use your foot to step on the foot pedal.  If you start your child with some kids drums you will be off to an interesting adventure with a lot of history behind it!

Getting a Workout While Playing the Drums!

Friday, March 11, 2011
posted by SKWiley 3:00 AM

As adults we are often very aware and sometimes even ‘painfully’ aware that kids have a great deal of energy which can appear to be almost infinite at times.  Parents are often looking for an outlet to channel this energy and often do this by signing their children up for a variety of sports.  Physical activity is a great way to tire a child and keep him from bouncing off the walls but sports aren’t the only outlet for parents to consider.  Playing a musical instrument is a great way for a child to release energy while unleashing a flood of creativity to your child’s brain.  

Kids drum sets are the ideal musical instrument for energy release. If you’ve ever been to a concert, I’m sure you’ve seen a live drum performance. Watching an artist wail away on the drums usually causes him to break a sweat.   Your child will be able to exercise his or her arms and legs – don’t forget about the workout from the foot pedal! You might want to take a serious look at childrens drum sets as they can serve many and varied needs for your child!

Teaching Your Child A Sense Of Rhythm

Thursday, February 17, 2011
posted by SKWiley 5:37 AM

While some parents believe that their children were born with a natural sense of rhythm, it’s possible to teach kids who are rhythmically challenged to stay on the beat. There are three basic ways to get a young drummer to establish a necessary sense of rhythm to master the drums.  The first method involves simply listening to music in a passive way because some people develop rhythm through audio osmosis.

The second technique requires a more active type of listening.  Encourage kids to focus on various parts of the song while drowning out everything else. Start with a childrens drums track and then tell him or her to listen carefully to the bass guitar. Finally, you can set up a metronome for your child to use for practice.  You can adjust the tempo to a speed in accordance with your child’s level of experience.

Music, The Spice of my Life!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011
posted by Drummer Dad 12:36 PM

Most of my fondest childhood memories center around a common theme – they involve music in some form or fashion. In fourth grade, I got my first taste of how rewarding it is to play a musical instrument. In sixth grade, our school band teacher held tryouts during the first week of school, eventually he made the final call and we waited in anticipation as to whether we would be allowed to play it in the band.

I wanted to play the drums more than anything, and when he approved of my choice I was absolutely ‘over the moon!’ Playing the snare drum was so exciting, and I got the opportunity to switch over to the xylophone when a song called for it. The school band gave me the tools and the background I needed but was never my ultimate desire – it was merely a foundation to get better at the drums so I could one day join my own rock band. What I really wanted to do was start a garage band.  In elementary school, I did convince my parents to get me a childrens drum set after putting my parents through an exhaustive search of childrens drum sets telling them that finding the ‘right’ one was absolutely crucial. My friends and I never made the big time, but playing in my best friend’s garage with a ragtag assortment of guitarists and bass players was more than worth it!

Discount Children’s Guitars, a Nice Option for Children

Saturday, February 12, 2011
posted by SKWiley 3:16 PM

Sharing the experience of having your child learn to play an instrument can be rewarding for both parent and child.  Not only does a child get a chance to hone their skills and sharpen their natural talent and abilities but it also supplies an outlet for daily frustration.  If you feel that your child has some natural musical ability it is probably a good idea to expose her to a vast array of instruments and let her choose.   Hopefully she will choose ‘one’ instrument’ so that a true bond between your child and her instrument of choice can develop 

But before you rush into a purchase, it’s good to know beforehand what each instrument will bring to the table. While it probably goes without saying  it’s still important to note that if your child chooses the drums, prepare yourself for the continual banging ahead!    You may need ear plugs.  You might consider cheap childrens guitars.   Don’t take the word ‘cheap’ to mean that the guitar will be lacking in quality because in most cases you will not only receive a fair price, but you can choose from acoustic or electric, both excellent options

Show Drummers Some Respect!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011
posted by Drummer Dad 2:58 PM

Unfortunately too many people view drummers as reckless maniacs who bang on their drums needlessly making noise with no real purpose.  These critics believe that drummers do not  possess any real musical ability.  This bias is seen most with people who play in rock bands.   While it may appear this way to the untrained eye, nothing could be further from the truth!  The drummer is extremely important because he and/or she keeps the rhythm for the whole band and sets the tempo for the song, (no small job!)

The importance of the drummer is most evident in the great bands where the drummer is at the forefront.  There are a number of classic bands such as Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, where the drummer is in the forefront.   Showing your child videos of these drummers could be just as helpful as having them take drum lessons.  Parents have a lot of really cool kids drumsets to choose from when shopping for their child!

The Imortance of Good Posture!

Thursday, February 3, 2011
posted by SKWiley 12:50 PM

Posture is ever so important for many reasons even before a drummer decides to play the drums.  Why you ask?  Quality drumming is dependent upon good posture.  Children may have already heard their parents bark at them to ‘sit up straight’ and not ‘shrug their shoulders’. Parents are often happy with the variety of kids drum sets available. If a drummer plays the drums with a little bit of a slouch, the rhythm and timing will be greatly affected not to mention harm to the lower back over the time. 

Believe it or not, the dinner table is the perfect place to practice this critical drumming technique. Before a child receives a kids drum set, tell her to keep her back straight and pretend that her knife and fork are her drum sticks. Just make the fine bone china off limits. You can also encourage her to watch drummers in music videos and take her to stage performances because they almost always demonstrate perfect posture.

Music as a Form of Communication

Wednesday, February 2, 2011
posted by SKWiley 12:46 AM

Music is a wonderful form of communication and a great way to say things that can’t be said in normal conversation. In fact, the language of music can transcend generation after generation. Therefore exposing children to music at an early age can be quite beneficial.

It would be great to encourage kids to love what music has to offer. This can be accomplished taking a child to music lessons and by exposing them to musical venues.  By taking children to music lessons, kids can learn to play various instruments and discover which instruments they like.  Children can choose piano, violin, clarinet or drums.  You might even consider the electric guitar, (an instrument that has become more popular with children).  One can find electric guitars for kids online and often there are many deals out there so you don’t have to spend lots of money on your child’s first instrument!

Letting Your Child Learn To Play The Drums!!!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011
posted by SKWiley 11:40 AM

The drummer plays an important role in a band, (i.e. the drummer’s rhythm keeps the rest of the band in step.   If for instance a lead guitarist gets off track while performing a solo, (which they often do) a drummer has the ability to reel the band back in by bringing everyone back to the beat.

However drummers like to have their own fun too.   Now that there are some great kids drum sets available make sure that your child has the opportunity to display some of their creativity. Drum fills will occur during the structured rhythm parts, and they are usually improvised on the spot by the drummer.  You can take your child to a live show and point out when the drummer institutes a fill. In its own way, the drum solo or fill can be just as exciting as a guitar solo!  Drums for kids are a great way to begin the exciting process of learning to be a musician!

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