KIDS DRUM SETS - TIPS & TRICKS FOR BEGINNERS!

Hi Guys, following on from my previous post "Lets Make Some Noise", I thought I would give all those kids who are keen to learn to play drums and their dedicated parents some tips and tricks of the trade, learnt from bitter experience.

One of the first things to know is how to set up the kids drum kit properly so that everything is within reach and at the right height. Starting with the snare, which should be about level with your child's waist when seated and slopping gently away from them. The high tom toms should be angled down towards them and the floor tom tom on the right at the same height as the snare, slightly angled towards them. The idea is that they should be able to move around the kit from left to right in as smooth an action as possible, without over reaching.

The next task is to ensure that the kids drum set is tuned. This is quite difficult and can be a question of trial and error until you find the right sound, but it normally starts with the base drum, which should be tuned to a low "E" on the piano or keyboard. Tuning is achieved by turning the screws on the lugs around the rim of each drum, which tightens or loosens the head until you achieve the right sound.

So starting with the base drum you should work backwards via the floor tom tom, high tom toms and snare so that each drum has a slightly higher tone than the last. The snare has a sound all of its own.

When I first started to play one of the biggest problems I had was drum creep. This is when the base drum moves forward every time the base drum is struck with the base peddle. The base drum has spurs on each side which rest on the floor to support the drum and if these are not anchored properly the base drum and everything attached gradually moves away from you, which is a nightmare when you are playing.

An easy way of avoiding this is to set up the drum kit and stool on a piece of mat, which keeps everything together and it anchored by the stool. It also stops nasty scratches on the living room floor.

This may seem a bit daunting, but is all part of what is required for kids to learn to play drums correctly. I would recommend that you invest in a good instructional book or DVD like "Getting started On Drums" featuring Tommy Igoe.

This is a great introduction for kids to learn to play drums. Its in a DVD format so it really brings drumming to life in an easy to follow format by a great teacher. Great reviews and highly recommended.

I hope this has been useful and helps your kids to appreciate the great art of good drumming.

Be sure to check out my previous post to see some of the great drum kits available to buy now.

Tune in to my next post for reviews on some more great kids musical toys.

KIDS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS- LETS MAKE SOME NOISE!

Hi Guys, when I was a kid, I was lucky enough to be introduced to many different kids musical instruments, but unfortunately like most kids I had other things to do and didn't persevere, until I discovered the drums and found that I had some natural rhythm, timing and co-ordination. I eventually went on to play in a number of different bands as a semi-pro for about 12 years and maybe I can share some of my experiences with you in future posts.

For now I would like to look at some of the kids drum kits available for kids from about 3 to 8 years old. There is quite a choice but this is mainly down to colour and the number of drums included in the kit, 3 or 5. The quality of some of them for the price is amazing, just like a scaled down pro set.

A drum kit like any other musical instrument needs to be set up properly and tuned to get the best out of it, so you need to make sure that the drum set you buy provides full adjustment of the stands and the ability to tune the heads (skins) of each drum with a special key.

My drum kit top picks for today are:-

This is a great kids musical instrument, a full 3 piece drum kit with high hat, crash cymbals and throne (stool). It has wooden shells and chromium plated lugs with adjustable folding stands giving full control over the set up. The high hat cymbals are a bit small, but can always be replaced later. This drum set comes in various colours, has good reviews and is great value for money.

A full 5 piece drum kit with snare, 2 high tom toms, floor tom tom, base drum, high hat, crash cymbals and throne (stool). Includes everything your kid needs to start rocking, with wooden shells, chromium plated lugs and adjustable stands and legs, including drum sticks. Good reviews and a choice of colours.

Another great example of a scaled down 5 piece pro drum kit, ideal for the budding rock drummer in various colours, the metallic silver really looks the part. Made with real wood shells and chromium plated lugs and stands, fully adjustable. Good reviews and great value for money.

I think that any one of the above three drum kits would make your kids very happy indeed, although it might be worth you parents investing in some ear muffs until they get the hang of it.

I would be pleased to help with any questions you may have regarding the set up and tuning, which can make a hugh difference to the sound and ease of playing when your kids start, just send me an email.

Be sure to check out the full product features and great discounted prices currently available by clicking on the product links above.

Don't forget to check out my next post coming soon.