Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Todd,

 

   Sounds like we're in similar situations facing some of the same
questions. Like you I'm an older (almost 48) beginning drummer who purchased
a DTXPRESSIIISP a few months ago. Having had some musical background
(keyboards) I surveyed the wealth of drum instructional material available
on the web, picked up a few good books and DVDs, and then asked myself the
same question about taking private lessons. My next step was to take a small
package of 4 lessons with a private instructor to assist me in determine
whether or not private instruction would have value to me. Fortunately, I
hit upon a local teacher that uses an approach that combines half of each
lesson with the formal stuff (syncopation, reading, rudiments, etc) with
other half learning grooves and generally having fun with the kit. The
teacher also lays out my drum practices in a similar fashion combining
discipline and enjoyment. Well after a couple of those lessons went by I
knew that at this stage of my drumming going with private instruction was
the right route for me and I signed up for a full cycle of lessons. Having a
private teacher forces me to practice regularly because I know that another
drummer, the teacher, will be critiquing my playing at least once a week.
More importantly to me though, the teacher is a great resource when it comes
to seeing and hearing how to play well, discussing stuff like technique I've
seen on a DVD or come across on the web, assistance with transcription,
finding out about the local drum scene, learning about other drum kits, etc.
My opinion then is to find a good teacher who teaches in a style that is
compatible with your personal goals. Hope that helps.

 

.Steve

 

 

*	I am fast approaching 47, have just purchased the DTXPRESSIIISP, and
am learning drums for the first time.  I have played trumpet all of my life
and probably will be giving it up very soon due to embouchure / dental
problems.  So, I figured that now is the time to take up drums since my arms
and legs have not fallen off yet.

The only issue is that I am  a bit behind (late) on the learning curve (I
would imagine).

So the question I have for you "Old Folks" is...  If my goal is to learn
drum kit for playing rock/jazz tunes with a praise band in my church ...
Should I be taking private lessons concentrating on drumming technique /
sticking / rudiments first?  Or should I be concentrating on learning the
common drum grooves and limb coordination first or a little bit of both at
the same time?

In other words ... What would be the most efficient path to playing a kit
well enough for performance (assuming I am typical 47 year old adult
learner) .... before I become REALLY old?

Todd