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It may seem like only those who are gifted with great coordination skills or have a good sense of rhythm are allowed to become good at the drums. Travis Barker, Chris Coleman, Roger Taylor... the best drummers in the world all seem to treat the drums like an extension of their bodies! This could make one feel like they can only play the drums well if they are familiar with the music scene.
We're here to tell you that's not the case at all! Every drummer starts out somewhere, and more often than not, it takes years of practice (and sweat!) to get to the level of a professional drummer. Besides, we're here to talk about how simply learning drums can bring you numerous benefits in your health, well-being, career and relationships.
You don't need to be a pro to experience the benefits of learning drums.
The best thing about learning drums for beginners is that you are never too young or too old to play the instrument. Everyone of all ages can reap the benefits of learning drums, as long as they set their mind to it and dedicate time to practice. Now then, what's in store for you if you learn to play drums?
1. Learning drums does wonders for your physical health.
Did you know you can burn more calories in an hour of drumming than running?
The same has even been claimed for burning calories in a one-hour drumming session as compared to aerobics and weight-lifting! When you are playing the drums, it's not just your two arms moving, but all your four limbs working together to create music. Imagine doing that for an extended period of time: are you aware that you also have to engage your core the whole time?
So not only can learning drums be a fun hobby, but it can also be a way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. If you've been thinking about when or how to start working out, this is your sign to let loose and get a good sweat in!
Even if you're not looking to burn calories specifically, there are other great health benefits of learning drums that can help you build a stronger body. One of the most popular researched health benefits of drumming is that it lowers blood pressure. If you can keep up to about an hour of drumming every day, it is highly likely that you'll lose some weight in the process.
With that healthy weight loss, your heart doesn't have to work as hard to get your blood pumping and sent throughout your body. Additionally, lower blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
We can learn a lot about these drum benefits through the history of percussion.
2. Learning drums builds a smarter brain.
This works even if you are learning drums online.
We talked about your four limbs working together when playing the drums, and learning drums that way requires excellent coordination skills. Again, this is a skill that requires consistent practice, although it can prove to be a challenge at the start of your drumming journey. Those who are just learning drums for beginners may find it awkward at first because their arms and legs aren't playing the way they want them to!
In fact, everyone needs time to build this proper coordination, especially if you are used to being right-handed or left-handed. To do this successfully, both hemispheres of the brain need to work hard to improve your non-dominant side. So in a way, you are picking up better coordination skills while also boosting your brainpower.
You can find a multitude of drum styles and drum types out there to build a smarter brain.
Interestingly, some research has demonstrated that among the benefits of learning drums, you will also improve your intelligence levels. A study on drummers by the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm found a link between intelligence, good timing and the problem-solving area of the brain. This means that drumming can build a smarter brain and enhance one's ability in figuring out solutions!
It was further revealed experiencing a steady rhythm enhances one's cognitive function. And what better way to practise maintaining rhythm than to learn to play drums?
Here's a guide to drum instructors in Kuala Lumpur.
3. Learning drums is good for your mental health.
It's really not just the brain and body that are physically changing for the better, but your mind and soul that could feel better overall if you are learning drums.
Multiple studies have shown that when you learn to play drums, you are effectively reducing your stress and anxiety levels. Because drumming requires the body to release a lot of energy, this stimulates not only the release of negative emotions from the body, but also the release of feel-good hormones throughout the body known as endorphins.
So even if you are learning drums online and playing from the comfort of your room, you are encouraging your body and mind to get all those frustrations and worries out through this physical activity. This further acts as a drug-free alternative to help one boost their mood or lift their spirits.
There are also studies that indicate drumming can reduce the symptoms of depression. A 10-week group drumming programme conducted by The Public Library of Science revealed that participants experienced significant changes in well-being, including improvements in depression, anxiety and social resilience.
Learning drums for beginners is by no means a cure for depression, but it does bring great therapeutic benefits to the individual. You can try learning with a drum tutor in Selangor today.
4. Learning drums grants you a better social life.
Speaking of group drumming, who says that you need to be alone when you learn to play drums?
You can consider attending what percussionists call a drum circle, which is an informal setting of drummers playing various percussion instruments together. Often staged as a social event, you may not only play the drums but also experience some light dancing and get to spend time with other members of the drumming community.
If you've ever dreamed of it, playing as a drummer in a band is great, too. Joining a group as a bandmate helps you connect with others who may share the same passion for becoming a musician. Another bonus is being able to experiment on drum sounds with other instruments - you can definitely build your repertoire as a drummer if you are able to work well with others.
These useful drum essentials for a beginner drummer could help you if you are still experimenting with your drumming style.
However, if putting yourself out into the community isn't really your thing at the moment, you can always consider signing up for drum lessons. Taking a drum course is also a fantastic way to meet fellow drummers and it may support you more to join a group class. By the time you've participated in a few classes, you would've already expanded your social circle.
Whichever of these methods for learning the drums that you choose, getting acquainted with others who share the same musical interests can create meaningful friendships, and even collaborative opportunities for you as a musician.
5. Learning drums gives you a headstart in life.
You can turn your drumming skills into a profession.
While many drummers enjoy playing the percussion as a hobby, there are others who are actively making themselves known in the entertainment industry. In fact, as a musician in Malaysia, you can earn an average yearly salary of up to RM98,000 - that's about RM8,100 a month, which is quite good if you are working on something you are passionate about!
If you start now, you can have a successful career as a drummer.
At Superprof, we would like to support you in creating your headstart in life. With over 900 experienced and qualified drum instructors on our website, you can prepare yourself to become the best percussionist! Here are some things you can expect to learn from a Superprof drum instructor:
- Learning drums at a pace suited to your skill level
- Develop musicianship if you are learning drums for beginners, intermediate or advanced players
- Practical skills for playing in a variety of live performances
- Experiment with writing original music
To get in touch with your drum instructor on Superprof, simply register for the Superprof Student Pass at only RM25. That way, you can contact your tutor via email, choose to take either in-person or virtual lessons with them, schedule your drum lessons, and more. You won't need any other reason to learn to play drums. Go for it!
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