Learning the Drums: Benefits for Children
Playing an instrument has many positive attributes from stimulating mental health to increasing self-confidence. Yet, of all the musical instruments you might want your child to learn, drums are probably not top of the list. But in fact, playing the drums are often said to have more impact and benefit than other instruments for both boys and girls.
- Drumming Helps with Motor Skills, Burns Excess Energy
Drums are particularly good for kids with lots of energy, and even those with attention deficit disorder or hyper-activity. Drumming can bring focus and garner attention from even the most easily distracted of children.
Physically drummers have to move – a lot. It requires a great deal of energy since not only are the hands and arms used to beat the drums with drumsticks, the feet have to push pedals in time to create the different sounds. All of this is done at fast speeds, requiring physical coordination and self-control.
In addition, the percussion element of drumming can be therapeutic in its repetition and sound. This can reduce stress and boost the immune system.
- Drumming Improve Mental Attention
The drums are essential for keeping the timing and tempo for the other musicians in a group. When playing out a single beat, the drummer must use their entire focus and mental ability to listen and drum in time.
Research has reported that playing a musical instrument develops a unique set of skills and mental agility. Some sources say that drumming increases heart rate and blood flow to the brain, and can actually improve IQ. This is because drumming taps into the rational, left part of the brain, as well as the intuitive, right side of the brain.
- Playing Drums Improves Self-focus
Practice makes perfect, and just like any other instrument, drums take time and dedication to learn. Those who get inspired by drumming become self-motivated, and determined to learn more and improve. This determination can be applied to any situation in life.
If your child is able to be part of a group or band with other instruments it will teach them how to be part of a team, and one that they really love to be part of. It helps children learn how to bond and meet new, diverse people from different backgrounds.
- Learning Drums With Academic Performance
Drummers are often not quite viewed in the same light as other musicians, but they are most definitely musicians and are integral to any band, leading the “rhythm section”. Drums aren’t just about noise. Drummers have to understand musical notes, plus learn how rhythms work and how to mesh the two together. In addition, the concentration and listening skills required for playing the drums are second to none.
Once your child has learnt this ability, they will be able to transfer these concentration and listening skills across to other more academic studies such as math, science, and languages.
- Drumming Leads to a Cultural and Creative Learning Curve
Drums are an art form and a great way for kids to release their creativity. Culturally, drums have been used by our ancestors for thousands of year. The drum beat connects us to a basic organic beat that as humans we strongly relate to.
Don’t forget drums are fun!
Aside from all of the above, drums are really fun to play. Kids these days don’t often get the chance to try drums, so it’s worthwhile asking so look to a local music school for opportunities to take drum lessons, use their equipment or join a local band.
For beginners a basic drum set doesn’t have to be that expensive and to start simply a snare drum and a set of drum sticks will get your child’s hand twitching for more! Once they’re hooked, you can add to the collection and buy a bass drum and snare drum stand and add to it as and when your child is ready, even if your neighbours disagree!
