Drum Lessons in Milwaukee - Learn from Top Teachers Across the City

Learning to Play the Drums in Milwaukee

Playing the drums is an incredibly rewarding and fun hobby or career path. Milwaukee has a thriving music scene and many opportunities to learn how to play the drums. From local music shops to private lessons, there are drum teachers all across the city ready to share their knowledge. Let's explore some of the best options for drum lessons in Milwaukee.

The Benefits of Drumming

Playing the drums has many great benefits beyond just being able to jam out to your favorite songs. Here are some of the top reasons to start learning the drums:

• Playing drums is a great form of exercise. It engages your core and upper body and provides a cardio workout.
• Drumming helps improve coordination and rhythm.
• Learning drums stimulates creative thinking and problem solving as you learn new techniques.
• Drumming can help relieve stress and tension.
• Playing music with others creates social connections.
• Mastering the drums builds self-confidence.

Whether you want to end up playing shows or just jam at home, drumming is an incredibly fun and fulfilling activity at any skill level.

Finding the Right Drum Teacher in Milwaukee

With the right teacher, you can progress quickly from your first drum beats to playing complete songs. Here are some things to look for in a good drum instructor:

• Extensive experience playing drums, both performing and teaching
• Patience and the ability to break down complicated techniques
• Knowledge of different genres and drumming styles
• Adaptability to connect with students of different ages and skill levels
• Encouraging approach focused on students' growth

The right teacher will cater lessons to your musical interests while also challenging you to improve your overall drumming abilities.

Local Music Shops Offering Drum Lessons

One of the best places to start your search for a drum teacher is at a local music shop. Stores like the below offer drum lessons for all ages and abilities:

Milwaukee Music

Milwaukee Music has been around for over 25 years and offers lessons at their locations in Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and Greenfield. Their drum instructors have experience playing rock, pop, jazz, blues, funk, and other styles. Lessons are available for kids as young as 5 all the way up through adults.

Cascio Music

Cascio Music is one of the oldest music stores in Milwaukee, started in 1918. They have two locations on the northwest side of the city and south in Greenfield. Cascio's talented drum teachers have studied at prestigious music schools and performed with major acts. They work with students on rock, jazz, concert percussion, drum line, and more.

Music Go Round

Music Go Round operates three musical instrument resale shops around Milwaukee, in Greenfield, Waukesha, and West Allis. Their stores offer drum lessons from experienced instructors for all skill levels. Styles like rock, blues, jazz, funk, and Latin are covered.

Private Drum Instructors

In addition to music shops, there are many independent private drum instructors to check out around Milwaukee. Some benefits of private lessons include:

• One-on-one focused attention on your training
• Flexible scheduling at the instructor's home studio or your location
• Lessons tailored to your specific music tastes and goals
• No long term commitments, unlike music schools

Look for instructors who offer a free introductory lesson so you can meet them and try out their teaching style.

Drum Lessons for Kids

Getting kids started in drum lessons early has many benefits. It teaches teamwork, discipline, coordination, and fundamental rhythmic skills. Kids drum lessons in Milwaukee generally start around age 5 with basic hand drumming on djembes and similar instruments. By age 7-9, kids can graduate to a full drum kit adjusted for their smaller size.

For the youngest beginners, a good drum instructor will make lessons energetic and fun, incorporating games, basic music theory, and exercises to develop motor skills. Ensuring kids genuinely enjoy their lessons and see progress is key to helping them stick with drumming.

Finding the Right Drum Gear

Having the right drum equipment is crucial, especially for new drummers. Your drum teacher can recommend good starter drum sets. Music stores like Milwaukee Music, Cascio, and Music Go Round also have quality used gear at more affordable prices for beginners. Expect to spend $300-$800 for a complete used drum kit suitable for a new player.

Besides the core drum set components like the snare, bass drum, toms, and cymbals, you’ll need drum sticks, a seat, pedal, and potentially other hardware. Again your drum instructor can help choose suitable sticks weighted for your skill level. Investing in a solid drum throne and pedal from the start will help maximize your comfort and reduce fatigue.

Practicing Effectively at Home

Regularly practicing what you learn during drum lessons is vital for improvement. It takes repetition and muscle memory to get drum techniques, patterns, and songs firmly under your hands and feet. Your Milwaukee drum teacher should provide practice tips like:

• Set a consistent practice schedule, like 30 minutes every day
• Prioritize technique exercises and gradually build up speed
• Isolate trouble spots and drill them slowly
• Record your playing to notice areas that need improvement
• Practice along with songs and recordings
• Invest in practice pads, mutes, and headphones to reduce noise

With interesting exercises from your teacher and listening to music for inspiration, practice time will fly by and abilities will grow exponentially.

Joining a Band or Ensemble

One of the most rewarding parts of playing drums is collaborating with other musicians. Besides taking private lessons, consider joining a band program or ensemble. This could be through your high school or college if still a student. Community groups like the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra provide other options.

Playing alongside others teaches vital skills like listening, adjusting, and locking in with the groove. And nothing beats the fun and energy of playing live shows. Your drum teacher can point you towards groups suiting your age and interests.

Exploring All Kinds of Drumming Styles

One advantage of learning drums in a culturally diverse city like Milwaukee is exposure to many different music genres and drumming styles. From drum corps groups like the Madison Scouts to the Latin rhythms of bands like De La Buena and Grupo Candela, you’ll find inspiration across the spectrum. Consider checking out music festivals like Summerfest and ethnic celebrations like Festa Italiana to experience new drumming cultures.

The right drum instructor will push you outside your comfort zone to become a well-rounded player. Even if rock music is your passion, training in jazz, blues, funk and other styles will make you better. Good technique transcends any one genre.

Milwaukee - A Great City for Drummers

Milwaukee offers all you need to go from first drum beats to full songs. The local music scene provides role models and opportunities to apply your growing skills. With inspiring teachers, practice resources, and diverse musical influences, drumming can enrich your life in so many ways.

FAQs

What is the best age to start drum lessons?

Kids as young as 5 can begin learning hand drums and percussion. By age 7-9 they can start lessons on a full drum kit. For adults, you're never too old to begin drumming! Many drum teachers also give lessons to seniors.

How frequently should I take drum lessons?

For beginners, starting with a 30 minute lesson once a week is recommended. This gives you time to practice what you've learned before moving on to new techniques. As you advance, some drummers move to 45 minute or hour long lessons.

What will I learn in drum lessons as a beginner?

In your first drum lessons you'll learn proper hand grips and techniques, basic rudiments and beats, drum kit ergonomics, and music reading skills. Teachers will focus a lot on your coordination and rhythmic sense.

How much do private drum lessons cost?

In the Milwaukee area, expect to pay $20 - $35 per half hour for private drum lessons. Rates vary based on the instructor's experience and demand. Ask if new student discounts are available.

What should I look for in a good drum teacher?

Look for an instructor who is patient, motivating, and can teach various drumming styles. They should be able to break down techniques and work well with both kids and adults.