Finding Your Musical Calling: Are Drums the Instrument for You?

Do you dream of pounding drums and crashing drum cymbals in a frenzied flurry of rhythm? If so, the drums might be the perfect instrument for you. The trouble is—it isn’t always easy to be sure of the musical route you want to take. Many passionate musicians switch between styles, genres and instruments, exploring various facets of music throughout their careers. If you’re less experienced, however, you might prefer to focus on one thing—at least at first. And this is where the hard decisions come in. 

What if you’re setting yourself up for failure by choosing a complicated instrument? What if you invest in an instrument only to find that it doesn’t pique your interest? If these are the questions that plague you, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and you’re not without hope! There are many ways to discover the right instrument for you—and fortunately, we just happen to be experts in drumming.

Signs You Might Be a Future Drummer

Many aspiring musicians gravitate towards the powerful and primal allure of percussion. But how can you know if drums are your true calling? Luckily, there are a few signs you can look for that might indicate a natural talent for drumming. If the following points resonate with you, you might be destined to enjoy a future playing the drums.

1. You Always Pay Attention to the Beat

Do you find yourself instinctively tapping your foot or nodding your head along to a song? Drummers have an innate ability to feel and follow the beat of music, often without realising it. If you’re constantly drawn to the pulse of a song, it could be a sign that you have a natural affinity for drumming.

2. You Understand Drum Notation

While many musicians struggle to decipher drum notation, you might find it surprisingly intuitive. If you can easily read and understand drumming rhythms and patterns, this suggests that you have a keen musical ear and a knack for percussive expression.

3. You’re a Decent Dancer 

Believe it or not, there’s a strong connection between dancing and drumming. Both activities rely on rhythmic movement and coordination; many successful drummers are also excellent dancers. If you find yourself effortlessly grooving to the music on the dance floor, you might have the natural rhythm and coordination needed to excel behind a drum kit.

4. YOU LOVE LOUD MUSIC! 

Let’s face it: drummers love to make noise. Drums are one of the loudest instruments you can choose, so your capacity to withstand the decibels they can achieve is essential. If you have an insatiable appetite for loud music and find yourself drawn to the thunderous sound of drums in a band, it could be a sign that you’re destined to be a drummer. After all, what’s not to love about the exhilarating feeling of pounding a rhythm that reverberates through the air?

5. You Can Already Sing or Play an Instrument

While it’s not a requirement, many successful drummers have a background in music or possess musical talent in other areas. If you can already sing or play another instrument—especially another of the percussion instruments—it’ll be easier for you to take on the drums.

There’s Only One Way To Find Out…

The only way to know if drums are the instrument for you is to pick up a pair of drumsticks and start playing. You can begin with an electronic drum pad—which is super compact and convenient—and work your way up to a complete drum set. If you’re not sure where to get a good-quality, stylish and affordable drum set, check out guitar stores Melbourne loves, like Angkor Music. Our broad selection of percussion instruments includes drum kits, drumsticks and cymbals of many varieties. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up those sticks and count yourself in!