by Silva Payne

Created on: January 06, 2010

It can be a nightmare or a blessing if your child announces that they want to learn to play the drums. You have probably had some warning that this was on the cards. The pictures of John Bonham and Travis Barker on the walls and the constant tapping of pencils or fingers on every available surface should have been a clue. But now the wish is out there, hanging in the air like a giant cymbal just waiting to be hit.

Many children grow out of their desires to be the next Pop Idol. Once the realisation of how much practice and hard work it takes to be anywhere near good sinks in, the novelty wears off. You can play devil's advocate by arranging some music lessons for your child. This is by far a better option than rushing out and purchasing a full drum kit straight away. Investigate some music tutors, or see if there is a band at your child's school and suggest that they try before they (or you) buy.

You will soon know if your child has the will and ability to do well on the drums. After the first few lessons, if your child is still keen to go and drives you almost insane with their endless practice (using your saucepans and wooden spoons), you may start to secretly look at second-hand drum kits. This of course will send your bank manager running for the hills in hysterics; even second-hand, drums are not the cheapest piece of musical equipment.

Besides taking on a second mortgage to get your offspring their drums, there are other ways to nurture their musical talents. If there is no band at their school, see if there are any openings at your church or youth club. Encourage your child to also start exercising, gently at first but with a view to developing their upper body. They will need those muscles finely honed to fight off the hoards of adoring fans once they hit the big time. They make playing the drums for a full 2 hour set slightly easier too.

Your child, when a little older, may want to join a more specialised band that practices in someone's parent's brother's garage. Encourage this, because it means that they have not yet got the confidence to start their own band, practicing in your garage. If you have been sensible earlier in their drumming career, you may now start to claw back that “loan” you gave them for their original drum kit. You should also encourage them not to ignore their academic studies. Drumming can be lucrative, but there are a lot of good drummers out there working in restaurants and giving tuition just to make the rent

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