What you need to start your Percussion Lessons

  1. A pair of drum sticks, preferably Vic Firth 5A or 7A.
  2. A practice pad (example: Remo tunable practice pad and stand).
  3. A notebook for recording assignments and exercises.
  4. A lesson book (to be determined after the first or second lesson).
  5. A willingness to learn and practice.

In your career as a percussionist you are going to use several different method books, as well as a variety of written and recorded music. Every student develops at a different rate, and musical pursuits are heavily personal, so after the first several lessons most of the material will vary from student to student.

A drum set and perhaps a mallet instrument (such as a bell kit) will likely become necessary over time. I never require a student to own a drum set before their first lesson, however many will find that owning your own drum set makes learning the material much more enjoyable. Even if you have a drum set, you are still required to have and use a practice pad for some of your practicing. The reason behind this will become clear after several lessons.