Purchasing a Drum Kit: The Basics by Nate M., Forbes Music Instructor

During the first year of my drum-playing life, I lived with my mother in a three-story apartment building that was not particularly conducive to any sort of loud noises. This of course boded terribly for the functionality of an actual drum set, so as a substitute during those first twelve months, a combination of phone books, pillows, and a Remo practice pad served as my stand-in first drum set.

Please don't in any way take that as an endorsement of such a make-shift approach to early equipment purchase decisions. What I will say, however, is that in the preliminary stages of learning how to play the drums, the process is so much more about developing fine motor control and coordination than it is about the actual sound produced by the instrument. It is about getting our bodies accustomed to a kind of motion they may not previously have been accustomed to. So in deciding on a beginner drum set, the most essential factors should really be its durability (this kit is bound to take a beating), its sizing (small enough to be comfortable for a younger student, but not so small that they quickly outgrow it, or become overly accustomed to too compact a setup) and its affordability.

The Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove is a great example on all of those counts, and adds a flashy look and surprisingly quality sound to match.  If I were doing it all again, that would be my first choice: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drums-percussion/ludwig-breakbeats-by-questlove-4-piece-shell-pack?rNtt=questlove&index=1

(as a warning, for many online purchases you will also need to buy cymbal and snare stands. Anything that says “Shell Pack” will only include the drums themselves. I stand by Yamaha hardware pretty consistently, but anything will do)

More generally speaking, sets made by Ludwig, Yamaha, Tama, Pearl, Gretsch, or PDP are going to tend to give you the best level of quality/durability. Others, like CB or Sound Percussion tend to be a good deal flimsier, and may not be your most worthwhile option. Of course, you can also always swing by your local music store and ask about their beginner kits, though more often than not pricing will be more cost effective online (a lesson I learned unfortunately late in the process).

Of course, if none of these options seem viable for the time being, a practice pad (Vic Firth and Remo both make great options) are both an excellent way to dive into studying, at least for the most preliminary phase. They won’t be a perfect substitute forever, but they are certainly better than nothing!

Hope this was all helpful, and happy hunting! 

Courtesy of Nate M. - Nate is an experienced drummer, bassist, guitarist, pianist and composer with over ten years of performance and recording experience, eight years of professional work in the field of music education, and a knack for memorizing the release dates of his favorite albums. A graduate from the Wesleyan University Music Department, Nate has extensively studied performance and composition in a variety of genres, most notably Jazz, Soul, Funk, Rock, Classical, Pop, Experimental, Musical Theatre, and Taiko Drumming.

Are there recitals or other performance opportunities?

There is nothing more satisfying than the joy that radiates from a child after a job well done. Because we love seeing those smiles Forbes Music Company organizes recitals twice a year and we highly recommend participating. The recitals are held at the Greenwich Arts Center which has a very lovely space and a beautiful grand piano. We do provide a PA system, microphones and guitar amps but be sure to bring your own guitar, violin, saxophone or other portable instrument. Students typically dress up for the occasion, but the event is low pressure so get ready to have fun! 

Don’t forget, there are many performance opportunities in your local communities as well. There are often school and community talent shows, inquire your place of worship, or consider reaching out to area nursing homes or assisted living centers (the residents always love entertainment). Let your teacher know if you have a performance coming up and they will be sure to help prepare your piece(s).

Many of our teachers belong to organizations such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the National Guild of Piano Teachers or the Music Teachers National Association which distribute audition and registration information for various competitions, festivals or other musical events. So, be sure to ask your teacher about additional opportunities as well. 

Choosing a keyboard for a beginning student

When I recommend keyboard models I generally suggest two important features, 1) at least 76 keys (full size is 88 keys), and 2) weighted keys (often called graded hammer action keys) that mimic the feel of a traditional piano. For someone very young, the difference may be negligible, but I still find it helpful. I do not recommend buying a mini keyboard with child size keys. Regular keys are not too big and child size just gets confusing for learning the spacing of notes.

Below is an example of a full size keyboard with weighted keys. It is relatively simple but a great value, and what I prefer when I am looking to have a more "piano" experience and less of a "synthesizer" experience. Purchasing used equipment is a great option since it can be in perfect condition, and help offset some of the cost of the investment. Like cars and furniture, music equipment loses most of it's value when you take it out of the store. This example is likely the least expensive "weighted keys" full-size keyboard you might find: 

Casio CDP-130

Below is an example of a smaller, 76-key keyboard. It has quite a few features that you may find superfluous and never need, but could certainly keep someone busy for hours exploring all the weird (read: cool) sounds it can make. Like the aforementioned keyboard, this is also portable and can fit almost anywhere. You can plug in headphones which can be very convenient, wink wink. 

Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano

Some great brands are Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil, Korg, and Casio. You may wish to call some places to see what they have in stock used, or even visit ebay or craigslist. Some local volume retailers that have new and used gear are Guitar Center and Sam Ash. You can also find some great deals at other local shops or online stores including www.musiciansfriend.com and www.123music.com. 

Friendly sales staff at a small local music store may also be able to give you some helpful advise on purchasing something for your specific needs.

I hope this is helpful and can at least point you in the right direction to get started. Please visit forbesmusic.com and let us know when you are ready to start lessons with one of our amazing teachers!

Tips on buying a guitar for a beginner student

Since we all come in different shapes and sizes, it is tough to give one general answer than can cover all the bases. Here are a few pointers and some guidance that may be helpful. 

First, most guitars you see on shelves and racks at music shops are full size. They do come in 1/2 size and 3/4 size, and there are also different types of guitars as well. Nylon string guitars are common for beginners and young children, since the nylon strings are easier on the fingertips. They are also referred to as classical guitars, and these are the guitars you also find classical guitarists use. The neck is wider so smaller hands sometimes struggle with reaching all the strings. For an older child or adult interested in more popular music, I don't really recommend one. 

Example: Hohner 3/4 Classical Guitar

Most acoustic guitars you may be familiar with are steel string acoustic guitars. As you might have guessed from the name, the strings are steel. So it can be a little tougher on the fingertips, but easier for the smaller hands to facilitate since the neck is a bit skinnier. These are really for more of the pop and folk styles we hear today. They don't require amplification, are relatively portable, and you can do most everything you need to with these. Guitar makers make models with full-size necks and smaller instrument bodies which are great options and more comfortable. 

Example: Jasmine S35Q Quilted Maple Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Example: Applause AA21 Acoustic Guitar 

Example: Yamaha FG700S Folk Acoustic Guitar

And then there are the electric guitars. As far as playability, they mostly resemble the steel string acoustic, but are even easier to physically play. The strings are usually not as thick and the neck of the instrument is more streamlined. Trouble is, financially it can be more of an investment (not too much more, but more nevertheless). It can sometimes be more burdensome having to carry the amp everywhere. They can sometimes be more versatile, with the ability to play melodic figures (guitar solos), and other technically demanding things. 

Example: Squier Bullet Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar 

Example: Yamaha PAC012 Electric Guitar

If you have the time, I would try out one or two guitars from each type and see which feels best. Ultimately that is the best judge. Even though you may not be able to play many things, you will be able to to put your hand around the neck and body and notice significant differences between the types and sizes to be able to make a good decision as to which feels best for you. As far as renting, each place handles this differently. In many cases, if not most, it may be cheaper to purchase an inexpensive beginner model online rather than renting. 

To purchase, my suggestion is to head to Sam Ash or Guitar Center. You can also find great deals online at www.musiciansfriend.com, www.123music.com, Google Shopping, or EBay. These are online volume dealers who often can sell at a major discount. Although you may pay more, you will typically receive personalized service at a small local music shop. 

I certainly hope that is helpful advice. Check us out at forbesmusic.com and let us know when you are ready to jam with one of our awesome teachers!