Children’s Drums (Beginner) Course Overview

Students will learn to read basic drum notation and play beats, fills, and rhythmic patterns while developing coordination, listening skills, and the ability to play with others. Regular practice between classes using drumsticks and a practice pad helps students reinforce what they are learning and become more comfortable playing.

The learning objectives below show how skills are developed and built upon throughout the class. Teachers may adjust pacing based on the number of class sessions and the needs of each group.

Getting Comfortable with Rhythm and Drumming

• Holding drumsticks and learning basic playing technique
• Keeping a steady beat
• Learning quarter notes and eighth notes
• Using familiar words and syllables to understand and play rhythms
• Playing simple patterns on a practice pad, drum, or percussion instrument
• Developing coordination between the hands

Beginning to Read and Play

• Reading basic drum notation
• Learning additional rhythms, including sixteenth notes, triplets, and rests
• Playing basic drum beats and fills
• Developing coordination between the hands and feet
• Using beats and fills while playing along with music
• Exploring hand percussion instruments

Playing Music with Others

• Playing rhythmic patterns as part of a group
• Listening and keeping a steady beat with other musicians
• Recognizing different sections of a song
• Playing rhythms from different musical styles
• Exploring loud and soft playing and musical expression
• Playing a short beat, pattern, or song for the class

The skills developed in this beginner class are reinforced and expanded in Drums and Percussion (Continuing Beginner), where students continue developing music reading, coordination, drum beats, fills, and playing with others.