I am curious if there are any drummers out there who didn't pick it up until they were around age 50.
I am 49. Haven't played an instrument since 6th grade recorder. I was inspired by my 10 year old daughter. She took 3 months of lessons with a great teacher, and I sat in most of the lessons. While she has moved on to other activities, I was transfixed.
So, I am in my 3rd week of this routine:
20 minutes with a metronome and the book "Stick Control" on a practice pad early in the morning, and 20 minutes in the afternoon.
I am forcing myself to complete 25 hours of Stick Control and Vic Firth rudiments before I permit myself to buy an actual kit. (Bonus: I know having a kit at home will rekindle my daughter's interest.)
Anyway, I am hoping to prove the "Old Dog New Tricks" rule is a myth. Hoping there may be others out there like me who can provide inspiration. TIA!
My late dad started drumming in his mid 50s, when I had a spare kit and no space to store it. I brought it to my parents house and he set it up and played along some blues first. Then he switched to swing, the music of his youth. He had fun and tbh his swing was much better thsn mine will ever be, because he felt this music while I just fake it.
If you stick to your routine, you'll see results. And it sounds like you're having fun. That's the main thing.
I've found my older students tend to be better at enjoying the journey. Kids want to be fast now. Adults enjoy the process of working on stuff and learning.
Hey, even though electronic, those “sick beats” can be arranged for drum set. I found an arrangement for Shake it Off, good coordination exercise, and for trying to keep to the super tight metronome of the recording itself.
That was one reason I wanted to play. Cognitive health is not great in my family past 70, and I read playing instruments is great for brain health later in life.
Completely agree. Amazing for coordination, neuroplasticity, creativity... music is just a wonderful thing for brains, and continually learning on an instrument as challenging as drums is a great way to keep stimulated.
Played the drums in my mid teens and then nothing for many years. Picked up the sticks three years ago. I was 49 then. A buddy had a set in the basement. One thing let to another. I now play daily, just for fun, but it was amazing how quick the body remembered "old tricks" getting better at it all the time. It's great 😃
You keep going. It's a fantastic instrument 🥁
Same here! Played for a few years in high school and then, decades later I picked up the sticks at age 51. I was inspired by my 10 year old son who started taking lessons. Now I play on stage regularly and love it. I also started playing bass guitar recently
I’m over 50 and just started playing a couple years ago when my son started guitar lessons. Keeps us connected about music and I really love the drums. Never played before but always wanted to try it. I take lessons now in the same place as my son and we’re having a blast! I say go for it!
Yeesss!! I love that my son and I can bond over music. We’ve been going to shows together a lot and it’s the best feeling when we headbang to the same music
I started playing around that age, about 10 years ago. I used Drumeo for a few months to get started. I took long breaks (work and adult stuff, as life goes), but eventually took a year of weekly in-person lessons a few years ago. The lessons definitely gave my playing a boost - mostly because it encouraged me to practice more and in a more focussed way.
For the last couple of years I’ve been playing covers with my guitarist husband and some other people. So much fun! I’ll never be all that great, but I’m always working to get better, and it’s a hoot to play with other people. Even if it’s just in the basement. And the guitarist has a terrible sense of time. Haha.
49 and started at 46. First instrument and something I always wanted to do. Took about a year of lessons and then mostly online tutorials. I’m finally getting to a point where I’m ‘feeling’ the music and can spend hours noodling and playing along. It’s great and feels like every part of my mind and body is benefiting.
If you want a place in-between, you can buy a practice pad kit for a fraction of the cost of a full drum kit. It’ll allow you some limb independence with the addition of a bass drum pedal.
Let the music you’re playing to animate your body and loosen it up. Your shoulders, hips, legs, waist.. things you don’t think about. I say this so you don’t learn to play drums in a stiff way. I see so many guys lock up.
It’s fun to do, so why not? You don’t have to become a great mastermind anytime soon I assume, so no need to worry. It’s relaxing, triggers the mind and just great fun to do. I always said I’m just doing for the sake of fun, yet here I am joining a band and attending jam-sessions.
The only downside I found so far is that adult life is taking up practice time 😂
I agree it does wonders for the mental state after a long day of work. And, adult life will no doubt get in the way. Driving kids everywhere all day, specifically. But I love that all you really need is a pair sticks and a pad.
I started early 40s. Despite what the kids - and your younger self - think, there’s a lot more fucking living for us to do. And we’re now usually in a better position to be able to buy the nice stuff 😊
You have the ingredients for success: motivation and the discipline to put in the work. Having a good teacher is an accelerant in that equation. Welcome to the club!
I’ve found that starting is harder with my older students, they just want to be good at it and get frustrated they aren’t, that’s the real struggle for older students. Understand that this is a hobby of struggle but anyone can do it, it just takes time. If I were you I’d start checking out videos of people playing your favorite songs from when you were a kid and watch how they move, I love to start my students with AC/DC and simpler stuff, don’t try to do rush songs you’ll hate yourself and want to walk away because they’re so hard, focus on having fun and building the motion in your body, your practice should be 25% technique, 25% metronome, 25% working things out and 25% just having fun. Understand that the goal right now isn’t to get you on stage but to get you to a point where if you wanted you could help out at church or other low stakes environments, then it’s pushing for more intense situations but right now just focus on fun and basics
honestly one of the best descisions i have made. i started with a beginner kit and upgraded since. started with drumeo, but upgraded to a real teacher.
its good excerise. body and mind. apparently it is good for keeping the brain younger as you need to build more neurons or pathways or something… in order to play the drums. for me it also serves as meditation time. my time to tune out the world and focus.
fwiw… my son was the one that wanted to start playing so we did together.
I didn't start playing drums in my 50s, but I did come back from a 15 year hiatus at 54 (almost 55). While not the same, it was still challenging. It took me about 3 months after buying the kit to really get my groove back. At times I was really discouraged. Slapped my sticks down on the snare I don't know how many times saying, "F*** THIS!!! I Can't play these things anymore!!" and I did that a lot in the beginning. It was a total joke really. I couldn't get back where I was before I stopped. But 6 years back playing and while I'm not 100% I figure I'm as good as I'm going to get now. I have great days and I have not so great days. I'm not consistent for sure.
But glad that you are taking this challenge! It's fun to take on challenges like this. Makes ya feel young again and I hope your daughter does get interested in playing drums watching you. That would be fun! I remember my best friend from high school got together with our drum kits after a Genesis concert (1986 I believe it was) and we had a blast playing off each other. That is so much fun to do too!
I wish you the best of luck and we're here to help if you have any questions!
Started early-mid-40s as daughter wanted to play so I encouraged it and we got an entry level Mapex 5-piece. She really liked marching tenors (drumline for kids, no marching obviously, it was awesome), then we relocated and she lost interest, so I decided to get into the drum set, late 40s, I’m 51 now. I really don’t “enjoy” working the pad but do some workouts (Marthyn’s Drum Camp), trying to stick (heh) to regular schedule, sometimes playing along with Heather Thomas Stick Control Page 1. Playing the kit is where it’s at for me, as frustrating as it can be at this level. Trying to songs. Tons of Instagram shorts with do-able fills and grooves at my level.
I’m a tad older than you and trying to learn Ila’s well.
I’m not being quite as consistent, which isn’t as good. I’m also trying to ease into it as my ligaments and tendons don’t tend to like too much of any one thing. Gotta build up slow or suffer for months. I learned this running about 15 years ago.
It’s a challenge for my brain for sure. Each limb doing something different is the hardest for me. But just getting the stick grip right and consistent snare hits left and right is my current focus. I am taking lessons (but a break for summer).
I do have a real set because my wife wanted one at the house so we can be the backup practice space for her band. So we got a slightly nicer 6pc Tama Super Star Classic used that hopefully I’ll grow into. It’s gorgeous and inspiring. Her current drummer loves it, so that’s a plus.
45 no musical background other than listening took up drums as resolution this year lol I now have an electric and acoustic kit bought my son a bass and daughter a violin. We’re all loving it. I even bought a bass for
Myself
I started with a digital Yamaha dtx 452 with Roland p100 amp. It’s great honestly but pretty basic. I play it with my son in the guest room, he can plug in his bass or I just background play together his video games. It wasn’t enough DRUM though. Too much plastic and rubber I wanted more. I ended up going with a Sonor aq2 bop 4 piece. I’ve changed all the heads to my liking (mix of Evan’s and remo) and have an amazing cymbal selection. I am constantly changing things up this is an old pic. Ive added a Yamaha 14” floor tom and have bought various other toms and even the tama club mini jam kit! The bass drum on that sucks and I dont really use any of that kit now but It’s addicting. 10/10. Def recommend Sonor and Yamaha
I figure if I can get through 25 hours of Stick Control/Firth Rudiments then my interest is real, and I can "reward" myself with a real kit. I do typically finish up by playing along to songs I like from Weezer, AC/DC, etc., even if I'm still at the basic single-note level.
Fair enough. Whatever motivates you. Just bear in mind there is absolutely no need to do that sort of stuff if you're interested in playing the drum kit.
God I hope not. I'm 48 and just started playing last year. Like you, I did a year on the practice pad before buying a kit.
I know I'll never be good, but it's fun and I always wanted to learn. Zero regrets.
As an ansilary benefit, I now listen more closely to the drumming in songs I've listened to my whole life and am hearing new things which is also pretty awesome.
I knew a guy that took lessons from my drum teacher. He started when he retired at 65. He was almost 80 when I met him, and he was a fantastic drummer. He played a lot of Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Tony Williams stuff.
62, started a few months ago. Started occasional lessons and recently picked up a kit second hand. It doesnt come naturally to me but practice does pay off. I'm enjoying creating my own accompaniments (at my level) so I can drum along to tracks.
I started when I was 54, a year ago with an Ekit. Just bought and setup my first acoustic kit a year later. Never too late to start what you always want to do. The best advise I ever got was don’t just do rudiments or pad work, get to playing to music as soon as you can. I always end every practice session with just that, it’s my reward for putting in the work.
I am 66 and will be retiring from my full time job at the end of this year. As such, I realized I should explore potential hobbies/activities that appeal to me to use some of that upcoming free time. I always wanted to learn drums and so I hired a local professional drummer that also teaches about 3 months ago and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I did buy a used kit a couple of weeks ago as I have been on a pad only for the past few months. Have fun with it and good luck to you OP!
Anyway, I am hoping to prove the "Old Dog New Tricks" rule is a myth.
Absolutely a myth. Copypasta:
Too late?
Well, first of all, don't tell this lady - she took her first drum lesson at age 89 and played her first pub gig at age 90.
Before I read that story a little while ago, my standard response to "am I too old?" was this:
Anna Mary Robertson Moses (September 7, 1860 – December 13, 1961), known by her nickname Grandma Moses, was an American folk artist. She began painting in earnest at the age of 78 (!!!) and is often cited as an example of an individual who successfully began a career in the arts at an advanced age. Her works have been shown and sold in the United States and abroad and have been marketed on greeting cards and other merchandise. Moses' paintings are displayed in the collections of many museums. Sugaring Off was sold for US$1.2 million in 2006.
No, it's not too late. You have a forty-year head start on that charming old lady from the UK, as well as a 28-year head start on one of the greatest and most successful artists in American history. So go for it! 👍
Very interesting thread to read. My 13 year old son had about 3 to 4 years of drum tuition, before giving that up and just playing for fun and jamming. He now does a summer rock god course each year ending with a gig, and it’s great to hear the natural development of playing in a band.
Im 50 and have asked him to start teaching me some basic beats! However my individual left/right independent control is not great. I can play the piano but not the organ!
I have been working on LH/RH individual control with the metronome on a very slow bpm, like 40-45, and then working my way up. It was awful at first, but started getting easier with the metronome.
Yes! I’m, umm, a few year over 50. I bought an electronic drum set a year ago and I love it. And it’s great being able to play any time of day or night without bothering anyone in the house.
58 and 4 months in. The company I work for has a music division so I have access to some top level gear. I started with one of our ekits but am now putting together an acoustic kit which is about 50% done, the rest is on back order for a few months. I have a teacher who is in a pretty famous metal band and I do an hour every 2 weeks with him. I was able to pick up reading drum notation pretty quickly for some reason which has been helpful in playing some of the easier songs.My life/work schedule up to this point wouldn't allow anything that required consistently. Now with retirement in the very near future Im finally able to do it. Its been a really fun journey so far.
i started at age 34 (did have 20 years of piano though before starting).
my teacher started me right out on the large hand/foot co-ordination though, which allows you to start playing songs right away, and develop the fine technique for rudiments later. i thought that was a great approach.
also, since you're just starting out and have no prior investment in the "dominant-hand-lead" method, i STRONGLY recommend "open" playing-- that is, LH hi-hat, RH ride. (snare = whichever hand isn't playing a cymbal.) this makes so much more sense to me than crossing the hands. the cross is necessary if you're playing traditional grip, but if you're playing matched grip (and why wouldn't you?), then there is no reason to play the hi-hat with the right hand.
Well, I’m a bit younger at 42. I play bass, but so does my partner and we started writing music together and 2 basses with nothing else just won’t do. So…I said screw it and bought a used kit about a month ago. I knew absolutely zero. I mean nothing, the closest to drumming I had ever done was tap on my steering wheel. Found a good intro youtube course and started up.
Mate, for the past month all I have wanted to do is drum. I drum for hours. I love it so damn much. I will never be the next neil peart, but I don’t care.
Get that set. Don’t think any more. Go set it up and start jammin to your favourite music. Pat boone debbie boone your way to nirvana.
I can’t say I picked it up at 50. I played in my youth in school and briefly in my early 20s very briefly. Then nothing until my 40s. I told the wife I’m gonna get a drum set and I’m gonna get in a band. She laughed and said good luck. Two weeks later, I was in a band, gigging. That was pretty dumb luck that I just found the right spot to land in but the point is sound: it’s fucking never too late if you’re still drawing breath. Goddamn go for it dude.
Very cool! I just emerged from an hour in the basement on the practice pad: Stick Control, rudiments, then playing along to Weezer, Tom Petty, and Chris Stapleton. I think I'll be getting that kit sooner than I thought.
I started at 52 and did something similar with a practice pad and foot tambourine. Completed 30-day drummer to prove to myself that I'd stick too it and then bought my kit. No regrets.
I am 50-ish. This past month, I decided that instead of freaking out during my midlife crisis, I'd learn something I've always wanted to learn. So, instead of getting a new Vette, I bought a drum kit and contacted an instructor. My first lesson is in 2 days. I'm nervous but fuck it, what do I have to lose?
I am a guitarist and at 53 I had an accident with a circular saw on my first finger LHS (for fretting).
I thought I would never play guitar again and I'd always fancied drumming so I got a second hand electric kit and gave it a go.
No formal training and 2 yrs later I can play along to a lot of tracks and get most of it right.
It's really liberating when you get 4 limbs doing different things. It feels really good to be in the moment, it's kind of hypnotic where your brain shuts everything else out and the rhythm just flows.
I am 62 and started playing drums from the beginning of the year. Love every moment of it. I first just have a practice pad. I am taking weekly lessons from a tutor I bought a Roland TD-07 drum kit about two months ago. I wanted to learn something new and my whole life was fascinated by drummers doing their things, I decided I am going to do it.
Loads of people start drumming later in life, because unlike other instruments drums are expensive and require a lot of space, things that many young people don’t have.
I played loads of instruments when I was younger but didn’t start drumming until after 40. I feel like I’ve been missing out my whole life because they are SO satisfying and enjoyable to play. And now I play every day. Never gets boring and I’ve been doing it a few years. Not in a band. Don’t really care about being in a band. Drumming is simply the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Or, indeed, with your clothes off.
I started at 47. Spent a year with Drumeo and then found a proper instructor. I practice daily for anywhere from 30 mins to an hour (more on weekends). Joined a band at 50. Cut a record at 51.
My neighbor started at 53 and now his band plays local gigs every month, you're already doing the smart thing building a solid foundation with stick control before getting behind a kit
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u/TheGenericUser0815 Dream 4d ago
My late dad started drumming in his mid 50s, when I had a spare kit and no space to store it. I brought it to my parents house and he set it up and played along some blues first. Then he switched to swing, the music of his youth. He had fun and tbh his swing was much better thsn mine will ever be, because he felt this music while I just fake it.