Covid-19 has changed our lives so much, yet students, parents, and families still want a strong music education that will deliver.

So how do we do this?

Having resourceful teachers that are willing to learn and try different approaches is the first step.

Teaching tools like making videos, taking photos of music, texting as another form of communication and using online apps and websites all add to the arsenal of tools available to both the student and teachers.

During the lessons, students and teachers should focus on the good stuff – making music and setting goals that are achievable by coming up with a music plan together. To my surprise, many of my students have told me what their music plans are. They are so excited to continue music lessons with the goal of being a better musician.

Oddly enough, I find Covid has cost us some of our freedoms but in many ways, it has inspired many, including my students to become better, more organized, and focused.

Students at Imagine Music do not want to lose their love of music!

Music education in the time of a pandemic is quite the musical endeavor. New clients who have contacted me are looking for something concrete for the long haul. The benefits of being able to play your musical instrument while isolating relieves stress and is so good for the brain.

Best of all, you can have a great socially distanced in-person lesson. Our music teachers also coach lessons online, providing another form of human interaction during a time when so many are feeling alone.

Imagine Music Inc has been delivering a strong music education for over 25 years. We do this by meeting the needs of each of our clients and staying flexible to what lies ahead.

Peter has been a teacher and drummer for over 30 years.

He has been teaching with Imagine Music Inc for over 10 years.

I decided to interview Peter about drums lessons to inform anyone new to drumming what to expect.

Here is what I found out in my interview with Peter:

Jennifer: What can a beginner expect in their first lesson? And during their first month of lessons?

Peter: Fun! Learning to keep a basic beat, being able to play around the drum kit and learning the parts. The best thing is when the student learns the four basic beats to play in a band and ultimately can play to recordings.

Jennifer: Do you need to practice and How much time should you spend practicing?

Peter: Practice is necessary to improve. When you get better it becomes more fun as you can do so much more! Depending on your age, practice should be 20 – 30 min. a day for 4 days a week. As I said, the more you practice, the better you get, and the more fun it is!

Jennifer: I am often asked “Should we buy or rent?”

Peter: Renting has become very popular. Electronic kits and acoustic kits can be rented monthly. Electronic kits are much easier on parents and the neighbour’s ears. 😊 To rent first is a great option especially for the young student who might start on a small drum set and move into a bigger drum set. It’s also a great option if you aren’t sure if the student will really like the instrument.

Jennifer: Are there different sizes? What do you need in a drum set?

Peter: Acoustic kits can be of various sizes. Electric kits are usually a standard set up: three tom pads, a snare drum pad, a kick pedal pad, ride cymbal, crash cymbal and hi hat.

Jennifer: What is the most challenging part of learning the drums?

Peter: Anyone can learn to play the drums. However, everyone’s skill level can be different. It really depends on the student. The more a student practices or plays, the better the student becomes. It’s like a sport, the more you put in, the more you get out.

I started playing the drums as I thought it looked interesting to do. I still think so

Quote from Peter
– Imagine Music Drum Teacher