If your child has a passion for music and creativity, chances are they’re going to love taking drum lessons. Aside from a new hobby, learning how to play the drums yields immense skills and benefits that can be taken out of lessons. If you’re thinking of signing your child up for drum lessons or they have expressed interest in learning how to play, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn the benefits of learning how to play the drums, the best age to start your child in lessons, and the top drum lessons in Toronto.
Benefits of drum lessons in Toronto
Learning how to play the drums comes with a long list of benefits for your child no matter their age!
Developed motor skills: One of the top benefits of taking drum lessons during childhood is that motor skills are developed faster and improved compared to those who aren’t learning how to play an instrument. When you play the drums, you need to have hand-eye coordination to keep the rhythm. This skill will help boost your child’s reaction time, dexterity (A.K.A. how well you can use your hands), and steadiness in their hands and fingers.
Confidence boost: During childhood, it is so important to help your children feel confident in themselves and build up their self esteem. When kids have a high level of confidence, they are able to excel in all that they do and are more likely to take on and grow in new tasks and skill sets. With the rise of social media, this self-worth and confidence is even more important now than ever–especially in the development stage during childhood. Drum lessons in Toronto can greatly increase the confidence of any child. This is because playing an instrument (especially in front of others) takes a high level of self-esteem that will only grow as they become more confident in their skills. Learning how to play the drums is challenging and as your child improves their skills, they'll feel better about being able to take on new challenges in other parts of their lives.
Improved communication skills: No matter if you choose to enroll your child in group or private drum lessons in Toronto, it will help with their overall communication skills. They’ll be able to become comfortable with their instructor, classmates, and other fellow drum players. This will be able to help them make new friends and form new bonds outside of school.
Reduced stress: Did you know that studies have actually shown that drummers are not only more physically healthier than everyone else but they’re also happier as well?! That’s right! Science has proven that drumming relieves stress, strengthens the immune system, reduces blood pressure, and releases chemicals in the brain to boost mood. And while your child may not be feeling stressed in their youth, the act of feeling happy while playing the drums will help them participate in healthy coping mechanisms that don’t run the risk of harming the body or the mind later in life.
Emotional release: Similarly, playing the drums has also been shown to help release emotional trauma. Drumming is known to fight a host of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, and behavioural issues. Drum lessons can be a safe place for your child to rid themselves of feelings of sadness or anger and work on something they enjoy doing!
Emphasis on focus: Nowadays, we are so used to being overstimulated with technology and what’s going on in the world. This constant overstimulation can lead to a reduced ability to focus for many children. When you take drum lessons, you are solely focused on being in the present and honing in on your skills with the drums. Your child will be able to enjoy themselves focusing on one thing without worrying about any outside distractions. This ability to focus will help them in the long run throughout their schooling and career!
Best age to begin drum lessons
With all of these mental and physical benefits, you may be thinking, “when is the best time to sign my child up for drum lessons?” While there are varying opinions, most experts agree that the best age to put your child in drum lessons is between 7-13. Keep in mind that this is all dependent on your child and what you both feel comfortable with. That said, there are some important signs and skills you can look out for to ensure your kid is ready to start taking drum lessons.
First, your child needs to know how to count. If you start them too young and they don’t have the ability to count to at least 10, they may struggle with learning how to keep the rhythm and timing. Secondly, can your child stay focused during a lesson that may last from 30 minutes to an hour? Many young children aren’t able to keep this focus and it can prolong their skill-building. You also want to make sure that your kid is old enough to want to commit to learning how to play an instrument. Lastly, both you and your child will need to have enough time in your schedules to take weekly lessons and practice everyday. It is recommended that they practice for at least half an hour at home outside of lessons to keep up with their learnings. All of these factors will help you determine if your kid is ready to start taking drum lessons.
Top drum lessons in Toronto
Debating signing your child up for drum lessons in Toronto? Look no further than Greater Toronto Music School! We currently offer both private in-home lessons as well as virtual lessons to fit your preferences and schedules. Our passion is providing people of all ages the access to highly qualified instructors and unique lesson plans to grow the skills of any aspiring musician. Reach out to us today to discuss the best drum lessons in Toronto for your child!
