1. Lock in Your Timing & Counting

Practice with a metronome to get good time or with some other alternative.

• The Habit: You want to practice your counting (Quarter Notes, Eighth Notes, Sixteenth Notes, etc.) because the drummer is the timekeeper in a band. If you have electronic drums, turn on the built-in click track and play along. Better yet, invite a friend or family member to grab a cowbell or shaker and count out the beat with you.
  
  When you are first learning to play drums, you will count all the time. For Quarters: 1, 2, 3, 4. For Eighth Notes: 1, &, 2, &, 3, &, 4, &- and so on. Even after you reach a point where you stop counting out loud for basic drum beats, to learn new ones- you’ll go right back to counting. Get good at counting, and you get better quickly.

2. Listen to Music That’s Not Your Favorite

Stepping outside of your comfort zone of what you are used to listening to can help you grow as a drummer.

• The Habit: Take time to listen to music that’s outside your favorite tunes and styles. When I did this, I discovered a whole world of talented drummers, and things I could learn to apply to my own drumming.
  You can do the same by listening to some genres that challenge you, and that you can learn from. I always encourage students to listen to styles outside of their normal routine. You might even stumble across a new genre that will become a new favorite.

3. Embrace the Practice Pad

You don’t need to sit at the full drum kit to improve. In fact, the kit can be distracting when you’re trying to learn fundamental rudiments. I’ve spent countless hours on a practice pad, and it has always helped me.

• The Habit: Dedicate 10–15 minutes a day to a practice pad. Use this quiet time to focus strictly on how the sticks feel in your hands, developing proper sticking technique, and to practice basic rhythms (like Single Strokes, Double Strokes, and Paradiddles) while watching TV.

4. Practice “Active Listening”

Drumming is sometimes about listening to the space between the notes. Try listening with purpose and thinking about what’s not being played on the kit and why.

• The Habit: Put on your favorite songs and just listen to the drummer instead of playing along right away. Where do they hit the crash cymbal? Where are they silent or playing at a lower tone on purpose? Are they playing a simple groove or a busy one? Try to air-drum or tap your feet to the rhythm to internalize how songs are played by the pros.

5. Prioritize Consistency

Practicing for two hours once a week usually ends in sore wrists. Your brain and muscles need frequent, shorter sessions to build muscle memory between structured lessons with your instructor.

• The Habit: Aim for just 20 minutes a day. A quick, focused daily jam session is much better for your progress. Practice what your instructor taught you consistently until you have it down. Then you’ll be ready to progress to the next step with a solid foundation with regular practicing.

Bonus:
If you are interested in reading beyond beginner practice tips for new drummers, I encourage you to check out my drum guide.

It is a comprehensive look at drum kits, cymbals, the history of drums, how they are made. It also has detailed instructions covering proper sticking techniques, the heal-toe bass drum technique, and paradiddles.

Want to Learn to Read Music and Play Drums?

Learn to play the drums at Justin’s Drum Studio in Greenville, SC. Reach out today to learn more and get started.