10 Benefits of Learning Drums for Adults and Children

The need to produce rhythm has been with us for thousands of years. The appearance of drums historically has been traced as far back as 5500 B.C., but humans actually began using percussion instruments even earlier.

Producing sounds through beating or stomping was fundamental to communications and dancing and these percussive sounds were important during religious rituals or collective events. 

The inexorable march of drums in human history has contributed to social interaction and development, creativity, and the outright enjoyment of those involved.

What’s better yet, drum playing is not limited to a specific age group or to those with specific physical characteristics, but can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, as well as those with special needs. Learning to play drums can also be linked to several important health benefits.

Here are several benefits that may inspire you to learn or have your children learn drumming.

1. Boost Your Brain

Recent studies indicate that drumming aids the brain in becoming more efficient as it requires the simultaneous coordination of your limbs.

By employing the left and right hemispheres of the brain, you strengthen whichever of the two is the non-dominant side.

The brain adapts after years of practice with musical instruments, and scientists suspect that drumming contributes to more efficient use of the brain.

Another study advanced by the University of Toronto suggests that children receiving music lessons had improved IQ levels as a result.

Starting a child with a beginner drum kit and lessons may lead to all-around improvement in other areas such as school performance and behavioral issues.

2. Burn Calories Musically

If you want to keep physically active and perhaps lose a pound or two, but aren’t into sports, consider drumming.

This can be a great way to help an overweight child stay active while enjoying himself or herself musically.

Playing drums will aid in burning calories as you will be moving your entire upper body and lower body as well.

3. Coordination Improvement

Feeling a bit physically uncoordinated? Or do you have a child struggling with sports?

Drumming is a fantastic way to improve coordination because it involves using all four of your limbs, often simultaneously.

4. Cultural Enrichment

Want to increase your knowledge of the world from your drum throne? Drumming can take you all around the world thanks to the different rhythms and repertory you’ll have a chance to play.

From South American dance rhythms to Slavic marches, you’ll be able to learn about the various global musical traditions.

While travel is not always an option, playing the drums is, and who knows, you may be inspired to visit a new country because of the music you encounter while drumming.

5. Depression Relief

For people struggling with depression, participation in an informal drum circle may make all the difference. Drum circles are organized so that people can play various percussion instruments together informally.

These circles are an occasion for people within a community to get together socially and spend time with friends, family, or loved ones in a social context.

Studies have indicated that drumming communally can help with, if not heal, depression. What better way to help someone afflicted by this condition?

6. Increase Your Confidence or that of a Loved One

You will be learning a new skill through practice and hard work. The confidence you develop through drumming will not be limited to when you are playing but will contribute to overall self-esteem thanks to your new skill.

Overcoming the challenges of playing a new instrument will aid in overcoming other daily challenges that life presents.

7. Increase Your Social Life

By learning a new instrument, you’ll automatically meet new people involved in this new endeavor. Whether through private or group lessons, you’ll become part of the drumming community.

This may lead to drum circles, the group meets or playing in a band or ensemble. New friends and a more active social life are natural consequences of your newest hobby.

8. Lower Your Blood Pressure

While blood pressure levels may not be much of a problem for most kids, adults certainly will benefit from keeping blood pressure lower. What you may not want to do on the treadmill you can do by working out while playing the drums.

If you don’t have a daily fitness routine, an hour of drumming may be a great place to start.

Your heart will benefit from the cardio and dropping a few extra pounds through performing may aid in keeping blood pressure levels under control.

9. Reduce Stress 

Ever feel like throwing something against a wall? Stress and anxiety affect millions of people worldwide. Even if stress can be treated, many folks just don’t seek help and prefer not to rely on medicinal solutions. 

Research has shown that drumming can improve well-being and moods. Performing drumming requires quite a bit of physical energy, and exercise has been shown to trigger the release of endorphins.

So, drumming not only will help you burn calories, but you’ll be producing chemicals that help you feel better.

10. Continuous Learning 

A final benefit connected to the fact that drumming can be learned at any age is that you will engage in a lifelong learning experience.

There will always be a new repertory to try out, so you’ll have the chance, through drumming, to engage in lifelong study and improvement, meaning there’ll never be a dull moment!