Playing the drums has some amazing benefits for the mind and body that no-one really talks about! Here’s my top 8…
You're probably already under the impression that drumming is pretty awesome. Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, Ginger Baker - what's not to like? But maybe you're asking yourself:
What are the benefits of playing the drums?
Is playing the drums good for children?
How does playing the drums compare to other instruments?
Here's my 8 favourite reasons (complete with supporting evidence) why anyone can benefit from learning drums - and that they are the best musical instrument to learn!
1. DRUMMING IS SERIOUSLY FUN
No other musical instrument requires as much physical energy to play. It’s exhilarating, exciting and just feels great to play! Being able to experiment and find your own sound and rhythms on a drum kit is amazingly enjoyable and brings out the ‘childlike curiosity’ found in all of us. Its impossible not to have fun!
2. IMPROVES BRAIN POWER & ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Science shows that drumming activates the brain and stimulates it in a more complex way than people may realise. Whether it’s listening skills, memory skills or fine motor skills, rhythm training comes with major benefits that can be applied in the classroom. Drumming utilizes all four limbs to be played together in synchronization, and this employs both sides of the brain allowing you to play correctly in time. It’s no easy feat!
3. DRUMMING BOOSTS CONFIDENCE
Nothing improves your confidence like seeing a crowd full of people dancing to the beats you’re playing. Playing live really brings out your inner confidence and joining a band encourages you to meet people and develop your interpersonal relationships. Even in a practice room or at home, mastering tricky sections whilst learning a song encourages a sense of self-belief. Learning drums also requires students to break complex tasks into manageable ones. Being able to work on a skill, break it down into manageable parts, and feel successful when you master it…that’s a confidence-builder in itself. Speaking of which…
4. SELF-BELIEF AND PERSONAL GROWTH
It is natural for developing musicians to attempt and fail with a new piece of music multiple times, and learning to overcome these challenges through positivity and determination is a fantastic skill. Speaking of feeling great… Drumming allows a person to begin not only a musical journey, but also a journey of self-discovery. Through the medium of drumming, a progressing musician is able to learn more about himself; developing personal tastes in music, maturing as an individual, learning the strength of ones character whilst instilling a positive identity.
5. DRUMMING RELIEVES STRESS
Drums are about the only head you can strike more than once and not cause harm, which is why they’re a fantastic stress reliever. And it’s not useless violence, you’re creating music! Seriously though, psychology and science have both identified drumming as a helpful therapy for stress. If that wasn’t enough, drumming can also help reduce pain, sometimes even chronic pain. This is also due to the release of endorphins, which are the natural painkillers. It is also known that drumming can help provide a distraction to grief.
6. A GREAT WAY TO GET FIT!
Drumming can be a fantastic workout for you that can be performed from home! On average you could burn up to 600 calories in an hour of intensive drumming. To put that in perspective, that’s the equivalent of two Krispy Kreme donuts. Drumming is proven to demand a huge amount of physical energy during a performance. The whole body is active with repetitive movements of all four limbs whilst the core abdominal muscles are engaged for balance and stability. Taking into account individual practice sessions, group rehearsals and playing shows, the time spent exercising whilst playing the drums adds up to be a highly effective weight management system!
7. DRUMMING BOOSTS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
No matter where you go, you’ll be able to talk and relate to people who play and appreciate drums! Playing the drums is the perfect opportunity to form relationships with other musicians and to share creative ideas! Performing in a group will also improve interpersonal skills as you learn to work with other individuals and combine your efforts. For an aspiring young drummer in a school, drumming may provide opportunities to join school bands and perform at concerts. Young musicians at school may also find themselves meeting other young musicians with similar shared interests.
8. DRUMMING IS FOR EVERYONE
It’s never too late (or early) to start playing the drums. Drumming is a fantastic creative outlet and A universal language for every age, nationality, gender and race, offering a multitude of both physical and psychological health benefits. One study found that drumming for just an hour a week can help autistic children with better focus and social interaction at school. Everyone has the ability to enjoy the multitude of benefits of drumming provides.