How Many Daily Hours Should You Practice Drums to Be Good?

The age of the drummer, which thrived in the 1940s, peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, and experienced a resurgence in the mid-2000s, is largely a thing of the past. Today, drumming is more akin to a hobby or a form of personal challenge, similar to martial arts, drawing, or painting. Engage in it for sheer joy, to challenge yourself, and to develop a newfound passion, not necessarily for professional success.

Drumming is a wonderful pursuit with significant mental and physical health benefits. However, the discourse around drumming often focuses on the number of hours one must practice to become proficient, which can be misleading. Let's explore the reality of drum practice and how to achieve genuine enjoyment and skill.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

There's a widespread belief that to excel at drumming, one must practice for long hours, grinding through rudiments and technical exercises. In truth, this approach is unnecessary and can lead to burnout and frustration. Here's why:

Master the Basics First: Instead of focusing on a large number of rudiments, learn the top 6 rudiments and master them thoroughly. Once you're comfortable with these fundamentals, you can move on to drumkit playing, which will help you understand the instrument better.

Practical Application: Focus on how to use these rudiments on a real drumkit, rather than just practicing them on a pad. The context in which you use these skills will be crucial for your development as a drummer.

Physical Well-being: Prioritize skills that benefit your physical and mental well-being, such as tuning, setting up, and maintaining a healthy ergonomics routine. Like any physical activity, drumming can lead to hand fatigue, so finding a balance is key.

Individual Differences: There's no one-size-fits-all approach to practice. Some individuals might find that even 10 minutes a day is too much, while others may thrive with several hours of practice daily. Determine what works for you and stick to it.

Forget the Myths and Enjoy the Process

Much of the advice you find online about drum practice is overhyped and can be more harmful than helpful. Here’s what to focus on:

Relax and Enjoy: The most important aspect of drumming is your enjoyment. Don't get caught up in the social media hype or the expectations set by others. Drumming should be a source of pleasure, not stress.

Build a Band: If your goal is to be a musician who makes music with other musicians, get into a band as soon as you can. Consistent practice and collaboration are far more valuable than isolated, hours-long sessions.

Find Your Rhythm: Listen to your body and mind. If 10 minutes a day is too much, it's okay to reduce. Conversely, if several hours a day keep you motivated and inspired, go for it. No one else's practice schedule is right for you.

Conclusion

While practicing is essential, the amount of time you spend on drums should be tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Focus on high-quality, practical practice, prioritize your well-being, and enjoy the process. Drumming is a journey, not a race. Focus on the joy and challenge of the music, and you won't go wrong.