Drum teachers must have extensive experience and training in percussion instruments. It’s possible to specialize and teach only the types of drums that might be used in rock or jazz bands, or as part of drum lines. Other percussionists may be able to teach people how to play instruments other than the drum set or single drums, such as the conga, bongos, timpani, marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone. Individuals acquire skill in different ways, and some have mastered a variety of instruments through practice and performance, while others have received more formal training through private lessons and/or college studies. What skills and training are required may be determined where people want to teach.
To become a drum teacher, you must first gain skill and knowledge, and it should be noted that, as with all musical instruments, practice improves performance, but most people require some talent. After years of practice, being unable to keep rhythm suggests that this may not be the best instrument. People should notice a steady progression of musical skill as they continue their studies.
Many people begin their drumming careers in elementary school bands, and some go on to become professional drummers in junior or senior high school. Because percussion instruments are used in so many different ways, an early start is recommended, and students should take advantage of every opportunity to play with school bands, youth symphonies, rock or jazz bands, and other groups, as each performance teaches. People who are pursuing a career as a drum teacher may find that they enjoy introducing others to their instruments just as much as they enjoy playing them. Talented high school students can start this career right away providing private lessons to elementary school or junior high students, which is both profitable and beneficial to their career.
Those who enjoy teaching may want to pursue a career as a drum teacher who teaches all instruments. The best way to obtain this training is to enroll in college and obtain a music education degree, followed a teaching certificate. Others went to college, studied music performance, and built a career that included both performing and teaching private lessons. Some people skip school and go straight into a performing and teaching career, or they fund their ability to perform running a successful private tutoring business.
There are numerous paths to becoming a drum teacher, but there are two essential ingredients: a passion for teaching and demonstrable skill as evidenced performance. Although many schools have cut budgets for music programs, obtaining a traditional teaching credential may be a safer option. Furthermore, due to a busy work schedule, a full-time teacher may not have as many opportunities to perform, and some people prefer to approach this work from a performance standpoint.