Although it may not be the best way to begin I think a lot of drummers start on their own with no instructional guidance. It's almost natural not to take proper lessons until later after you've been thoroughly hooked. This was true for me. When I started the process of learning to play the drums I thrashed it out on my own, then when I reached a certain level decided to take lesson's. Technology wasn't as advanced as it is today. I bought records of bands which had drummers that I liked, such as the Stones and the "dapper" Charlie Watts, the Elton John band with Nigel Olsson, or the Beatles, with of course Ringo, and played along with them. Or I sat behind the drums with the radio turned on taking the chance that the songs they played were ones I would like to practice to. Or a lot of the time I learned on the fly while practicing with my fellow band members. Of course nowadays, for a nominal price, you can purchase instructional videos with the industries foremost drummers sharing their innermost thoughts and secrets. I remember as a kid staring at pictures on album sleeves of drummers playing and trying to imagine what kind of convoluted physical movement it took to create a particular fill I was hearing. Or waiting anxiously for the "Midnight Special" or "Don Kirschner's Rock Concert" to see some of my favorite bands so I could scrutinize the drummer. I can just imagine what technology the future holds in store for us with interactive training DVD's, the Internet, and who knows what else, it should be very exciting.

"When learning to play the place to begin are the basics. Rudiment fundamentals and

straight forward"four on the floor" beats. If you do decide to teach yourself then expect your learning curve to be longer than if you took lessons from a competent drum instructor. It stands to reason that most people learn faster when shown first hand from someone else. In my opinion you'll be light years ahead. It's also critical that you carefully select your drum instructor, this is covered under "Practice" more thoroughly. Another idea for continuing your education are Drum Clinics. Check with music stores or other drummers in your area for locations and times.

Along with this is another important decision that must be made, purchasing equipment. For the most part discussing equipment is something that I've purposefully avoided. The reason is that selection of equipment is an absolute individual, subjective choice. What I consider good equipment might be different from what the next guy's opinion is, and whose to say what is really right. It all has to do with personal taste. Everyone has their own preferences on what equipment is most durable, attractive, easiest to set up and tear down, and provides the highest degree of performance. So even if I gave my opinions on what I consider the best equipment there's a good chance you wouldn't agree with me.

However here's one idea that I believe holds merit. When just starting out, unless you have unlimited access to a large bank account, purchase inexpensive drum equipment. Most large drum manufacturing companies have lines of low cost drum set packages created with a modest budget in mind. There are also small companies that specialize in reasonably price equipment. Remember though the quality might not be the same. Drums are like most things, you get what you pay for. Later on, if things don't work out and you decide to sell you haven't lost a fortune from depreciation.

One rule I've found wise to follow is "when buying used you'll always get back a used price ". In other words under normal circumstances you won't take a huge beating when buying used equipment. When it comes time to sell chances are good you'll get your money back, or in some cases maybe make a little profit. Gosh, I always hate it when that happens. Most music stores carry some used equipment, but remember they need to pay their light bill, etc. If you decide you don't want to help pay for their overhead then you can bypass that avenue by checking the local newspapers and shoppers in your area for deals. There are usually some good buy's to be had, but be careful, because when you do make a purchase expect to not be able to bring it back. I recommend, if possible, having someone with knowledge such as an experienced drummer assist you.