Drummer Cafe Community Forum

I answered the question for myself in December when I bought my first drum kit at the ripe old age of 63. I have never played any kind of musical instrument, but thought playing the drums would be fun, and even have beneficial effects, such as improved hand/eye coordination, dexterity, and a bit of general exercise. So far I'm having a great time playing various rock/blues grooves from several books/dvds I bought.

I realize I should have started at about 10 years old, and I know I'm not going to be a big time drummer, but I'm glad I finally started doing something I aways thought I would enjoy, even if it is 53 years later that perhaps, "ideal", would have been.

Any old drummers or stories of senior dummers to help give me confidence that I can at least be an "average" dummer, if I put enought time and effort into it? :)

You're never too old!

I do think it would be a great idea to get some lessons at a local drumshop or music store, just to get some of the basics together more quickly.

But drumming can be fun at ALL playing levels, and at all ages. Enjoy!

Thanks...I hope to take at least a few lessons at some point. My local small town music store has an employee who has been a drummer since he was 12. Everytime I go in the store he gives me a few helpful tips.

I did take one free trial drum lesson before I bought my drums. The kid, (OK, they all are ;D), who gave me the lesson was nice and tried to be very helpful, but I decided buying drum kit and trying to learn what I could on my on was best for me.

At some point though, lessons would be good.

Vervel1 - I think you'll find there are several members here that are in "our" age group.  I'm almost 57 (next month) and I've been playing since I was 12.  After several years of not playing I'm back into playing again.  I firmly believe you're never too old.

One "old-guy" story.  I was living on the Oregon coast about 20 years ago and went to listen to the Pops Big Band, which was 15 to 20 retired gentlemen and ladies who had formed a band.  The drummer had his kids and grandkids help him carry in and put up his set.  He walked - more like shuffled in and made the final adjustments on his kit (a fine and very old Slingerland Radio King).  I was wondering how this guy was going to play, he looked to be in his late '80s, his hands shook and he just looked OLD.  BUT when the band leader counted off the first number it was like someone hit him with a magic wand!  He was rock solid and drove the band through the 45 minute show.  He wasn't flashy with fast licks but it was obvious he could play.  Several years later I heard he had passed away and I actually ended up playing with the band one summer.  I was the youngest player by at least 10 years.  Some of the guys said they had played with the big names in Big Bands during the 20's, 30's and 40's.  I was constantly amazed at how young they would become when they started playing their instruments.

Hey Verve, welcome to the board and the world of drumming. I am 54 and have been playing for 43 years. I think you will find that playing the drums is enjoyable and rewarding, especially if you realize that there is always something new to learn and skills you can improve upon. One word of caution; I found that, especially as I got older, proper technique became crucial. Elbow , shoulder and back problems can happen quickly and take a long time to heal, especially at our age. I urge you to take some lessons from an experienced teacher. I will not only help you deal with the frustrations inherent in all musical instruments, but also help you to avoid injuries invlolved in learning and playing this extremely physical instrument. Best of luck!
MP Ben  ;)

I already wish I had gotten a throne with a back rest. :)

I love my TAMA First Chair with backrest.  The throne is the most important part of the kit and you should try several before you select one.  Make sure it fits your butt.  Being comfortable makes it much easier to maintain your balance and you play better if you are comfortable. 

[I answered the question for myself in December when I bought my first drum kit at the ripe old age of 63. I have never played any kind of musical instrument, but thought playing the drums would be fun, and even have beneficial effects, such as improved hand/eye coordination, dexterity, and a bit of general exercise. So far I'm having a great time playing various rock/blues grooves from several books/dvds I bought. quote author=verve1 link=topic=20386.msg230413#msg230413 date=1171207613]



WOW!!!  I think that's awesome...so many would have just been content with talking about it, but you actually went out and took the first step.

Grab some lessons and ENJOY!!!

Congrats and welcome to the greatest family in world!!

Hannah

Thanks, I wish I hadn't just talked about it for so long. My drums were only $299 shipped to my door from music123. I've read you can't get a decent set of drums for less than $1,000. Maybe so, maybe not, but my natural wood/clear lacquer finished Verve drums are awesome to me. In theory at least, the retail price was $999...and they tossed in Zildjian cymbals.....low end ones, but much better than the pie pan cymbals I saw that came with most inexpensive drum sets. I figure the three cymbal stands and cymbals are worth $299 and they gave me the drums. :D

Appreciate the kind words.

Welcome to the Cafe Verve1. I'll be 63 in May and I've been playing for fifty years. I started out with guys about twenty years older than me, and I'm now with guys twenty or so years younger than me. It doesn't really matter to me since we work well together. That's the imporyant thing. Age is just a number. I don't think about it and it doesn't bother me. Good luck with your new beginning and give your teacher a brake. You may be faster than he/she thinks you are at this time in your life.

There is no age limit on the drums or any musical instrument. Enjoy, have fun, and learn something on the way. Art is for the artist as well as the observer or listener. Remember, the inspiration for playing comes from within.
That is, the 1st and last person you play for everyday is yourself. If you don't start out playing for yourself that day, anyone else you play for is inconsequential. That is something my grandmother told me when I started playing the drums many years agao. She started playing piano as a little girl (classically trained)and played up until she died in late seventies. That woman hands were soooo strong she could make your ears ring by thumping the back of your head when you did something wrong.

Good Lord I hope not! 

Verve,
If you can afford it, get the the Tama first chair with the back rest (or comparable), it is worth it. I know from experience.  ::)
MP Ben
PS Louis, We both have black drums (my practice kit is a 1968 Gretch White Pearl I have had since I was 12 )and Tama First Chairs) C. Does that make us old? Purple?? ;D
PPS You can teach an old dog new tricks!!!

This website is great....thanks for the encouraging words, and I've noticed there's all kinds of neat stuff here. I'll be visiting often. ;D

OK, I've got a great story about being replaced (thankfully!). There's a big band that plays dances down south of me in a retirement village. You have to be 55 just to live there. If you're 55 and you're wife is 53, you have to wait until she ages in.

The big band is pretty good, though. All the guys have been playing the stuff for years, except they have a hard time filling the drum chair. In 2001 their drummer of 92 (92!!!!) finally called it a life and the band started calling some of us young punks to sit in with them. No pay, which meant, well, they got people like me.  :P I was just looking for a gig to bone up on my swing chops, and I've always wanted the chance to kick a big band.

I did it a couple of times and it was fun, but it was way too much work for no pay. I told them I just couldn't do this forever. I told them I'd do one last dance, which was a couple months down the road, but they'd have to have find someone else.

Literally hours before I was supposed to show up for the last show, the band leader calls me and tells me they've found their full-time drummer. They'd been rehearsing him all week and he was exactly what they were looking for. I was like, "OK, cool. Good luck." Curiosity getting the better of me, I wanted to see who had replaced me, so I decided to go down there for a few songs. What the heck, right? They canceled on me at the last minute so I didn't have any other plans.

I get down there and there was a ... seasoned gentleman doing a respectable job. He wasn't Buddy Rich, but he was getting through the songs and working the band over pretty good. I caught him after the first set, introduced myself, and told him I thought he was doing a great job. He proceeded to inform me he had been playing for six months -- started when he was 61, had just turned 62. He had been threatening his son he was going to take his drums out of storage and sell them if he didn't come down and play for the big band. Well, instead, the guy decided to do it himself. Gosh, he had advanced a LOT in six months, for any age. He used to be a machinist and was used to working very long hours sometimes 7 days a week. He had restless energy when he had retired the previous year, so he found drumming to be a great way to apply his mind elsewhere. In fact, that's all he did for six months all day long!

I started at the ripe age of.....41..I am 42 now..I am having fun with my drums.

I took a few lessons and practice with just that little bit of info and use it.. I am off alot but I plan on going back to lessons..I want to be able to carry a tune though out the song..


http://www.roberttrevino.com/tony,robertd,robt.mp3

When I saw this in the paper today, I knew I had to post it here!

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/health/article/0,2777,DRMN_23956_5347386,00.html

Triathlon at 89, skydiving at 90...may we all still be playing drums at her age! ;D

robyn

Verve, I have two words for you, Roy Haynes.

NO! I played in high school, dropped it for 25 years and picked it up again.  My wife and I figured if I was going to have a mid life crisis, spending some cash on drums would be better than driving off on a harley with a bimbo.  It's been fantastic.  Like you, I'm not planning on competing for the next American Idol gig, but I have found several opportunities to play with bands and it's been a blast.   You're gonna have a blast.   

Verve, there's a cat up here I see most days at the dog park. He just started guitar lessons. He's 80. Maybe you can hook up, start a band!

Heads up on 'play-along' cds!  There's a few good ones that have some music suitable for beginners. There's also a jillion of 'em with blazing drum solos, but never mind that. Check out Tommy Igoe's stuff, and the Spencer Strand stuff, "Turn it up and Lay it down." Get some 'isolation' headphones (music store) and use the home stereo or iPod or walkman... Fun!!

I see there are some recommendations of the Tama First Chair Throne.  It's a good one, but I replaced mine with a "Soundseat" throne.  Before you make a decision, check them out at soundseat.com.  The seat is quite large and it is, bar none, THE MOST comfortable throne.  It's wide, deep, and comfortably sculpted.  When I finish practice, I have NO stiffness in my butt, legs, or back.  Can't say enough good things about it.
     Best of all, it's made by a guy named J.R.Robinson, who runs it as pretty much a home business.  It comes with a backrest, if you want it.  I bought the retrofit seat, and it fits on any base with a 7/8 inch top.  CHECK IT OUT before you buy anything else.  It is fabulous.
    And yes, I'm another retread. At 55, started playing again in 2004.  The equipment has advanced amazingly.  Im still learning to read, work on independence every day, and have amazed myself doing things I didn't think I could.  Damned good for the brain, too -- right and left lobe, talkin' to each other all the time.  Fire on, neurons!

Your wife's a bimbo?!  :o

Sorry, I couldn't resist... ;D

robyn

rock on! or swing on, as the case may be.  ;)

music keeps you young, man. i am convinced of this. i agree -- it opens up the brain and stimulates all those good neurosectors.

i started at 30 and am 41 now. i need to work a little harder to stay physically strong, but drumming really is a great mind-body-soul workout.

many congrats to you, and keep it up no matter what. you'll see that the benefits cross over into areas other than just your playing!


also -- i read about this woman in my mom's AARP magazine. 102 years old, and she took up drumming at 100. mostly hand drumming, but some kit. says she can't go a week without being part of her drum circle. it was really inspiring, and really, she looked like she was in her late 70s or so.

Hey Verve, You're never too old to learn anything. I am 45 and started two years ago. It's a cool journey... (even if it is a mid-life crisis :) This site is a great resource btw.

Super great thread folks.  46 this April for me.  I practiced tonite with a group ranging in age between 16 and 18.  The best part was that one of them is my daughter.  The rewards of being a musician at any age are what keeps all of us going...hobbyist to pro.

Play on.

I started at age 7. Now 50 and going strong.

One is never too old to learn anything.

Redcamaro, isnt that the greatest thing, playing with your kids.
 My daughter plays keys and flute, one son plays Alto sax, and my oldest son plays drums, guitar and bass.
 Playing with them is a real delight, and a great way to spend quality time together.
  At 44, I hope I will still be playing in another 44 years.

No - she's the sweetest thing that's happened to me.  AND she would never, ever get on a Harley.   8)

Hey Verve,
You can see from my handle how I feel about turning 46 and having just started playing 6 weeks ago. I've played guitar and bass for a long time and have played air drums for at least as long. I figure I't will help keep my reflexes sharp and whatnot, but I'm also learning along with my 10 yo son so it gives us a common bond.

My suggestion
Keep practicing. I just ordered Jared Falk's rock drumming system for $89.  It hasn't arrived yet but it contains 4 or 5 dvd's and some play along cd's. I'll report on it once it arrives.
Good luck and never look back.   

Yay, another old fart newbie! ;D There're a lot of us here, who "had the dream" for a long time and then started up late in life. I'll be very interested to hear how that dvd set works for you, and congrats on jumping in. I started playing w/ my son several years ago--he got bored w/ it, and I kept on playing.

Eardrum, I wouldn't be caught dead on a Hardly Ableson either! ;D

robyn

wimp.  ;)

Ahh, they're too slow. My dear husband put a sticker on my horse trailer when I wasn't looking, that has the Harley badge and says (instead of Harley Davidson Motorcycles) "Hardly Moving M*****F*****s."  I was driving along one day towing the trailer, when I noticed a Harley rider traveling really close behind me; the guy was frowning a bit... :o Now I usually cover the sticker up w/ a magnetic thing when I tow it. Hubby drives an 80's style sport bike (Kawasaki ZRX) so I've got to be loyal to those. ;D

http://users.adelphia.net/~zrx11/

robyn

I'm 50, took it up again about 18 months ago - hadn't touched a stick since I was 19.  I play worship at my church and I play as a utility percussionist and backup drummer in a rock & roll band.

I'm having a ball!

Does the Kawasaki have YES suspension mounts like that Yamaha's, or am I'm confused again ???

 ;D Silly eardrum...

robyn (let the good times roll...)

god bless the drums....

63 is the new 50.  i'm 55. i started up again after 36 years at 53. better late than never.

Hi Verve

Just read your post. Never too old to have fun (don't do it if you do not enjoy it) I played in a rock band in high school 3 years -1966-69 (they picked me beacuse I had a drum set not because I could play well) I never learned how to play well and after that I sold my drums. I am now 58 and my wife bought me a drum kit for Christmas! I have dedicated myself to learing how to play well. (ie. learning the rudiments and practicing the right way at least an hour a day). Improvement takes time but is worth it. In an earlier post I got some good advise from a teacher that said it takes about 200 hrs to learn the rudiments. I am at sixty hours and things are starting to work better. I know that I will never beat any speed records but my goal is to jam with others and have fun. There is nothing that beats the feeling I felt when everyone was in the groove, and you knew you all sounded good togeather. Check out Vic Firth web site under education, snare drum - you will find some good video instructions on rudiments. Also don't forget to play along with you favorite tunes as part of everyday practice. I also can recomend Rock Drumming Systems by railroad media, which helped me learn basic beats and to read music for the first time.

I am not in my 60's, but I am looking for pretty much the same benefits as I think it is  a good work out just watch Shannon Larkin of God Smack, he is all over the place and one of the top drummers in my book. I absolutely love drums to the point of obsession and I am saving my pennies to get an electronic drum set. My brother who is the lead guitar player for Offspring encourages me to get a set and play!

54 here. Started when...well I recall banging pots sitting on the kitchen floor as a toddler. Played alot in bands in the 70s and 80s and dove back in about 4 years ago. Now I have two acoustics and one edrum.

I've played in a bunch of bands the past few years playing mostly the classic rock I grew up loving with a lot of Beatles, Doors, Eagles, Hendrix, surf music. Now I am working on Stanton Moores New Orleans style and some Latin grooves.

Forget about age. Go have fun. But if you play out, get some strong backs to haul gear and help set up. Learn proper technique to prevent injury..now ROCK ON :)

sb

Wow, I thought I was old when I began drumming (17), I'm now 18 and drumming have never felt better ;D.


Same here... living in a apartment will soon be a problem for me so that's why I'll choose E-drums. And I really believe you guys when you say that the most important piece of a set is the throne. I currently sit on a flat wooden stool, really uncomfortable. I can drum for max 30min then I must take a break. But the economy is currently not on my side :(... Rock on!

63 sounds about right to start playing drums. Theres a bit less chance that youll ruin your marriage by sneakin around with a blonde hotty that digs you. Drummers get the chicks!. Sometimes i think i should have WAITED until i was 63 to bang the drums. Your going to be fine, i think you did a wise thing by starting at 63. Keep rockin 63.

Robyn, You're cool, and I like your posts, but this is the second time I'm aware of that you've dissed Harleys. Please remember, we Harley owners need love too! ;)  8)

Its times such as this that makes me glad I own a popcorn machine.   8)

Harley's make popcorn ???

Hi,

Haven't been to this site in a while, but it's been a little over a year since I bought a drum kit and started trying to learn to play at only 63 years old. I'm still at it, it's still fun, and I've progressed from terrible up to bad, my plans for 08 are to rise to the level of "fair".

I also got some hand drums, (Dejembe and Congas), and they are fun too.

I've gotten to play with other muscians a few times, but mostly it's me and a DVD or CD. Still, I'm really glad I'm giving it a try.........
I'm 64 now, and I'm way better at playing the drums than I have ever been before :).

It is one of the most fun things you can do, with your clothes on that is.  To have more fun you have to take off your clothes, put on a swim suit and go scuba diving.   ;D  I will be 60 in April and I have been having fun playing drums for a very long time.  Maybe when I grow up it will not be as much fun but for now it is a blast. 

I've played drums for several years. Then because of no fault of mine, I ended up with a year off because of injuries. Last summer I met Bermuda, and since then I've done nothing but think about getting back at it. So here I am, starting over again, and loving it. During the last few weeks I've had calls from old musician friends. None of us are spring chickens, but we all can rock....Don't worry about being 63. Rock on! There's a whole bunch of us not that far behind you, and "Lovin' It".... Some of the best musicians around are the same age as many of us. Not a problem!   8)

I love being on stage, with all the young girl jumping around screaming!  Of course some of them are screaming, "whats grandpa doing onstage?"  Once I start playing the funky blues I\they could care less because I play so funky if I walk across your lawn the next day your grass will die.   ;D

Nah! 55 when I bought my first drumkit ever. Now 62. I've been in a couple of pretty loose bands, doing mainly swing, a bit of Latin and light rock.  I've also done daft things, like turned up at the open mic night with just a snare, hats and a pair of really tiny German 7a's. I was having an emo, a protest at the dickheads who wanted to trash my kit every week. I had a lotta fun, did a heavy rock set with this seasoned player who'd done it all. Well, we got'em up dancing, the best I had played up 'til then, we ROCKED! All on one snare and hats. I was asked not to return soon afterward, too loud, kit too small. I did return recently, but it was a paid gig. I had my full kit, I was a bit over the top - ah well.....
62, a drummer, bit of a rebel, about to get together with a jazz trumpet player who says I have potential, this could get interesting. I don't do fast stuff, no Buddy rapid fire singles, just a solid simple groove. I have my moments, my samba is "funky" so I'm told, certainly not authentic, my own invention. I can't move fast enough for the real thing. Yet.
Nah... never too old. Keep at it Verve. Oh yes, on the odd occasion I get groped.........

Charlie Watts, now an Olde Phart. Simple and he grooves. This is about how complicated my fills are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3FUA0Hj7fI

I believe Ill play until I physically cant any longer.  Im turning 47 this month, and I definately cant do some of the things I used to be able to do musically when I was younger.  I have arthritis in various places and both of my knees are like jelly from playing sports when I was younger.  But my mind and reflexes are still intact and that goes a long way when applied to making music.  I can still hang ;)

Getting old(er) sucks though.......

Not really!  As you get older it becomes time to take all your knowledge and experience, package it nicely and pass it on to future generations. 

(http://www.theculturebeat.com/wp-content/photos/Real_Indiana_Jones.jpg)

As Indiana Jones said: "It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage."

It beats the hell out of the alternative.  ;)

How do you know?   ;D

The thing I hate about getting older is the constant freaking pain I'm in.  It's just annoying!

Verve1, I was just watching Charley Watts and thinking, "If he had a short beard he would look just about like me!" I'm 60, played since 12 and still going at it. I think about it, and I've had a great musical life. Played in the Army band, several country and rock bands. Made a couple records and a couple CD's. But my high point....I'll bet I'm the only drummer that ever kicked Prince out of the basement. ;D

Oh dear... :-[ Sorry, byron--I won't rag on Harleys anymore, I promise.

Guess I'll just say--ZRXers rool like Ozzy! ;D

Verve, glad you are still having fun on the kit! I read somewhere not too long ago that many people tend to view themselves as being around 28 no matter what their physical age is. I guess we all fit into that category.

robyn

Aw cmon, you're gonna have to tell us more.   :)

First of all, I'm sorry that you didn't get the gig, but more to the point, the person who got the gig should be an inspiration for all drummers, no matter what age they might be.  To think that a 62 year old, who had only been playing for six months, could do what he did.  Wow, that's incredible.

Age has nothing to do with it, imo.  Your aspirations and goals have everything to do with it.

Regards and respects (from a 61 year old drummer),
drumz1

Regarding being too old to play - not just drums, but anything:

I'm now in a non credit college jazz ensemble course.  All of the players
in this section happen to be very compatible - experience with other musical forms, but
at the beginning stages of jazz.  We couldn't stop laughing while playing last class.
The fun factor is off the charts.

We're in our 40's and 50's.

It's Never too late to start - especially when we're talking about music.
The day a person believes otherwise - is the day that person really
Does Start To Get Old.

Did she say the drool like Ozzy?  ;) :P

I guess all of your posts answered the question I asked myself before starting to learn to play drums at 53.  After playing guitar for ten years I decided to learn to play drums, something I always wanted to do.

After some research I bought a set of V-Drums and a couple of practice pads three weeks ago.  I'm not sure it would be possible without the internet.  The Vic Firth site is a gold mine for instruction.  This site has a wealth of information too.

Fortunately I have a lot of time to practice.  Right now I am in Luxor, Egypt on a trip (day job=pilot) I have my practice pad, metronome, sticks and am working my way through George Stone's Stick Control and the lessons on the Vic Firth site.

How is it going verve1?

Thanks for all of the words of encouragement for us older kids.

I questioned this myself when I started taking my first drumlessons at age 19. I was interested in this instrument at a young age, around 7 or 8. One of my nephews played drums and I got my first pair of (broken) drumsticks from him. Played on any thinkable surface with thise sticks. My parents found it more important that I played soccer or any other sport. They couldn't afford music lessons. :'( My parents got divorced and my mother found a new partner. He played drums from young age (technically not that well, but he has fun in playing and can bring his enthusiasm over to other players :D). At age 17 I was confronted again with this highly contagious virus called drums. Started playing along (terrible) with dire straits records, Stevie Ray Vaughn records for some years. When I was 19 my mother's partner convinced me to take drumlessons. After my first lesson drumming became a part of me. Practiced any free hour.

Now going on 35, reading this threat,  not being a pro but just an enthusiastic hobbyist, still love to practise and play, seeing my almost three year old like banging on my drums and cymbals, made me come to the conclusion that starting playing drums at an "older" age was one of my better choices. ;). So IMO, Your never too old!!

Rene - Netherlands

PS other good choices were:
buying 15 K Dark, 17'' Avedis brilliant, 13 A custom hi hat, 20 Paste Dry Signature ride, 11 en 14 '' UFIP Class splashes,
14 * 5 Worldmax black beauty snare (yes the imitation, only the third of a Ludwig and sounds just as great (referring to the Steve GAdd snare threat)
6 piece Tama Starclassic Performer.