Sounds to me like your advice is very good.

Never too old to learn. That's what keeps you alive. It may be too old to start a career as a Rock and Roll star, but learning the drums for enjoyment and working into weekend gigging can happen at almost any age. The youngest student I've started was 7, the oldest, 68.

A face to face teacher would be best, but Bart Elliott, the DrummerCafe founder gives video lessons that several of our members take advantage of. Having played with Bart in a professional setting, I recommend him highly.

Acoustic drums have a feel that electric sets can't duplicate (the top end Roland sets come close) but if that's what he can get and noise levels are an issue, it's better than nothing. I usually recommend a rank beginner start out with just a single practice pad and pair of sticks and work on the hands first, but if this electric set is an opportunity he needs to take advantage of now, jump on it.

I'm sure others here will chime in with more.

Thanks for the replies guys.  Your perspectives are a bit different from the other things I've been told and I really appreciate the insights you shared and I will rely them to him.  The mid life crisis comment is priceless!

1) Not too old
2) A real teacher is best, a video course is an ok compromise, but could leave the student struggling for clarification in some areas.
3) Acoustic drum/drums are best in the long run IMO, but an e-kit/practice pad is an ok compromise.

I'm 48 and I started learning to play the drums less than a year ago ... never played an instrument before. I have lots of books and I spend a fair amount on DVD's. Even though these are quite helpful it seems to me that an experienced teacher who can tell you how to use the material, who can correct and advise you on posture, stick handling and of course technique and musicality will achieve your goals quicker, as long as those goals are realistic.

For sure it is more difficult to learn something new at an older age ... but it certainly isn't impossible, my strokes are more even, I get faster, I get a better feel for time and  independency (this to me is the most difficult part) and I'm enjoying myself a lot, which to me is the whole point. It is easy to get frustrated too. Watching a video from a kid like the one on YouTube with Hannah Ford (who I believe is a member here) makes me wonder if I not use my sticks in a better way ... put them in a fireplace so that everyone can enjoy the warmth for a couple of minutes. Just kidding, I love to practice and watch video's. Keep it up Hannah, I have a 16-year old son who I think is in love with you .

Me ... I'm on sort of a quest for a teacher, the first one talked to me like I was one of his 12-year old students, I don't know why ... I really do look older. My second teacher was a great drummer but I was looking for more of a plan, instead of the 2-weekly question "What shall we do today?".  Next week Friday I have a lesson with another guy ... lets see, maybe he's the one ... my personal Yoda who can show me the force. And if he isn't the one either I will continue my quest ... until I find the secret door to all knowledge (I expect to find it somewhere in the back of an Amsterdam coffee shop ... where by the way you can't get coffee, as I emphasized on in another message).  I hear the question you're asking me ... why look further if everyone knows that the answer to everything is 42.

Enjoy your sunday ...

Lou

First of all, he should take lessons. If he was to find another beginning kid who would teach him, you could both grow together. Learn to hold your sticks the right way, use a real practice pad and get the drum rudiments down. I'm not a fan of electronic drums, accoustic drums will teach him how to tune them. He should learn to play a snare drum first, then move on as he gets better. Age is only an excuse, I'm 60 and learning all over again. Even tho I was forced to quit because of an auto accident, it's not going to stop me. I've got a statement on the bottom that says it best. "When you quit learning you start dieing."