Teaching with Electronic Drums

We had to switch to electronic drums at my lesson studio because the volume of two acoustic drum sets measured 104 dB (as loud as a jackhammer). Not only was it disruptive to everyone in the building, but exposure to those sound levels more than 4 minutes causes permanent hearing loss. Electronic drums have allowed for a more productive and safe teaching environment.

Most piano classes use electronic keyboards. Acoustic instruments are great for advanced students but not as important for beginners. Touch and musicality require fine motor skills that can take up to 5 years to develop. And let's face it, drummers will beat on anything... tables, chairs, pots & pans. We're really not that picky.

A nice addition to the studio that only works with electronic drums is Rock Band. It’s a video game that was popular in the early ‘00s that very closely simulates real drumming. There are over 80 popular rock songs to choose from and everyone from young children to adults will have fun with this learning tool.

I’m an acoustic purist at heart but everything has its place. The benefits of electronic drums in the lesson room far outweigh those of acoustics. Students can still develop their sense of touch and feel on acoustic drums at home. Just make sure to use hearing protection.