Drums are a very popular instrument and are commonly a favorite of children, alongside the guitar and piano. Keep in mind that there are different types of drums as well, depending on the genre you are playing. You have to let your child decide which one he or she thinks is best for his or her level of interest and personal preference. You should consider a number of factors as well before you purchase so you get your money's worth upon purchasing.
About Drums
The drum is a part of the percussion group of music instruments. These are categorized technically as a membranophone. Drums are made up of at least a single membrane, known as a drumhead or skin. This is stretched over the shell and struck directly with parts of the musician's body or with a kind of tool like a drumstick to create sound. More techniques have been incorporated to make drums produce sound, like the thumb roll.
Drums are the oldest musical instruments in the world. The design has not changed ever since for thousands of years. Majority of drums are known as unturned instruments, although several modern musicians are starting to tune drums according to certain genres and songs. Diatonic and chromatically tuned drums are now available. The timpani is also tuned according to a certain pitch. Usually, the drums are organized together to make a drum kit.
The Drum Sound
Several factors determine how a drum sounds, such as the shape, construction of the drum shell, type, type of drumheads and the tension of the drumheads. Various drum sounds also have various uses in music. Jazz drummers prefer instruments that sound clean, crisp and with a soft side. Rock and roll drummers prefer instruments that sound deep and loud. The construction of the drums will differ depending on the kind of sound the musician wants to create.
Drum Head and Tension
The drum head greatly determines how a drum will sound. Every kind of drum head has its own purpose, complete with its own special sound. Thick drum heads tend to have low pitches and tend to be very loud. Drum heads that have white plastic coating usually reduce the overtones of the drum head to a certain level. Drum heads that have black or silver dots can muffle the overtones further. Drum heads with a perimeter sound ring usually get rid of overtones. Jazz drummers eliminate the use of thick drum heads. Rock drummers usually like thick coated drum heads.
The tension where the drum head is held is another big factor that affects sound. When the hoop is put around the drum head and shell and tightened down using tension rods, the head tension can be adjusted. When tension is increased the amplitude of the sound is minimized and the frequency is enhanced. The pitch then becomes higher and the volume lowers down.
Playing the Drum
Drums are often played using the hands or by 1 or 2 sticks. In several traditional cultures, drums have a symbolic use and are usually part of religious events. Drums are also used in music therapy and in military functions. Drums usually mean a whole drum kit or a drum set. The person playing the instruments is called a drummer.
How to Buy
First of all, determine the kind of drum that your child wants to play. Most kids usually prefer rock and roll drum sets complete with cymbals. There are also some who like the jazz setup. A few may prefer the tribal sound, to play reggae and other classic beach tunes. Before you buy a full set, it is recommended that you let your child practice first or take lessons at a music school to determine if he or she is truly interested. You can purchase one or two basic drums for your child to practice with at home.
You can start investing in a full drum set when your child gets better. You can find old ones and just replace the covering to improve the sound. Have an expert assess the sound. Also check the different brands and why price differs between these. You can also look for setups online and choose the best designs that your child likes.
