Drum lessons for kids

From first beats to advanced hand drums, with every lesson planned around the student.

Drumming for kids

Lessons start where your child is. Whether they've never held a drum or they're already tapping on everything in the house, Mr. Max builds a plan that fits.

  • Steady time and listening
  • Coordination between both hands
  • Reading and counting rhythms
  • Grooves and playing along with music
  • Confidence to play for others
A student drumming with Mr. Max

A lesson plan for every level

Mr. Max designs lesson plans to match each student's skill level, and adjusts them as they grow.

  1. First beats

    Finding the steady beat, listening, copying simple rhythms, and having fun making sound together.

  2. Building

    Reading basic rhythms, playing with both hands, keeping time with others, and learning first songs and grooves.

  3. Going further

    Hand-drum technique on bodhrán, cajón or dumbek, longer patterns, improvising, and playing in front of others.

Advanced hand drums

For more advanced students, Mr. Max teaches three hand drums from around the world. Each has its own sound, technique and rhythms.

Bodhrán

Say it: BOW-rawn

From Ireland

A round frame drum held upright and played with a small two-ended stick called a tipper. The player's other hand presses on the back of the skin to change the pitch.

What students learn

  • Holding the drum and tipper
  • Up-and-down tipper strokes
  • Changing pitch with the back hand
  • Jigs and reels from Irish music

Cajón

Say it: ka-HONE

From Peru

A wooden box drum you sit on and play with your hands. Hitting the center gives a deep bass; hitting near the top edge gives a sharp slap.

What students learn

  • Bass and slap tones
  • Sitting and hand position
  • Grooves for pop, rock and Latin music
  • Playing along with songs

Djembe

Say it: JEM-bay

From West Africa

A goblet-shaped drum tuned with rope and played with bare hands. It has three main sounds: a deep bass from the center, a round tone near the edge, and a sharp slap.

What students learn

  • Bass, tone and slap
  • Hand position and posture
  • Traditional West African rhythms
  • Playing parts in a drum group

Want to hear what a dumbek rhythm sounds like? Try the beat-maker on the home page.

Questions from parents

Mr. Max teaches kids of elementary school age and up. Get in touch with your child's age and experience and he'll suggest the right starting point.

Bodhrán, cajón and dumbek are for students who already have solid basics: steady time, both hands working together, and the focus to practice. Mr. Max will let you know when your child is ready.

Not to start. Once your child is moving on to a specific hand drum, Mr. Max can give advice on choosing one that suits their size and budget.

Mr. Max is based in Benicia and travels within his service area, from Marin County to Dixon and from Calistoga to San Jose. Ask about the options for your location.

Ready to make some noise?

Ask about a classroom visit or lessons for your child. Mr. Max will get back to you within two school days.

Book Mr. Max