Starting at 3 yrs old

When I was little around 3, my dad would sit me down with his guitar and show me songs that he loved. He’d play songs by classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and AC/DC, and I remember thinking, “Wow, this music is so awesome!” I wasn’t allowed to play drums yet, but my dad taught me to clap along to the beats, and I loved it. He’d tell me stories about how rhythm was the heartbeat of a song, and I think that’s why I’ve always felt so connected to the drums.

When I turned 5, my dad decided it was time to get me my first drum set. It wasn’t anything fancy—just a small, used kit—but to me, it was the best thing ever! My dad showed me the basics: how to hold the sticks, how to hit the drums without smashing them, and how to play simple rhythms. He’d play along with me on his guitar, and it was like we were a little band, just the two of us. We started out with easy songs, but as I got better, we would challenge ourselves by playing faster or adding more complicated parts.

One of the coolest things my dad taught me was how to listen to music in a new way. He would ask me, “What do you hear in the song? Can you hear the bass? Can you follow the guitar solo?” He made me understand that music isn’t just something you play—it’s something you feel, and you have to pay attention to every little part. That made me really love drumming even more because I wasn’t just making noise—I was making music that connected with the rest of the band.

Now, I’m in a real band with my friends, and we play all kinds of rock music. Every time we practice, I think about how my dad taught me to keep going, even when something is hard. He always says, “If you keep practicing, you’ll get better.” And he’s right! I still have a lot to learn, but every time I play, I remember the first time he showed me how to drum. Without him, I wouldn’t be the drummer I am today. So, thanks, Dad, for making me love music and teaching me how to rock!

Page last modified: Jan 29th, 2025