For any young or small children that want to start drumming, a standard drum kit will often be far too big. Luckily, there are plenty of drum kits designed just for kids. Basically, children's drum kits are shrunk down versions of a normal drum kit so they're a bit smaller and more manageable for shorter limbs.
Children's Drum Kits: From Toys to Genuine Drum Kits
The difference between a normal, full-sized drum kit and a children's drum kit is actually very small. While children's drum kits are a lot smaller, they're identical to full-sized kits, so they'll usually have exactly the same setup: a kick drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, a snare drum, a hi-hat cymbal, a crash cymbal and maybe a ride cymbal. A lot of children's drum kits will include a crash-ride cymbal, which combines the crash and ride in one cymbal.
Children's Electronic Drum Kits
Children's electronic drum kits are also pretty much the same thing as normal electronic kits. Electronic drum kits are generally smaller than acoustic kits anyway, and they're often really flexible and easy to adjust to match the height of the drummer. Electronic kits designed for kids are also pretty fairly priced.
Drumming: Giving Your Child a Good Start
Before anyone can start drumming, no matter their age, there are a few things you'll need besides a drum kit. A good drum throne (stool) is essential, since it doesn't just give you a place to sit, but makes sure you maintain the right posture while you play, and thankfully, a stool will come included with most children's drum kits as standard. Next to a stool, you need to learn all of the techniques that drumming involves, so you can either find a good drum teacher, or find some good drum books or YouTube tutorials. Finally, you'll also need some drumsticks, which often come included, but after a while can get worn or even broken, so if you need to replace them, we recommend a pair of 7A drumsticks. These sticks are a little lighter than average, so they're more comfortable for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Drum Kits
How much does a children's drum kit cost?
A good children's drum kit can cost around £300 and will usually include everything that you need. Always double check the specifications so you know exactly what comes included.
What brands make children's drum kits?
There are a few brands that produce drum kits for children, including Pearl, Dimavery, Ludwig, Mapex and Stagg.
Can a 2-year-old child learn to play the drums?
It's actually good for any child's musical development to start learning about any musical instrument from a really young age. However, since most two-year-old children aren't yet able to count, they may have trouble learning to drum and hold a rhythm.
