Self Taught Vs Taking Lessons 🤔 - 5 Cool Reasons To Learn At Home! 

Love this channel Rob. I never thought learning the drums would be so difficult. I've wanted to learn from a child but never got round to it. I'm 54 and just been diagnosed with terminal cancer so out I went and got myself a electric mesh head kit. I'm playing every day but it's never the same from day to day. I love the reggae beat. Top man Rob

What a loaded question! I say if you live around Rob and he gives lessons, then absolutely take the lessons. Don't live around Rob, well that's why I'm here. 😉

Both! Im self taught as well (on and off for 30 years). After 9 years of drumming I went to a few lessons. I got some amazing tips to fix some “issues” with my technique which helped me a ton. In total I went to maybe 10 lessons in my life, always went to the best and most expensive ones and always asked the teacher to look at me playing and give me feedback. I don’t need a teacher to go with me thru a book or rudiments. Both.

Self taught for 30 years. But it’s in the last 3 years of being Rob taught that I’ve leveled waaaay up!

I wish I had you tube back in 75' when I started drumming, I took band in middle school and took some lessons when I was 27 but i've been a working drummer 43 years

Most basic technique, setup and tuning is accessible through youtube like this great channel. I started playing drums after playing guitar and vocals for years, and dabbling when I had my own ideas. The great thing about drums is that not being a pitched instrument really, they are fun to play from the start. You don't have to worry about hitting a wrong note. They are more kinetic too so you work out stress. Barrier to entry is obviously inherent loudness and neighbors, and the expense of good cymbals. Like with any other instrument you have to play 1-2 hrs a day, and you learn the most playing with others. It's important to leave space for other parts, support the vocal/melody, and not be flashy except sparingly. I also think it's important to play a song from beginning to end, and work on evenness of transitions. They are by far the hardest instrument to record well though.

Minimal lessons here. I've accomplished a LOT on my own in 45 years, but I always love to learn something new from someone else. Like.... Rob Brown!

Dude, you rule. One of my favorite parts is the first 90 seconds ... I digress. I've been playing since I was a kid in the early 80s, but off and on throughout my life. Just got back behind the kit 3 months back, after well over a decade of not playing at all. Got a gig with a local band, already played a couple of shows and have a couple coming up. I've reconnected with what I love to do and it's amazing. Point: If anyone's wondering if they can get back into it, or even begin learning later in life, yes, you can do it and it is everything you remember or wish for and then some. Dr. Brown, when I needed to work on my chops, I went through a lot of different online resources, and kept coming back to you (you and I have been doing 20 minutes of doubles together every night for the past week ... ). Totally dig what you're doing and how you're doing it. It's helping me tremendously, so thanks for that! I agree with the self-taught approach, though I would add that, having a mentor(s) is critical. This could be an online resource, but interacting with other musicians and LISTENING to what they have to say can the difference between getting good and getting great, IMHO. They don't even need to be drummers. As a matter of fact some of the best lessons come from those who aren't. Thanks for all you share, Rob. Keep working everyone! It all comes together when you least expect it.

I'm stickin' with you, man! Always. Self-taught (with the help of Rob Beatdown Brown) is where it's at.

I live in Nashville, where finding a good teacher isn't too hard. If you have access to a reputable teacher, I would highly recommend lessons.

I've always considered myself a "self-taught" musician on several instruments (starting with guitar and voice as a kid), but as I've grown older, I've realized it's kind of a misnomer. A more accurate term might be "independent study," or "self-development." I say that only because we more or less are "taught" by the players whose recordings we listen to and watch. They aren't always directly instructing us (nowadays on RU-vid they are), but any performance could be considered a form of teaching, at least for those who have an insight into understanding it. But I agree in principle and with your reasons. Discovery is something that drove me quite a bit. I don't think that sense of discovery would have been as thrilling if it was being spoon-fed to me.

I've been a drummer for 37 years, and I'm a self taught drummer except for a couple of months when I had two teachers. The first one taught me how to hold the stick. The other one thaught me how to hit with it.

I'm a self-taught drummer. Have been playing for 7 years now. It was tough from the beginning, but when I went through all the technique videos for a thousand times, everything else became not easy, but doable. So, good luck to all of you. Happy practicing!🎉

I started out with lessons... About one year. Covid hit and I found Rob, then Drumeo. I learned more from them in 3 months then I did with one year of lessons. I haven't looked back 👍

I learned from Drumeo... was worth every single penny and helped me advance and keep from getting bored learning alone.. Plus Kyle is the best teacher Hobbiton ever produced!

Also self taught. I've always learned a lot by trying to get the skills to learn some new tough song, and it's sooooooo much fun that way. Just love the instrument first and the technical stuff will come naturally over time.

4:10 in “sounds like your teacher needed lessons” 😂😂😂😂😂

Self taught. I think that adds to originality. Having said that, i have learnt things in recent years from Rob on technique which would have saved me a lot of time had I'd known them sooner.

Ever notice you never meet a self taught trumpet player, or violinist, or saxophone, trombone, cellist, harp, tuba, oboe etc.? I am a self taught drummer, playing over 40 years. But a couple of months ago for some reason, I decided I wanted to learn the rudiments. So with the help of YT, Drumeo and John Wooton, I got going. I have been going over the Flam, Diddle, Drag and Roll rudiments. Best thing I ever did. And the most fun I have ever had on the kit! I screw around with those rudiments every day on my drums. I swear, I can come up with different licks every time I sit down behind the kit with my new found understanding of the rudiments. I say, at minimum get the basic rudiments down from the get go. I recommend a teacher for that. Then you can really start to take off and study on your own if you choose. And yeah, Gadd, Erskine, Weckl, Vinnie, Steve Smith, Virgil, etc., all those formally trained cats know the rudiments.(don't know about Chambers though) Seriously, I should have had this stuff down 40 years ago!

Self-taught. Got my first kit in 1976. Learned by playing along with records and headphones. Good times!

This is why I’m here. Self taught in the early 90’s. Had to give up drumming for about 18 years. I’m back at it and self learning again.

I took a few lessons in the very beginning. Learned how to hold a stick, and how to use _Stick Control_ by Stone. But 99% has been a focused self taught experience. Being very honest about your shortcomings is key. When I started in '85, all I ever wanted to do was to get on a set and play, no matter how amateur I was. Get up and play Johnny B Goode in front of the entire high school and SUCKING? No problem. Didn't care. It was a drumset, and I was on it. That's all that mattered. Edit: It's not imperative, but knowing how to read music helped immensely. Drum Techniques of Rush by Bill Wheeler (w/Peart) and a year of clarinet opened up all those Modern Drummer exercises Morgenstein was always pushing.

All great points, Rob! I started drumming with Drumeo - shout out, they’re great! But, after about 6 months, I was struggling and hitting a plateau and knew I needed more personal instruction. I was a bit conflicted about it, but taking in-person lessons once a week has been the best decision. My progress has sped back up, I’m more motivated and inspired, and I’m having way more fun. Because I’m also in 0-100 mode, I’m still a Drumeo member and use their lessons and augment my private lessons. My advice to new drummers: try both! Do whatever works for you in the moment and know that may change down the line in your drumming journey!

The challenge with teaching yourself with online resources is that it's overwhelming. Information overload. I was fortunate to have had a superb teacher in my teens. His influence changed my life. I still utilize his principles 50 years later. However, I get the point that a bad or uninspiring teacher can be worse than none. Keep in mind that most, but not all, artists that excel in their craft have had an instructor/mentor.

Self taught (started at 3 years old) but played in an orchestra through elementary school so the conductor will show me certain ways he wanted something played. At the same time I also played in the middle school band. Then in middle school I continued to play in the band. In High School the band leader was a percussionist going to college at night to finish getting his Masters Degree in music. I wasn't in the HS band (it was just a marching band. But will fill in any empty spot if needed) so he let me come to the band room whenever I wanted and he would show me what he learned the night before and sometimes we would play all different types of music on the different percussion and drum set.

Incredible! Curiously or not, I was able to sit behind a kit and play it at the age of 13. But, I studied with a jazz icon later in my early 20’s and it changed my life.

As always, I appreciate the encouragement!!! 🙏 Keep tapping & clapping on the (RIM)🎧🎙🎧

I took lessons as a kid. My teacher had me learn all the rudiments and taught me technique. I'm mostly self taught on the drum kit, but not entirely. As an adult I took kit lessons for a couple years from a very good teacher. He taught me styles of music I wasn't familiar with like jazz, latin, funk, and others. He helped me clean up my game on the kit. I had a lot of bad habits that he helped me fix. I feel like the lesson experience was very worthwhile for me.

Well said Prof Brown. Couldn't have said it better

I'm a teacher Rob and I couldn't agree more. Great video!

Good advice Rob, I had a couple of lessons from different people, but they never ever addressed the 'grip' . If ever I taught a total beginner I would spend time just on the grip. Go forth, have fun. No charge

Great advice about wrong intstruction. There is also a tremendous ego factor in bad teachers. Some actually feel threatened by the possibility that you as a student may have more natural ability then they did. I had an instructor who didnt like the fact that I had natural meter and an untrained ear for odd time. I saw it in his face one time...when I asked his advice on a groove I taped myself playing. He told me it was wrong and all over the place but it felt good and smooth to me at the time and even now when I take listen back. So beware of that competitve factor. Wrong teachers can passively discourage you from going in a direction they cant go. Love ya love and infinite pursuit (hat tip to Rayford Griffin of JLP) of the deep groove Rob a nd your respect for my master as well...Dave Weckl.

I just started teaching myself about 2 weeks ago and it’s been super fun but also challenging! I used to play in middle school band and I’m just picking it up again after about 5 years. It’s making me realize how much I missed playing music :) I also enjoy going at my own pace and am super enthusiastic about getting to learn what I want to learn. Your videos have been super helpful for me too!!

Great advice Rob. Started at 7 and I'm now 56. Found Jazz Fusion when I was 16. I didn't study until High School with Steve Liotta. In my early 20's I rented an apartment and picked up an unepanded Roland TD 10 kit (1999ish) Practicing with the onboard click and sequencer was HUGE. I played until the click disappeared in my playing. Find yourself first and then seek an in person educator. RU-vid is a great tool along with a metronome. Great stuff again Rob. TY.

Look man... This is what I must say. I actually teach. I have several students that come and sit with me for an hour or 2 in some cases every week. I definitely won't say they should go start teaching themselves at this point lol. However I am a self taught drummer in a sense. I never paid for lessons growing up. And I've played since age 6. I did learn from a lot of different drummers though. I was around musicians all my life and I would be lying if I said I was 100% self taught. I like that you said you gotta get it from somewhere. I tell my students and their parents all the time that when they go home and practice that is where the true progression happens. It's just true. We all do seem to learn better when we work at our own pace. Another good one Beatdown! Keep them comin!

Mr. Brown, you, my friend, are as cool as the other side of the pillow. Thank you for all you do for the drumming community, and I am so thankful you are here for us.🙏❤️🙏❤️

I'm both self taught plus blessed with good teachers throughout the years. RU-vid came along and changed everything, I learn in minutes what once took hours. Thanks for the vid, Rob✌🏼

Both are good for different reasons. I started as an adult and self-taught at first but quite quickly realised that a good teacher would get me further quicker than me by myself. So I’ve taken weekly lessons from different teachers for 6 years now and never regretted it. I also teach myself at home. Great teacher can give you tips and sees stuff in your playing that you’d never know you need to fix. I also enjoy the interaction with another drummer!

Rob, I’ve been learning from you for 6 years now, I love everything you have put out on your teaching videos. Thanks so much I love self help teaching, thanks so much dog❤❤❤❤

I think a really good advice for self taught drummers. Or any drummers actually. Spend some time watching the masters. Check their playing, observe their fingers. It is a must. Only watching technique courses all the time will not show how to be creative and what you can do on the drums! Inspiration goes a long way!

I'm also self taught. Bad habits can sometimes turn into something very unique to you as long as it's not going to hurt you physically in the long run. It's such a personal instrument. Love your channel brother

I learned back in the 60's by playing to records that I liked, record player turned up full blast with speakers as close to my ears as possible. Started with Cozy Cole's "Topsy Part 2", Sandy Nelson "Teen beat"., etc......

I think these are all excellent points! Much of my learning experience seems to fall in line with what you describe. I think it's always important to learn from as many credible sources as possible. My particular path led me to some great teachers (first in drum corps, later in college), and drove me to get a degree in music education & later to enlist in the Army Band, which led to many additional months of drum lessons during my training. In between teachers, I've also spent a lot of time in self-directed learning. Now I teach drum lessons, but I always encourage my students to learn from all the sources you mention in your video. I'm not an expert in every musical style, but I can still provide my students with tools they can use for any kind of music. I follow my students' lead concerning what they want to play, while showing them the technical and musical skills they need to acquire to achieve their goals. I love that we have so many online resources for music education, but I also love helping my students when they have questions about what they have learned online. Keep up the good work of educating the drummers of the world!

Self taught working drummer here. I highly recommend giving Bruce Becker a few minutes of your time. When not watching beat down videos, of course.

I'm coming up on 3 years in the hobby so I'm still relatively new. I didn't even have a kit in the beginning and I met once a week with an online instructor. It was great for learning note spacing and structure and how to read basic patterns. I broke away after about 8 months but those lessons and discussions laid the foundation for timing and musicality which came easy for me. One thing for sure is there are no shortcuts. If drumming is a language then the first 1 - 3 years are really all about learning how to say hello, goodbye, I'm hungry and are we there yet. lol

It also goes without saying that you should never stop learning, regardless of how it takes to move yourself forward.

I'm 40 now. Been playing since I was 5th grade. Self taught. Didn't have internet or vhs tapes. I just listened to records and learned that way. To this day I don't "know" my rudiments, I play what I feel. Looking back u wish my middle school band teacher would of taught me something. But I just mDe up the parts to the music and they were happy with it. So I feel they let me down in a way. Love the videos man!

100% self taught on the drum set. I did take 3 or 4 lessons from the only guy in town. He was 84 and I was 15 wanting to learn Master Of Puppets. He didn’t know master of puppets. Lessons didn’t last long.

I had the opposite experience. I tried self-taught route for about a year including via RU-vid. Then did Drumeo lessons for awhile. I didn't feel comfortable that a live instructor I'd met would be a great fit. Then I saw a student of a great drummer who teaches at university, whose band toured Asia and is a staple at major jazz festivals. I've learned more in a few years from his teacher than I would ever have learned on my own.

I've learned a lot from you Rob! Also shout out to everyone that is old enought to have bought instructional VHS tapes! Its so much easier now!

Got back into drumming back in September. Was self taught 15 years ago and stopped playing. Moises on Repeat over and over while driving to work has given me hours of practice time and helped tremendously!

I love the Ghost in the Machine homage in the background. Phil Gould, self taught. Mark Brzezicki(sp ) self taught. I thinks Stewart was self taught. Me, I went to a mate of my dad's who was a regimental drummer in a Revolutionary War Reenactors regiment. All I had was a bleeding remo practise pad doing rudiments for months. I hated it! I save up my money from my paper route and went to the local drum shop and bought myself a Tama Swingstar 5 piece kit. I had enough money left for a pair of hi hats. I took the kit home and set it up and I was away. The lady at the drum store told me they had a teacher with openings so I booked a lesson. The first lesson I was playing on a 5 piece kit next to him. I decided to carry on with him once a week and doing my own stuff at home. I was well versed as a draughtsman at school and I was looking for a ride cymbal. My teacher offered me one his spares if I did his name on his front kick head. I took the head home, laid it out and then inked it in. It was exactly the same look as his Roger's logo. Job done! Free ride cymbal. Touch!

Semi self learned Drummer..(30+ Years) After 5 Years of Drumming Progression stopped, caused by tecnical and conceptional leaks! I was lucky to find a real good Teacher. Took Lessons for about a Year. I learned the Basics proper. That was 25 Years ago. Nowadays if i'm stuck on any Drumming Difficultis i just go back to those Basics to fix the issues. It works! My Teacher never did any showing off, of his capability on Drums. Since i'm coaching a young Drummer i do it exactly the same way. By the Way: me and my Teacher are in Contact till Today...as Drummers we are all Bros, no matter if we are Students or Teachers..❤️🍀

I'm self taught as well never took lessons I just playing for a church then got better with time and still willing to learn more 💯

Self taught today is way different than self taught was when I was coming up 50 years ago!!! My only self taught regret is not learning to read music. But mostly, we didn’t have Beatdown Rob Brown!!

This is a very informative video I started drumming 2 years ago self-taught, and you are absolutely right. I'm really enjoying it. Thank you, and have a great day 🤗🥁👋

Best "Real" Video ever RB, Respect fam !!!

Rob is a great instructor and funny to! Keep up the good work. Thanks

Damn solid vid again, like all of them. When I was learning, I played to music with the bass all down to quiet the drums as much as possible and then just tried to sound good doing my own thing. I never had an interest to play covers, only create music, not play someone else's creation. I cared less for what anyone else did. Sure I "heard" things I liked and tried to reproduce them. Lucky I got to play with 3 different guitarists early on and started creating tunes right from the get as I learned. Played clubs and local club tours for years, never played a single cover tune in my life. Now if your goal is to Play music more than Create music, proper lessons are most likely your best bet for that goal, imo of course. Always keep the enthusiasm high.

Hey kids Rob dropped a huge tid bit of info, practice time length is essential to success as a drummer. Thank You👍👍

I'm self-taught, and I feel like I watch ppl learning backward. Here's the thing, Moises is cool, but you will get way more mileage listening to and playing to ISOLATED DRUM TRACKS! I think beginners fall into the trap of laying the same beats under drumless tracks and loops. It is so helpful to learn songs the way they are actually played! I'm not the best drummer, but replicating guys (and girls) who are...really helps the process.

These days there is enough free stuff on the Internet but......its good to have direction and someone to point out your mistakes

Turn on the click and solo... DAMN GINA! Love that one. Feet to the fire!

Always enjoy your videos and advice. 🙏🏼🤙🏼

Yeah 'googlable and youtubable' That's why we don't need a personal teacher. We already have hundreds of on line teachers Time has changed. Keep posting Rob. Thanks.

Information video Rob,Thanks 🙏

Really interesting video. I started learning drums a year ago. Starting with a teacher was a good decision but after 5 months I started feeling a was not learning more and the teacher didn't know what to teach me. Was a feeling. I practice a lot at home and maybe i just want to learn faster. Then I tryed a new teacher 2 months ago, but as well i had the feeling he also had no plan. At the end I thought...if they have no plan, I will make my own learning plan. I miss teachers who challenge and know what you can and what the next step is. I think i will learn by myself and go to a teacher when I have specific questions only.

I’ve learned some of the coolest things from my mistakes

what's to learn ? pick up something and hit something with it- climbing an endless mountain that can never be fully conquered one step at a time, but each step is a step up (that's my philosophy for everything)

Had a few lessons over the years but with the breadth of knowledge and styles online I'd say it's easy enough to learn yourself nowadays yourself and Mike Barnes are my go to drummers for anything new that I need to practice you are both amazing teachers.

Thanks

Been a guitarist for many years now and have just started to pick up the drums. I never took any lessons for guitar and have only recently thought of maybe picking some up now that i’m in that advanced-intermediate category. I’m assuming the same would go for drums. For now I’m teaching myself & having the drummer of my band help me out every once in a while which is super helpful for small tips (he’s also a berkelee educated drummer which helps lol). I feel like once you’re a musician to begin with, other instruments come easier because you understand what they are supposed to do and sound like

Your independence video put me on the map as a drummer I can’t thank you enough

99% self taught. Took school lessons in 4th -7th grade- boring, but no bad habits. got some rudiments down and time. Took lessons for a month in high school, too slow. Played in bands from fifth grade on. Found a pro to teach me a few things- independence, and most importantly- confidence in my ability. Threw me up with his band by surprise to play "Rosanna" in a huge nightclub. Just about passed out from fright, but nailed it. I was cool from then on. I LOVE your videos, Rob. Don't miss a single one. Playing since 1966. Still in two working bands. Much love, my brother.

The way you said these hoodies are “super white” feels like it was directed at me and even I could rock one! 😂

I've taken lessons as well but sometimes taking lessons if l come up with a beat, idea l felt sometimes teacher didn't want to be outdone, this is just me but l certainly like the idea of being self taught or a combination of both, I've just come to learn not to share all my ideas with a instructor , some have giant egos that make it difficult to learn from

I started off with help from a family member briefly but since then I have been self taught

I’m South South tot I started playing drums when I was five years old and now I’m 20 now a days I play drums on two local bands one is a Stoner doom type of thing and the other is more pop oriented so definitely being self-taught is really a good experience since you can really learn whatever you wish

I had several in person lessons and it was a waste of money. I went straight to the home schooling method from there.

I'm 100 % self taught as well. Been playing since 1963 at the age of 8...

tommy igoe ,rick latham and todd sucherman have great dvd s out

Hey Rob, I saw you have added the Ahead Spinal throne to your setup. Can you do a Review on it please? I'm looking to get one as I suffer from lower back pain. But want to hear what you think of it. Cheers.

Yep self taught from dvds and books. First one Dave Weckl technique, then Tommy Igoe, Jo Jo Mayer hands and feet, Benny Greb the language of drumming and the art of science and groove , Steve Gadd, Mark Guiliana book, Jost Nickel, Jim Payne funky drummer, David Garbaldi future sounds, Stanton Moore and the one and only Joseph Modeliste dvd . I have had tips from other drummers but not formal lessons. Always learn something from another drummer. Always. 🥁👍🏼

Option C.. learn what i can from you.. btw excellent stuff youve posted

No question : the best way is to take lessons with a teacher. But, a real teacher with all the papers for that. It was my case and I don’t regret a second to have proceed like that.

Hey Rob I’m JT Stix I love your videos I was wondering how would I go about getting drum lessons from you?? I watch your videos all the time and try to learn as much as I can, but I think it would be nice to be able to actually take lessons with you.??

Hey Rob, Was gonna buy your "Caution Heavy Grooves" T-shirt but when I click on "browse all" at the top of the page to find the t-shirt it just takes me to a "New Arrivals" page with no merch showing. Thought I'd better let you know cos : A....I want the T-Shirt ! and B.........you might be loosing money if people can't find what they want dude. Love your channel man it has fired me up to do some serious practice on the kit ! All the best Ant X

Maybe make a video of getting an instructor for one lesson to see what happens

Hey..all the great musicians are self taught. The Beatles, Jimmie Hendrix, Marc Bolan, David Bowie. ect.

Thank Rob :) I am worried about who to go to for lessons. Should i be open to diversity when it comes to genres

super noob myself. i pretty much just hear a song or think of a song I want to try and just try it..9/10 i suck at it lol..BUT its fun. I dont have money for lessons honestly. AND also I dont want to start with the basics and history of drums and paradiddles etc..I just want to hit and make noise lol

I'm self taught but i suck.😂 I sent my kids to teachers and they progressed exponentially fast. A lot of the drum teachers in our area give the first lesson for free to see if you'd like to continue with them. One of my kids first drum teachers was awesome. They had a ton of fun and learned really fast. The second guy he had was more Latin. He did not have fun but he learned a lot. One of our kids became a professional guitar player and the other became a phoenominal jazz drummer.

I guess it depends on how much time you can put in at home, I’ve been playing for 29 years and last year I videoed myself…. I decided to only then take lessons. I never had the time or space to really put time into the drums unfortunately.

im a 96 year old from Mongolia and thanks to your vids i can finally play the entire Animals as Leaders Discography with a 1 peace drum kit.

I started self taught but got bored and disillusioned. Began lessons, went back to basics, got rid of my bad habits and got my mojo back. Some people are natural and others require guidance. Happy drumming good people.

100 percent nailed it.

I'm a self-taught drummer who wishes I had taken lessons. Never too late I guess.

I'm self taught

Self taught is easier these days because of youtube channels like this and other drum teaching websites. It was harder in the old days before vcr's and then dvd's. No matter how many concerts I went to it was difficult to always see what the drummers were doing.

put your merch on my CHRISTmas list :P