Getting Started

Getting Started

Welcome to Atlanta Percussive Arts! We're excited to have you join our community of drummers. To help you get the most out of your lessons, please make sure you have the following equipment within the first month of starting.

Students Ages 3–7

Drumsticks

For younger students, I recommend:

Practice Pad

Every student should have:

  • Vater Double-Sided Practice Pad

  • Practice Pad Stand

Purchase:

Hearing Protection (Required)

Protecting your hearing is one of the most important habits you can develop as a drummer.

For younger students, I recommend:

Students Ages 8 and Older

Drumsticks

Students should have their own pair of 5A drumsticks from one of these trusted brands:

Why 5A?

The number (5) refers to the diameter (width) of the drumstick, while the letter (A) refers to the stick's general weight and playing style. A 5A is the industry standard and is an excellent choice for most students because it offers a comfortable balance of size, weight, and control.

Hearing Protection (Required)

Protecting your hearing is essential for every drummer.

I recommend:

  • Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones (recommended for practice with acoustic and electronic drums)

  • Vic Firth Bluetooth Stereo Isolation Headphones (wireless option)

Purchase:

Hearing protection should be worn whenever practicing on an acoustic drum set to help prevent long-term hearing damage.

Drum Set Recommendations

Owning a drum set is highly encouraged. Consistent practice at home is one of the fastest ways to improve.

Electronic Drum Kits

Budget-Friendly

I recommend:

Professional Quality

If you're looking for one of the best electronic drum experiences available, I recommend:

Acoustic Drum Kits

Please choose a 5-piece drum set.

Excellent brands include:

  • Pearl

  • Mapex

  • Tama

  • Yamaha

These brands offer excellent quality and value for students of all levels.

Premium Recommendation

If you're looking for one of the industry's most respected drum manufacturers:

Custom Drums

If you're interested in a custom-built kit, my personal favorite is:

Cymbals

Please note: Acoustic drum sets typically do not include cymbals, so they must be purchased separately.

I recommend cymbals from:

  • Zildjian

  • Sabian

  • Meinl

These manufacturers offer quality cymbals for beginners through professional drummers.

Need Help Choosing Equipment?

There are many options available, and it can be overwhelming when purchasing your first drum gear. If you have any questions before making a purchase, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help you choose equipment that best fits your goals, experience level, and budget.