Hey!

For a few years now I've wanted to learn to play the drums. It's something I feel very passionate about doing, but it seems my parents aren't taking me seriously and whenever I sit them down and explain how I feel about it, they dismiss it. I know that a kit would be expensive and also we do not have any space accommodating for it at the moment, but I would still like to go ahead and learn it. 

I'm starting university next year so I think my parents are afraid it'll interfere with my academics, which I am sure it won't. Any advice on how I can change their minds?

- WannabeADrummer

:: Hello!

Firstly, I'm a musician, and it therefore makes me very, very excited that you tell me that you would like to learn to play the drums. Cheers! One thing I must note is that parents are very tricky to deal with because they differ from person to person. Nevertheless, I will try my best to help you out and hopefully you'll be banging away on those drums in no time.

Think ahead

How to best convince someone of something is to address of all their possible worries and doubts even before they've expressed them. What are the most likely reasons that they don't want you to take drum lessons? Do you know them well enough to know the answer straight away, or do you have to ask them? For instance, is it that:

- the cost is too high?

- They have to go out of their way to plan it for you?

- They may feel you lack commitment or you're already doing too many other extra-curricular activities?

- They may not see the drums as a serious musical instrument (this is the case with so many parents)?

- It may be a distraction to your studies (as you'd said)?

Identifying the reason your parents may be against it may help improve your case as you'll know exactly what doubts they have and therefore, you'll be able to address them. 

  Outline your own plan

There's nothing parents love more than seeing their children take charge of their own lives. Maybe your parents are unconvinced because they may feel like it inconvenience to them in some way. What you need to do is do your own research. 

By the way, you don't need to buy your own a drum kit to learn to play one! Many places around you may offer both a kit and a teacher. Is it possible for you to take lessons at the local music center? Or, in your school (I believe most schools provide instrumental lessons of some sort). 

Like I said, do your research and find out exactly where you can take drum lessons; if there is a cost and if so, how much it is per lesson (make sure it's a reasonable price if you're not the one paying); who can teach you; etc. 

Hopefully your parents will appreciate that you're taking the initiative and going out of your way to make it easier for them, and the only thing they'll have to do is pay...unless you feel like you can take on the responsibility of cost, too. If you can do this, then express that to your parents.

If you've figured out when you're going to have lessons and stuff, also create a study schedule so that you can manage your time properly. You can also show that to your parents too, so they can see how you can fit in your drum lessons within your study sessions and school and everything.

The Internet!!! 

The brilliant thing about today is that we've got the internet, which has everything, so you can basically learn to do anything from there. I taught myself the guitar by watching Youtube videos, for instance, as well as an app on my iPad. 

You don't need to wait until you get a teacher to start familiarizing yourself with the drums. Check out drummers and drum tutorials on Youtube; check out if there are apps that can help you learn the drum, etc etc! And perhaps when you can finally get your hands on a drum kit, you can try out those tricks that you saw on that website or on that video ;) 

Best thing about this is, you don't need  your parents permission to check out stuff on the internet.

***

If your parents still say no, maybe it's best to wait until you go to university. There, thousands of opportunities will be offered to you, and you can definitely pursue drum lessons there. 

Hopefully they'll agree! Good luck.

Love,

- genie_us xx

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