First steps

So - how to take those first steps ?

Step 1 was to sow the seeds of the idea with Mrs DrummingDad : after all I can't exactly just clear out a room one day and move a drum kit in. After an expected "Don't be stupid!" I eventually convinced her that with silencer pads on a drum kit would be fine in the spare room (which currently houses my guitars, PC, rowing machine and a futon. The latter item, I suggested, is rarely used and takes up about the same floor-space as a lovely shiny drum kit. I think she felt that arguing was a waste of time and so the matter was sealed : I had spousal permission !

Step 2 was to find a teacher : a quick search on the Mike Dolbear website (yes, that place again - I honestly will say more about it soon) revealed that just one local teacher was registered on their website so I investigated his website (all very impressive) and emailed to book some lessons : 5 bi-weekly lessons arranged for the New Year :-)

Step 3 was to buy lovely things ! : yay - now for the exciting stuff. I went to a local music shop (which reputedly specialises in drums) and bought a set of sticks and a 'practice pad' with which to practice the absolute basics until my lessons (which seem sooooo far away . . . ;-) )