If one lives in a decently sized town then one can often find drum instructors. Normally, they will start you out on the snare drum. Mastery of the snare drum leads to advanced hand coordination and reading skills. Hand coordination is learned via drum patterns known as rudiments.
A young person can also study beginner drum material in a basic school band class. Such a class gives the student a chance to play with other students rather than simply keep time with a metronome.
One can also learn the instrument with drum videos and books. High quality books can be as useful as a private instructor if used correctly. However, even average drum books can lead a drum student to drum set success.
Finally, a lot of pay and free material is available on the internet. As with drum videos and books, success depends on the self discipline of the drummer. If used correctly, internet materials can provide a big boost. Of course, the pay material is probably superior to free stuff.
Jazz Drum Lessons
Jazz drums involves mastery of the swing beat. A main characteristic of this beat is foot taps on the hi hat. These taps will come on the 2nd and 4th beats in 4/4 time. Usually, the bass and snare notes will be improvized throughout the phrase.
Some jazz stuff is in 3/4 time. Jazz Waltz is a common term for a 3/4 jazz piece. Usually, in such a piece, the hi hat is foot tapped on the 2nd and 3rd beats. The bass drum is used throughout the phrase but especially on the 1st beat. The snare drum can be played throughout the phrase as in 4/4 time.
Rock Drum Lessons
A main characteristic of the rock beat is snare notes on the 2nd and 4th beat. On the other hand the bass drum notes come thoughout the 4/4 phrase. However, in it's most simple form, the bass drum is played on all four beats or on beats 1 and 3.
Classical Drum Lessons
A mastery of classical music gives a drummer the opportunity to play in concert bands, orchestras or marching bands. A orchestra is a concert band with the addition of string instruments. Of course, a mastery of classical music is incredibly useful in learning the rock or jazz styles. Nonetheless, mastery of rock or jazz is not dependent on classical study.
Drum Lessons Many Styles