Updated 10-5-17: There’s no denying that playing a musical instrument has a number of positive benefits for children. A beginner drum set is one great way for children and teens to begin their musical education and to experience the positive influence that playing music has on a child’s life. Musical education improves children’s literacy and math skills, as well as coordination and motor skills. It’s also a stress reliever and helps to improve concentration and focus. Playing instruments often involves working together with other children, fostering teamwork and communication. Playing drums can even boost a child’s IQ and brain activity. Furthermore, music is a fantastic outlet for positive, fun, and creative expression.
What Is A Good Beginner Drum Set?
 | Mendini MJDS-5-BL Complete 16-Inch 5-Piece Blue Junior Drum Set | Check price at |
 | Gammon 5-Piece Junior Starter Drum Set Metallic Blue Kit | Check price at |
 | VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | WolVol Kids Fun Electronic Drum Set with Adjustable Sing-along Microphone and Sitting Stool | Check price at |
 | Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set | Check price at |
 | Pyle Beginners Learning Professional Electronic Drum Set | Check price at |
 | Hape Early Melodies Rock and Rhythm Band | Check price at |
For all but the youngest of drummers, a starter drum set should include:
- Toms
- Snare
- Bass drum
- Cymbals
- Hi-hat
There are plenty of beginner drum set options available. Consider your child’s size and age, as well as the space you have for a drum kit when choosing a drum set. Toddlers and Pre-K children will enjoy drum set toys, while older children will benefit from an actual drum kit. If you’re short on space, electronic drum kits are great option. Remember that drum sets and other musical instruments can be noisy, but it’s the sound of your child learning and having fun!
Beginner Drum Set Options
1. Mendini MJDS-5-BL Complete 16-Inch 5-Piece Blue Junior Drum Set
The Mendini MJDS-5-BL Complete 16-Inch 5-Piece Blue Junior Drum Set is a full drum set with bass drum, tom toms, snare drum, floor tom, high hat, and crash cymbal. It also includes drum sticks and an round adjustable seat. The high-quality and durable design features poplar shells, rounded bearing edges, black powder coated hoops, and single braced hardware. All of the hardware is easy to assemble and the set is designed to be lightweight. Even though it’s sized for children, this beginner drum set still boasts a professional, warm tone. A one-year warranty guarantees it against any manufacturer defects and it’s available in several colors.
2. Gammon 5-Piece Junior Starter Drum Set Metallic Blue Kit
The Gammon 5-Piece Junior Starter Drum Set Metallic Blue Kit offers a complete beginner drum set that’s high-quality for a reasonable price. Everything your child needs to start playing ships with this set including: a 16″ bass drum, two toms, snare drum, snare stand, hi hat cymbal and stand, mounted cymbal, stool, base drum pedal, drum key, and drum sticks. All of the drums have real wood shells and professional high gloss finish. This child sized drum set is a great starter kit!
3. VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set
At first glance, it may appear that a beginner drum set is only for older children, but there’s no reason toddlers and younger children can’t enjoy the benefits of learning to play the drums. The VTech KidiBeats Kids Drum Set has three drum pads and a cymbal that each play a unique sound. Kids can play along with one of nine melodies (rock, dance and pop styles) or practice letters and numbers using the included drum sticks. A great musical learning toy!
4. WolVol Kids Fun Electronic Drum Set with Adjustable Sing-along Microphone and Sitting Stool
Another beginner drum set that’s more toy than actual drum set, the WolVol Kids Fun Electronic Drum Set with Adjustable Sing-along Microphone and Sitting Stool is a great introduction to the world of musical expression and playing the drums. It’s fully interactive with songs, drum beats, music, and lights. It’s practically a tiny version of an actual drum set with stool, bass drum with pedal, cymbals, and drum sticks. It’s a great way for younger children to have fun and become interested in learning to play music.
5. Rockpals Electric Roll up Drum Set with Built in Speaker 7 Pads
No room for a full-size drum set or does your child want to have a portable way to practice the drums? Rockpals Electric Roll up Drum Set with Built in Speaker 7 Pads is the perfect option. It has seven drum pads and can be connected to the computer to play a fun drum game. It uses a micro USB jack for charging and can be charged and then played wirelessly. Adjustable volume allows for “quiet” drum practice. A great way to learn and practice the drums.
6. Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set
Child size beginner drum sets and drum set toys are great to learn on, but your child may be ready for learning on a full-size adult set. The Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set has a lot of value for the price and is made by a trusted and award-winning drum manufacturer. This kit has absolutely everything a beginning drummer needs, even a stool and drum sticks are included. It comes with a helpful DVD to get you started.
7. Drum Set 3 Pc Kids 12″ Silver Beginner Complete Set
The Drum Set 3 Pc Kids 12″ Silver Beginner Complete Set is great for young, budding musicians. It’s compact and fits in to a smaller space than larger five piece beginner drum sets, but still has everything a child needs to start learning rhythms and drumming basics. The complete set includes bass drum, toms, cymbals, stool, and drum sticks.
8. Fisher-Price Big Bang Drum Set
The Fisher-Price Big Bang Drum Set is drum set scaled down for the littlest musicians. No electronic bells and whistles, just musical, drum playing fun for children. It’s fully outfitted with a bass drum with foot pedal, toms, metal cymbal, stool, and drum sticks.
9. Pyle Beginners Learning Professional Electronic Drum Set
The Pyle Beginners Learning Professional Electronic Drum Set is a great practice drum kit and a convenient and portable way to learn to play the drums. The drum pads and cymbal pads are designed with “natural response” technology so that it feels like you’re playing a real drum kit. It comes with Drums for Dummies, a popular instruction book for beginning drummers.
10. Hape Early Melodies Rock and Rhythm Band
The Hape Early Melodies Rock and Rhythm Band is a drum set toy that little ones will love to play. The brightly colored drums and accessories are made from high-quality, non-toxic wood and materials. Two drums, a cymbal, and drum sticks are included in this fun drum set for toddlers.
11. GP Percussion 5-Piece Junior Drum Set
The GP Percussion GP55WR 5-Piece Junior Drum Set is complete beginner drum set, sized specifically for children. The drums are made from quality materials and the logo design on the bass drum looks cool. This set has everything your child needs and your budding musician will be drumming in no time at all.
A beginner drum set is a great way for children to learn to play the drums, without having to invest in an expensive performance quality drum kit. Share your favorite drum kits with us in the comments below!
Feature image courtesy of Flickr, slgckgc.