Back-to-School Music Lessons: Guitar, Keys or Drums?

Back-to-school season means new classes, new routines and, for some students, the perfect excuse to finally pick up an instrument.

But how do you choose between guitar, keys, or drums? For anyone, it can feel a little like choosing their starter Pokémon. Three splendid options, each with its own strengths, style and way of taking on the musical world.

The good news is there really isn’t a wrong answer. The best instrument is the one that makes you want to keep playing, whether that means learning your favourite guitar riff, figuring out a melody on the keys or becoming the person responsible for keeping the whole band on beat.

If you’re considering back-to-school music lessons in Calgary, here’s a closer look at three great places to start. 

Guitar | Jimi Hendrix, Tom Morello, to Eddie Van Halen

There’s a reason guitar is often one of the first instruments people picture when they think about joining a band. From rock and pop to blues, country, punk and metal, it shows up just about everywhere and very much in the spotlight! 

Guitar can be especially rewarding for students who already have favourite bands, songs or riffs they’re itching to play. Beginners can start with basic chords and simple melodies before gradually developing skills like strumming, picking, rhythm and lead playing. 

It can also be a great fit for someone who likes having the option to play independently and with other musicians. You can practise a song alone in your bedroom today and eventually bring that same song into a band rehearsal. Guitar can definitely be challenging at first, but finally nailing that chord, riff or song makes the effort seriously rewarding. 

For more guitar exercises, check out this blog. 

Keys | Freddy Mercury, Elton John, to Twenty One Pilots 

Still torn between guitar, keys and drums? That’s where Rock U can help.

At Rock U Canada, our back-to-school music lessons instructors in Calgary can introduce students to different instruments and help them understand how each one feels and functions. Not only on its own, but alongside other musicians. Getting the chance to experience how guitar, keys and drums fit together in a jam setting can make choosing an instrument much easier (and a whole lot more fun).

Once you find the right fit, lessons are personalized around your experience, pace, goals and, most importantly, the music you actually want to play. And with September being the perfect time to settle into a new routine, check out our guide to September music lessons and band registration to see how you can take those new skills from the lesson room into a real band setting. 

Drums | From Dave Grohl, Travis Barker to Questlove

If sitting still has never exactly been your strong suit, welcome to the drum kit. 

Drumming is physical, energetic and all about rhythm. Students develop coordination between their hands and feet while learning beats, fills, timing and how to lock into a song. 

It also introduces an important part of musicianship: listening. A drummer isn’t just fun because you’re hitting things loud (although that’s definitely a selling point!); they’re listening to the bass, guitar, vocals and other musicians and helping keep everyone together. For students who love rhythm, movement and being right in the middle of a band’s energy, drums may hit all the right beats for them. 

Need Help Deciding? 

Still torn between guitar, keys and drums? That’s where Rock U Canada can help.

For families exploring back-to-school music lessons in Calgary, our instructors at Rock U Canada can introduce students to different instruments and help them understand how each one feels and functions – not only on its own, but alongside other musicians. Getting the chance to experience how guitar, keys and drums fit together in a jam setting can make choosing an instrument much easier. 

Once you find the right fit, lessons are personalized around your experience, pace, goals and, most importantly, the music you actually want to play. 

Find Your Sound at Rock U Canada

Back to school doesn’t have to mean filling the calendar with more of the same. It can also be a chance to try something creative, build confidence and discover a new way to connect with music. Rock U Canada can help you get started. 

Each lesson is tailored to meet the student’s unique needs and musical goals, whether they’re a beginner or an advanced musician. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, students receive one-on-one attention and customized lesson plans designed to build skills and confidence.

Check out our back-to-school music lessons in Calgary for students of all ages to find the instrument that strikes the right chord for you this coming school year!