Can I teach myself how to play the drums?

Question:I am a 9th grader currently, and for my sophmore year I want to be in marching band. I play clarinet and piano, but I don't want to play those in marching band. I would like to be part of the drumline. Is there a way that I can teach myself how to play the drums? I can read music and beats, and notes, and keep rymth. But do I have to buy a snare drum or what? I would really like to learn drums, and yes I know i could always get lessons, but is there a way I can teach myself?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am a 9th grader currently, and for my sophmore year I want to be in marching band. I play clarinet and piano, but I don't want to play those in marching band. I would like to be part of the drumline. Is there a way that I can teach myself how to play the drums? I can read music and beats, and notes, and keep rymth. But do I have to buy a snare drum or what? I would really like to learn drums, and yes I know i could always get lessons, but is there a way I can teach myself?

My brother plays the trombone, but in 7th grade, he began teaching himself how to play the drums. Because he has natural talent in music, he was able to learn it really fast without anyone's help, and he played snare in marching band. He bought himself a snare practice pad a just kept practicing. Yes, you can teach yourself if you have the patience. My brother is in 10th grade now and he can play pretty much any instrument he picks up....

My son went from joining marching band his junior year and playing bass drum to being Drum Captain his senior year and playing quads, and now talking DCI and Cavaliers. He did it by asking for help for his classmates (show me how you do that) and practicing snare every day after school.

Buy a snare pad and practice with a metronome. It can be done.

I'm in the band and lots of guy flutes converted over to drums or bells and yes they were taught by the seniors and the director but you can teach yourself. You at least need a snare drum