My 9 year old wants to take an instrument. He doesn't know what to pick. He mentioned drums. I was thinking guitar. Any recommendations? Also, how do you do drums - are there electronic kits to learn on - clearly I'm not buying a set of drums in a tiny NY apartment and I figure you'd need headphones for noise. Thank you for any tips.
Between those two, definitely go with guitar. Tell him if he wants to start a band, that's the better instrument to play. :-)
omg I am married to a drummer, pick the guitar!!! But seriously, yes, there are electronic drum kits with headphones and that is the sane way to go in NYC. That said, not a great covid option because you will need to unplug the headphones for zoom lessons - your neighbors will complain. Guitar is much easier in these times. Add drums in later when life is back to normal and your kid can attend an in person lesson weekly and practice at home on the electric kit with headphones.
I wouldn't have drums be the sole instrument. Reading sheet music is an important skill and a really good mental exercise. Would he be willing to try piano?
Since you are a sister Brooklyn mom, I will recommend School of Rock in Gowanus. One of my kids has taken one-on-one electric guitar lessons there and now plays guitar and bass with a hard rock band. They are doing classes both virtually and in person (with masks and all the protocols), including performance classes, which are very fun. They can help you figure out what instrument makes the most sense for your kid. GL!