Son wants to switch from guitar to drums after a year. We live in a flat.

ivory_pebble_106028 Aug 2026

One year of guitar, and practice was a fight about half the time. Now a friend has started drums and he has decided that's what he was meant to play all along. Two worries. We're on the fourth floor with neighbours on every side. And I'm not sure this isn't the pattern where the new thing always looks better. His sister went through three dance styles the same way. For those who let a child switch instruments, did it stick? And how do drum families handle the noise?

2 comments

saffron_parrot_68028 Aug 2026
Madam, my son also wanted to change from violin to mridangam when he was small. We allowed it with one condition, he had to complete the violin exam he had already started. After that he played mridangam for eight years. Sometimes the child knows. Sometimes he is only following the friend. In three months you will see which.
- ivory_pebble_106028 Aug 2026
  Finishing what he started is fair. His guitar class has a term-end recital coming up, so that could be the deal. Thank you.
- olive_pool_916829 Aug 2026
  Replying to @ivory_pebble_1060
  We did this deal with guitar to keyboard last year 😂 he finished the term and then still wanted keyboard, so it was real. Three months is a good test. He's still at it.
mint_pigeon_466728 Aug 2026
No experience at that age, but a colleague's son practises on an electronic drum kit with headphones. The neighbours only hear the pedal thumping. Could be a middle ground if you go ahead.