Air Drumming
Play drums on invisible drums. Ideally on the bus.
physicalcreativeFree15 mindifficulty 2/5
Air drumming is the most shameless hobby on this list and that's precisely its strength. Every drummer you've ever admired started by flailing at nothing. You're not pretending to be a drummer — you are drumming, just without the kit, the neighbors' complaints, or the $800 setup.
How to start
- 1Put on a song with loud, obvious drums. Queen, Phil Collins, anything with a beat.
- 2Mirror the kick drum with your right foot, snare with your left hand.
- 3Add hi-hat: right hand tapping to the side, wrist-only movement.
- 4Record yourself for 30 seconds. Watch it back. Laugh. Do it again.
- 5Progress to fills — those little 'badum-tss' moments between verses.
What you'll need
- MusicEssentialFree
- A pair of real drumsticks (for the tactile feel)Nice to have~$10
- Drumeo or similar lessons appNice to haveFree
Where to learn more
Plot twists
Ways to spice this up when the basics get boring.
- Air drum on the bus during rush hour. Make eye contact.
- Learn the Phil Collins fill from 'In the Air Tonight.' Commit to it spiritually.
- Drum along to a podcast instead of music. It makes no sense. Do it anyway.
- Pair up with an air guitarist. Form an air band. Rehearse.
ADHD notes
Pure motor release. When sitting still feels impossible, air drumming converts fidget energy into something that sort of resembles a hobby.
Fun fact
Dave Grohl's first 'drum kit' was a pile of pillows and his bedroom wall. He practiced air drumming to Rush records for years before he ever sat behind a real kit.
Similar vibes
If this one didn't land, try one of these.