I have been tapping my pencil around in a rhythm when I am bored or finished with my work in school since kindergarten. I have gotten really good and my friend who plays the drum said that I am almost as good at him. So I signed up to learn how to play the drums this year at school. I am pretty good but I just cant seem to play as good with the drum sticks than I do with pencils. I have tried with all the drumstick sizes at school but I cant seem to be creative while using the drumsticks. I also cant follow rhythm and seem to go a lot slower. Any suggestions on what to do? I do know where you're getting at, my brother did the same stuff, he was really good with that pencil thing, and he is pretty awesome at the drums for just a beginner, but the reason you're having trouble is because, it's a lot harder to follow a song on drums then to just go at your own pace, the number 1 rule of music is timing. Anyhow, that's why it's hard, there's nothing you can about that since you have to follow rules, but once you're done with the rules, you'll be fine both skillwise and timingwise start carering around drum sticks it will get alot easier just dont give up. you just have to get used to the weight of them. you will get better with practice! | 