Don't wince when your child asks for drumming lessons - most practice will take place on drumming pads, which are not disruptive.

Drumming is a very physical activity, so children will need to have a certain level of physical dexterity - tots will not find it easy.

By 10 years of age, most children will be ready for drums, although some schools will take children as young as five and others don't recommend drumming tuition until a child is 12.

Your child should be prepared for the fact that she will not be let loose on a drum kit from day one and will have to learn the basics on rubber drum pads, electronic pads or even a copy of the Yellow Pages first.

Instrument cost: A beginner's drum kit should cost around 250 new. Other costs may include a set of rubber drum pads (120 to €140) or a single pad with drumsticks (20).

Tuition costs: From 20 to 35 per half-hour lesson.

Tuition time: Half an hour per week

Practice time: Daily for half an hour