FLAMM Recommended Gear
About FLAMM Recommended Gear
FLAMM Academy is a private drum education studio focused on long-term musical development, safe practice habits, and clear foundational technique.
The gear listed here is intentionally limited and personally selected. Every item recommended is used regularly in lessons and is purposely chosen to support beginners and developing players without unnecessary complexity.
This section exists to eliminate confusion for students and parents, and to ensure that the equipment used alongside FLAMM tuition meets the same standards as the teaching itself.
Current Recommendations are organised by category and reflect what is actively used in lessons at FLAMM Academy
FLAMM Starter Setup
Everything your child needs to start learning drums properly from day one.
One of the most common challenges for new students is knowing what to buy. To keep things simple, this setup includes the exact gear used and recommended in lessons at FLAMM Academy.
There’s no guesswork — just the right tools to support good technique, safe practice, and consistent progress.
The Vic Firth 5A is the standard stick used in most lessons at FLAMM Academy.
It offers a balanced feel that works equally well on practice pads and drum kits, making it the most reliable starting point for beginner and developing drummers. Its versatility allows students to focus on technique, control, and consistency without needing to change stick types.
If you’re unsure which sticks to choose, this is the safest place to start.
The Vic Firth 5B is a slightly heavier stick introduced later as students develop strength and control.
It provides a greater presence on the drum kit while maintaining the balance expected from Vic Firth sticks
Drumsticks
At FLAMM Academy, we keep stick choices intentionally simple.
The models below are the exact sticks used during lessons and recommended to students. Each option supports good technique, balanced control, and comfortable playing across both practice pads and drum kits.
If you're unsure which sticks to choose, start with the Vic Firth 5A.
The Vic Firth 5A is the standard stick used in most lessons at FLAMM Academy.
It offers a balanced feel that works equally well on practise pads and drum kits, making it the most reliable starting point for beginner and developing drummers.
If you are unsure which sticks to choose, this is the safest place to start.
Practice Pads & Setup
Practice pads are a fundamental part of developing control, consistency, and technique.
The options below are used and recommended at FLAMM Academy to support effective practice at home. A proper setup — including pad and stand — allows students to build skills that transfer directly to the drum kit.
The PowerBeat 12" Practice Pad is the primary pad used at FLAMM Academy for developing control, consistency, and proper technique.
Its larger surface area makes it ideal for beginners, allowing more freedom of movement while building accuracy and confidence. The responsive rubber provides a realistic rebound that closely translates to the drum kit.
This is the best starting point for students who are serious about improving their playing at home.
The PowerBeat 8" Practice Pad is a compact and portable option used for focused practice and warm-ups.
Its smaller surface encourages precision and control, helping students refine accuracy once foundational technique is established. It’s also ideal for travel or quick practice sessions.
Best used as a secondary pad alongside a full-size practice pad.
The Practice Pad Stand is used at FLAMM Academy to position the pad at the correct height and angle for proper technique.
Designed to thread directly into compatible practice pads, it provides a stable and adjustable playing surface that closely mimics the feel of a real snare drum. This helps students develop good posture, stick control, and consistent playing habits from the very beginning.
Using a stand instead of placing the pad on a table ensures a more natural playing position and better long-term technique.
The PowerBeat 8" Practice Pad is a compact and portable option used at FLAMM Academy for focused practice and warm-ups.
Its smaller surface encourages precision and control, making it ideal for developing accuracy once foundational technique is established. It’s also perfect for travel, quiet practice, or keeping in a school bag for quick sessions.
This pad is best suited as a secondary practice tool alongside a full-size pad.
These Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones are used in every lesson at FLAMM Academy to protect hearing while allowing clear monitoring of music and audio from the kit mics.
Designed specifically for drummers, they reduce external volume while maintaining clarity, making them ideal for both practise and performance.
Hearing protection is an essential part of long-term drumming, and these headphones provide a simple and effective solution for developing safe habits from the beginning.
Safeguard your hearing with these comfortable earmuffs, offering 25dB of noise reduction for reliable hearing protection.
Designed to form an effective seal around the ears, these lightweight earmuffs reduce external noise, protecting hearing in loud environments. Featuring classic black earcups, a soft padded headband, and a convenient carry bag, they’re the perfect companion for on-the-go protection.
These earmuffs are designed to provide effective hearing protection for younger students in loud environments.
They form a secure seal around the ears to reduce external noise while remaining comfortable for extended use. Lightweight and easy to wear, they are ideal for early lessons and developing safe listening habits.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection is a fundamental part of drumming and is built into how we teach at FLAMM Academy.
The products below are used in lessons to help students play comfortably while protecting their hearing over time. Developing safe habits early ensures long-term enjoyment of drumming.
The Vic Firth 7A is a lighter stick often recommended for younger students or drummers with smaller hands.
The lighter weight helps reduce fatigue and encourages relaxed technique while developing control.
Designed to form an effective seal around the ears, these comfortable earmuffs reduce external noise, safeguarding hearing in loud environments. Featuring stylish red earcups, a soft padded headband, and a convenient carry bag, they’re the perfect companion for on-the-go protection