Drums for Kids

Major kudos to Dade Hayes on his piece on “drum therapy” (“Beating the Competition,” Feb. 8). As a “good kid” growing up in Inglewood, I had “symptoms” that would now be classified as attention deficit disorder symptoms. My mother knew there was nothing wrong with me--I just finished my work early and was bored and chose to “disrupt the class” (my second-grade teacher’s words). By starting me on the drums as a privilege, I not only found an outlet for my energy, but it built self-esteem as well.

Not only did I go on to be a straight-A student in junior high and obtain a degree in psychology, I also played drums professionally for 25 years. I still play now to keep out of trouble. I’ve long advocated more drum / percussion workshops for elementary school kids. Maybe now it will happen.

JEFF SHERMER

Tarzana