We swapped the usual café-hopping for drumsticks, pedals and a fun way to spend an afternoon together.
There is only so much café-hopping, movie-watching and “what do you want to eat?” conversations a couple can have.
So when we got the chance to try a drum class together at Drum Tannery one afternoon, we thought: why not?
While I was a complete beginner, my boyfriend had taken a few drum lessons before. It made the experience even more fun—he was familiar with some basics, while I was figuring out how to hold the sticks, coordinate my hands and feet, and keep up with the beat.
Somewhere between the missed beats, little wins and “wait, how do you do that?” moments, it became a surprisingly wholesome way to spend the day together.
A date idea with a little more energy
Drumming is not your typical “cute couple activity”, but that is exactly why it works.
Instead of sitting across from each other over brunch, you are trying something new side by side. One person may have a head start, but there is still plenty to learn, laugh about and cheer each other on for.
It is playful, slightly challenging and a lot more physical than expected. There is no pressure to get it right immediately—the fun is in trying, making mistakes and finally getting a rhythm to sound like a proper song.
The joy of playing on a real drum kit
At Drum Tannery, students learn on acoustic drum kits rather than electronic ones.
Founder Dane Tan believes this helps students understand the natural feel of drumming, from stick technique to dynamic control. After trying it ourselves, we could see why.
There is something incredibly satisfying about hearing every hit in full. It is loud, physical and oddly therapeutic—you are not just following a beat, but creating it.
The school’s soundproofed studios also mean you can enjoy the full experience without worrying about disturbing anyone outside. For anyone looking for a midday reset from work, routines or endless scrolling, it is a great way to let loose.
Drumming is for everyone
Drums have long been seen as loud, intense and male-dominated—but a drum kit does not come with a gender requirement.
It is simply an instrument for anyone who enjoys rhythm, music and self-expression.
Drum Tannery creates a welcoming learning space for students of different ages and experience levels, whether you are picking up drumsticks for the first time or returning to music after years away.
One such example is Consultant Microbiologist Wei Yee Wan, who started learning drums at 45 and is now thriving in the hobby at 49. For her, drumming became a creative outlet that challenged her mind and body in a completely different way from her professional life.
Her story is a reminder that it is never too late to try something new.
So, would we do it again?
Absolutely.
Trying a drum class together was one of those unexpectedly fun afternoon activities that left us feeling energised, accomplished and a little more connected.
Even though my boyfriend had some experience before, it was still enjoyable learning side by side in a new setting. There was no pressure to keep up perfectly—just the chance to try, encourage each other and have a good laugh along the way.
For couples looking for a fun daytime activity in Singapore, a drum class is definitely one to add to the list.
Ready to make some noise?
Looking for a fresh way to spend an afternoon together?
Book a trial class at Drum Tannery and experience the joy of making music side by side—one beat at a time.
Urban Ladies 