Hi Ladybee, I think we first start one-on-one.
In that case: piano is your best bet, I think. It's still a percussive instrument! Seriously though: drums and Suzuki don't mix. And while it's fun for kids to bang away and learn rhythm and all that sort of stuff, you can absolutely get the same fabulous reward from piano playing, in the same way, as you can with drums. Even with boys. ;)
It's not difficult to hire pianos out here, so that could be a great option for your son. He'll learn musicality, rhythm, control, patience ... oh, so much.
Yes, I'm a piano player (is it obvious?!) ... but I also learned violin and did voice too in my teen/young adult years. I did Suzuki too -- but only 18 months' worth, and only because my regular piano teacher was very unwell -- but I learned a lot from the experience and I do think that for the right child, it can be a magical experience, which teaches a lot; the skills learned using this method can and do parlay into other parts of one's educational experience (and life).
Good luck. Don't cave ie give in on the drum issue. I'm not saying it's NOT a good thing, but drums require support -- huge support -- from the family (and neighbours!) as a whole so unless you live somewhere where there's a closed-off air-conditioned garage with soundproofing, put the drums off for now.
Go the piano. It's fun! Moreover, learning to play by ear is one of the most amazing skills a person can have under their belt.
:)
Vercrj, You cant change the past, and things are the way they are.
At 11, he is still at a great age to start an instrument.
Music lessons are also quite affordable in Dubai, if you look hard enough, you will definitely find somewhere that is affordable and effective.
Also look for other activities that will improve concentration and focus, board games that will use mental mapping, try chess? Brain Gym?
Several apps on ipad too i'm sure- totally free.
how old is he?
Drums are most popular with boys.
But, If you are looking at building focus and concentration, may i recommend the piano?
(will make life at home much easier without a drum set!)
It is easy (ier) to start, rather than a string instrument, and uses two staves of music, so children end up doing a lot more co-ordination and involuntary thinking.
Piano- can also be taught using the suzuki method- although the traditional reading method would work well too.