What to buy for a drums workshop

A drums workshop needs more than enough instruments for the group. Plan the playing equipment, sound setup, refreshments and registration supplies before participants arrive. Check how many drum kits, practice pads and pairs of drumsticks you already have, then fill the gaps. Allow roughly one complete playing setup per participant where possible, and keep a few spare sticks and cables available. Coffee, tea, water and easy-to-eat snacks should be ready before the welcome starts.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 36
Tablesqty 6
Registration desk
Buffet tableqty 2
Stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Drum kitsqty 10
Practice padsqty 20
Snare drumsqty 10
Cajonsqty 6
Drumsticksqty 36
Music standsqty 12
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 3

Tableware

Glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 36
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2

Decorations

Name card holdersqty 36
Directional signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Carbonated water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Sandwich rolls - 45 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Yogurt - 30 servings
- Vegetarian wraps - 20 pieces
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Count the participants before shopping and match the number of drum kits, practice pads or other instruments to that count. Add at least 2–3 spare pairs of drumsticks for breakages or forgotten equipment.
Prepare the sound system as one complete setup: microphones, stands, speakers, mixer, extension cords and power strips. Test every cable before the workshop and use gaffer tape to secure cables across walkways.
Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Chill bottled drinks in coolers and keep coffee or tea in thermos flasks so serving does not interrupt the session.
Buy or bring enough tableware for every participant plus approximately 10% extra. For a group of 20, that means at least 22 glasses, cups, plates and cutlery sets.
Keep registration supplies separate from the catering and music equipment. Prepare name card holders and place them at the registration desk before opening the room, rather than trying to label participants during the introduction.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a drums workshop?: Plan one suitable instrument or practice setup per participant, plus drumsticks, music stands where needed and the complete sound system. Keep at least 2–3 spare pairs of drumsticks and test the equipment on the day before participants arrive.
How many drum kits do I need for a workshop?: Use the participant count as the starting point: one drum kit or equivalent practice setup per person allows everyone to play continuously. If space or budget limits this, arrange shared rotations and provide enough practice pads for the waiting group.
How many drinks and snacks should I buy for a drums workshop?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, followed by about 1 drink per person per hour. For snacks, plan 2–3 portions per participant for a short workshop and add 10% extra after checking dietary requirements.
When should I buy and prepare the workshop supplies?: Buy non-perishable supplies at least 3–5 days ahead and check the instrument inventory at the same time. Chill drinks, prepare tableware and test the sound equipment on the day before, or at least 2 hours before opening.

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