A Second Start That Found Its Rhythm

For Vipul Thakkar, drums were always an instrument he felt drawn to. The sound of percussion caught his attention every time he heard it, and he often wondered if drumming was something he could genuinely pursue. Outside music, Vipul works in advertising - he runs his own agency, creates ad films, and frequently collaborates with music composers. He’s always been closely connected to the creative side of music through his work: guiding composers, briefing them on what he needs, and being present during sessions with artists, singers, and sound engineers. But despite being around it for years, he had never actually played an instrument himself. Over time, something instinctive drew him towards percussion. Now, he thinks of music as therapy. Music isn’t a large part of his day-to-day life; it’s a small, intentional space that helps him pause, reset, and breathe.

He first joined Trill Route a few months ago, but the timing wasn’t right - things didn’t fall into place, and he wasn’t sure he could continue. Yet the interest never went away. Instead of stopping for good, Vipul did something important: he gave himself a second chance. After a short break, he returned to Trill Route with a clearer mind and a willingness to start again. That decision changed everything.

This time, Vipul began learning under Josiah (Drum Faculty), and the sessions immediately felt different. Rather than following a fixed routine from day one, the classes were built around understanding Vipul’s listening habits and the kind of music he grew up with. Starting with familiar songs helped him settle into the instrument comfortably and made learning feel more natural. Vipul often mentions that the close attention during lessons helped him stay focused and confident, allowing him to get a better grip on the basics.

As he continued, Vipul began noticing strengths he hadn’t paid attention to earlier. He can pick up beats quickly, often figuring out grooves just by listening. What he earlier had to count out slowly now feels more instinctive. His exposure to other instruments has also helped him understand rhythm in a broader way. Of course, like any learner, he has areas he’s working on. Switching between grooves sometimes breaks his flow, and hand–leg coordination - something almost every drummer struggles with, continues to challenge him. But what stands out is his approach. Vipul attends regular sessions, often looks for extra slots, and doesn’t shy away from longer or back-to-back classes. He wants to improve, and he’s putting in the work.

Vipul’s musical taste says a lot about the kind of drummer he aims to be. He grew up inspired by Phil Collins, admiring the feel and control in his playing with Genesis. He enjoys rock from the 80s and 90s and listens to artists like John Mayer, whose songwriting and sense of groove influence his own approach. What makes Vipul’s journey meaningful is the way he chose to return and rebuild. Learning something new as an adult isn’t always easy, and restarting can feel even harder. But Vipul approached it with honesty and patience, and today, he can clearly see his progress. He’s not just learning to play the drums - he’s learning to enjoy the process, understand the instrument, and grow at his own pace.