Buy a comfortable size - I play an 18" but once made the mistake of buying a 24", I've also got a 'tiny' 12"! I've now been playing about 40 years and still like to try different ones at music shops.

Get a tuneable one if you can afford it. If you don't like it you stand more chance of selling it on.

Make sure the skin is in reasonable condition - and DON'T pour loads of skin conditioner or anything else on it to start with (whatever you get told).

Remember the rules:
If it doesn't feel/sound right to you - it's probably be wrong! I still sometimes give up in cases like that

It as important what you miss out as put in - constant trebling or too fast playing just gets you Kn****** wrists.

Remember it's the BACK that makes the difference - learn to use your non-tipper hand to it's best advantage, try playing without a tipper just using your knuckles.... sounds daft but it works.

COUNT the number in a session - 1 is great, 2 works well if you listen to each other, 3 think hard and 4 forget it!

Most of all ENJOY yourself.