he Method Series:

• For beginners, e.g., those who don’t know how to read drum notation, the obvious starting point is Reading Rhythms. This book is a reference to all notation with exercises to help beginning drummers develop reading skills, technical proficiency with hands and feet, coordination, and timing skills. Reading Rhythms contains a lot of information, and it’s best to work through this book with a competent teacher who can help the beginning drummer develop good techniques and good habits–the keys to successful musicianship.

• I also recommend Rudiments and Solos for every drummer. Rudiments are the building blocks of all rhythms. A strong knowledge and mastery of all rudiments will help each drummer no matter what style of music is played.

• I consider the next three books, Rock, Funk and Blues Drumming, Jazz Drumming, and World Rhythms, to be a “musical choice.” Whatever interests the drummer! These are reference books. Drummers can skip around from section to section and study the many different styles within each book.

• Advanced Rhythms is perfect for drummers who want to incorporate cross-rhythms, polyrhythms, and other challenging concepts. The book breaks down all the concepts into easy-to-understand and easy-to-master exercises.

• For a real challenge, check out Foot Clave. By working through this book, the drummer will have four independent limbs playing a multitude of grooves and sounding like a full percussion section.

The Play-Along Series:

I designed the Play-Along materials to complement the Method Series. After working through Jazz Drumming, for example, Jazz Styles is the next logical step. Of course, it’s not necessary to work through all the Method books before trying the Play-Alongs. Drummers can pick a style, rate their playing level, and select the suitable books. Alternatively, if a drummer is working through a book, World Beats--Play Along Level 3 for example, and wants to learn more about a certain style, then World Rhythms–Method Series is the place to go. And, for those who are not quite ready to jump into full scale charts, the Primer Book/CD contains 40+ musical vamps for practicing beats and timing skills.