|
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.
|
