The Drum Lesson Manual: Your Complete Guide to Better Drumming

The ideas in this book-written for beginners, professional drummers, and everyone in between-come from my 30 plus years of studying, playing, and teaching drums. As a student, I did not find one book that covered all of the information I needed to become a proficient drummer; as a veteran teacher of approximately 40 students a week for over 20 years, I wanted to share the methods I have refined in my successful teaching practice.

If you are a beginner, this book will help you get started with grip and reading. I present practical applications to show why you are practicing these basic skills and give you advice on how to practice. If you are a professional, the challenging exercises included in here will keep your skills tuned up. I encourage you to build upon the ideas in this book to inspire your playing.

Part 1 focuses on grip, technique, and basic reading of rhythms. Part 2 focuses on reading rhythms at all levels proficiently. Part 3 focuses on the 40 standard snare drum rudiments, sticking, and technique exercises. Part 4 focuses on drum set techniques, coordination, grooves, and soloing in different genres of music.

Although this book progresses in a logical sequence, I recommend skipping around to work on specific skills. If you can complete this book correctly, you will have a solid foundation and play better at every level. I have also incorporated some of the ideas from great drum books that I've used throughout my years in drumming, which I have named and recommended at the end of this book.

Enjoy your process towards better drumming!