RESOURCES PAGE
resources for Learning:
Listed below are books that I usually teach from. I highly recommend the first two books for beginners, but you can wait about a month before you purchase them - $24.00 to $26.00. After you advance into the drum set, you will need to consider the next two books - $50.00 to $60.00. Most of these books are available locally at Music Studies Unlimited in the town of Chester, Virginia, at most other music stores in the Richmond area, or online at sites like Amazon.com. Go to the Equipment page to learn more about recommended sticks, pads, and stands.
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Stick Control by George Stone - Excellent practice book with a broad collection of rhythms to develop, speed, flexibility, power, endurance, precision, and coordination. Voted #1 in Modern Drummers "25 Best Drum Books" in August 1993. Approximate cost is $10.00 to $12.00. |
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Fundamental Studies for the Snare Drum by Garwood Whaley - Beginner book that covers essential snare drum techniques including duets and odd-meters designed to prepare you for concert band as well as helping you learn to recognize drum set patterns. Approximate cost is $14.00 to $15.00. |
| START-UP COST | Total approximate cost: Stick Control and Fundamental Studies for Snare Drum - $24.00 to $27.00. |
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Realistic Rock by Carmin Appice - Learn to read drum set music while learning basic rock beats. Advanced items include: polyrhythms, disco, syncopation, hi-hat options, drum fills, double bass, shuffles, and linear playing. Includes a great CD that follows the exercises in the book. Approximate cost $25.00 to $30.00. |
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Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin - This classic jazz independence book now with two CDs! Both the beginner or experienced drummer will benefit by learning coordinated independent stickings that are the basis for jazz and many other music styles. Approximate cost $25.00 to $30.00. |
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Primary Handbook for the Snare Drum by Garwood Whaley - Comprehensive book designed for both the beginner and intermediate student. Book includes expanded duets, stick control exercises, multiple drum studies, rudiments, and student composition assignments. Approximate cost $25.00. |
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The Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley - Probably the best bop learning book ever. It introduces comping, soloing, brushes, other jazz essentials and includes a little something for dummers at all skill levels. The book includes excellent play-along exercises and great insights and photos of the jazz masters. Approximate cost $30.00. |
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Brazilian Rhythms by Alberto Netto - By a Brazilian native, this book is the perfect introduction to the traditional Brazilian instruments and patterns as well as how to apply the essences of these rhythms to the drum set. Specific techniques include hand percussion, Sambas, and Bossa-Novas. Comes with an excellent CD. Approximate cost $25.00 to $30.00. |
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Afro-Cuban Rhythms for the Drum Set by Frank Malabe - A great introduction to Afro-Cuban rhythms that includes the history of the traditional instruments and the basic styles. This book shows the complexities of these styles in a simple, understandable way. The CD is an invaluable tool to help you adapt these rhythms to the drum set. Approximate cost $25.00 to $30.00. |
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Afred's Drum Method, Book 1 - Ideal teaching book to help prepare beginners for snare drum and percussion performances. Book 1 has excellent sequential instruction covering rudimental studies, roll studies, contest solos, and bass drum and cymbal technique. This also contains 23 solos that can be used for recitals. Approximate cost $20.00 to $30.00. |
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101 Drum Tips by Scott Schroedl - This book provides insight that drummers of all styles and levels need. The text, photos, music, diagrams, and accompanying CD provide a terrific, easy-to-use resource for a variety of topics, including: grooves, practicing, warming up, tuning, gear, performance, and much more. Approximate cost $11.00 to $15.00. |
Learning Links:
WOW - there are tons of drum learning websites. Do a quick internet search and you will be inundated. Below are a few that I like and believe you will find useful.
How to Find a Drum Teacher - Video
Need some pointers on finding a good teacher - in addition to gottaDRUM? Check out Rob Gibons's video for more details.
First Time at the Set - Video
Great video for those who have just started playing the drum set. It is not hard..... to get started anyway.
Intro to Drum Fills - Video
After you have a few grooves under your belt, it is time to spice up your playing with fills. Check out the video to learn the basics.
Learn to Read Drum Set Music - Video
Knowing the basics of sight reading will open many doors and equip you with a very valuable communication tool.
Basic Jazz Ride Pattern - Video
Great video that will help introduce you to the basic jazz ride pattern that is the foundation of the "American Beat".
Timing - Video
This may suprise you, but the main job of the drummmer is keeping time. Listen to this great video to learn more.
Cross Sticking - Video
Great video to learn the basics of cross sticking including how to get the best tone.
Site Reading Dynamics - Video
What in the world is pp, mf, and ff littered all over that music. Well it is simply Italian words added to describe how loud or soft to play.
The Basics of Dynamics - Video
Learn the different ways to add a variety of dynamics to your drum playing. Visit this video and give it a try.
Ghost Notes - Video
Want to spice up your favorite groove. Learn the difference between ghosted and non-ghosted notes within a looped beat.
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