Best drumming books

Here are some of the books I use in my teaching: Progressive Steps to Syncopation by Ted Reed Commonly known as just “Syncopation”, this unassuming book of rhythm…

Drum lessons in Portland, Oregon with Todd Bishop

Welcome to the site! Hit the menu items to the left to find out everything you need to know about drum lessons with pro drummer and author Todd Bishop….

Drum lessons during COVID – 2022 UPDATE

Since 2020 we’ve been doing an online format for all lessons, which we will re-assess on a month-to-month basis. Thanks to being vaccinated and boosted, we were about…

Seven useful rudiments

People always seem to want to know what’s the deal with rudiments, what do you use them for, and which ones are the best, coolest, most valuable. So…

Page of Ten-stroke rolls

Here’s a pretty straightforward page of ten stroke rolls, open, in a variety of rhythms and meters. A ten stroke open roll consists of four doubles and two…

My Vinnie Colaiuta transcription in Drum! Magazine

Judging by this check I just received in the mail, I apparently have an article in the April, 2013 issue of Drum! Magazine— my third. Hopefully that’s still…

Chris ‘Daddy’ Dave on practicing

If you come to my house and walk into the room where I’m practicing, you’re going to hear me sound like I can’t play. That’s because I’m working…

How to get real cymbals when you’re poor

  This is really a good time to buy used cymbals– thanks to the wonderful recession, and the proliferation of extremely high-end cymbals, prices for used merely-pro-quality cymbals…

Transcription: Aretha Franklin — Chain of Fools

You’ve probably never heard of the drummer here, Roger Hawkins, but he played on a bunch of huge records, and must have one of the most divergent personal…

Groove of the day: Predator by Omar Hakim

Here’s a very hip groove from Predator, played by Omar Hakim on Weather Report’s 1984 Domino Theory record– a very under-rated album, and one of my favorites at…