Category: Books

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…

Several big band drumming books

A couple of new/old big band drumming books dropped into my lap recently, so what the heck, I thought I’d round them up for you: Studio & Big…

Odd meter books

Even in the Odds by Ralph Humphrey This is the king of odd meter books. See my earlier review for details. The method is very interesting- it sets…

Best books: The Essence of Brazilian Percussion and Drum Set by Ed Uribe

The Essence of Brazilian Percussion and Drum Set is the little sister of Uribe’s massive volume on Afro-Cuban percussion. I’ve been using it almost daily for several months…

Best books: Studio Funk Drumming by Roy Burns and Joey Farris

Lately I’ve become very anti-hip and anti-novelty with my practice materials, and the 40-page Studio Funk Drumming by Burns and Farris has that in spades. Written in 1981,…

Best books: Like Syncopation

For many years Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer (better known as just “Syncopation”) by Ted Reed was virtually the only drum book I used. As…

Best books: Rudimental Patterns by Joe Cusatis

Rudimental Patterns Full Drum Set Studies for the Modern Drummerby Joe Cusatis This book represents pretty much everything I’ve always felt is wrong with the traditional approach to…

Best books – Chop Busters by Ron Fink

OK, the title is a little goofy- a lot goofy- but this is an excellent, fun book of snare drum exercises written by North Texas State University instructor…

Best books – Even in the Odds by Ralph Humphrey

The classic text on odd meter playing by Zappa/Don Ellis drummer Ralph Humphrey, this book covers swing, funk, and solo patterns in 5/4, 7/4, 5/8, 7/8, and longer…