As some of you may have heard, I’m currently writing an instructional drum book. It has been a work in progress since I started teaching 7 years ago and Ive finally decided to get on and finish it.
Ive always been a bit frustrated by the lack of reading material there is for the drums. So far, the book covers all known techniques using my “Alphabet of Technique” method to break down and develop each technique. It includes the following techniques and grips:
Hand Techniques:
1. Free Strokes
2. Push/Pull
3. Bouncing
4. Moeller Technique
5. Freehand Technique
6. As well as lesser known techniques such as:
i) Valving Technique
ii) The Three Bomb.
Stick Grips:
1. American Grip
2. German Grip
3. French Grip
4. Traditional Grip
Foot Techniques:
1. Heel Down
2. Heel Up
3. Slide Technique
4. Heel-Toe Technique
5. Plus my own creation:
i) The Jumping Technique
So far Ive also written some cool stuff on the 40 PAS Rudiments as well as some pretty nasty Hybrid Rudiments. Of course, I’m also going to include some crazy Gospel style licks, stick tricks and other silliness too.
I don’t want to bore you too much with the details. Lets just say I have so much stuff to write up at the moment that I’m considering separating it into 2 maybe even 3 books lol.
Anyway, I’m going to try to get this published as my dad knows a guy who works for a music book publisher. Its going to require a lot more work before its complete but most of my students at Greenbank and Lea Manor will see some sneak previews along the way!
I’d love to hear some suggestions and requests for the book(s). Anything you wish was written in a drum book but sadly never was?
Most of my writing so far is geared at intermediate to advanced players as I figured there are plenty of basic books out there but not enough to follow on from that. That’s not to say I’m not looking for suggestions from beginners but I am trying not to cover old ground if possible. Also, I have to be careful not to plagiarize any existing books if I want to get published and that’s pretty easily done with the basic stuff.
I’ll fill you in on how I’m doing with this project as I go along but, for now, I would love to hear your suggestions/requests.
