My Top 5 Favorite Drum Books
When you are a music instructor of any kind whether that be a private instructor, school teacher, college professor or an online educator, you typically will have a list of go to books for teaching your students. For me, these are book I personally used as a growing musician and at times I tend to go back to them for fun or a challenge. I currently use these books with my private students depending on their skill level. I find that each book has its own set of challenges for each student, and these books are great for pushing a students current limitations. If you are looking for books to teach with or are looking for new material to further your abilities, I highly recommend giving these books a whirl.
THE NEW BREED by Gary Chester
I started using The New Breed when I was around fifteen years old. My instructor at the time must have determined that I was at the point in my playing that I could attempt this book. The New Breed has thirty-nine systems to pursuit. These systems will push you in new ways that seem unthinkable, the complexity in coordination will help any drummer with their non-dominant hand and foot. In New Breed, Gary Chester writes out melodies for the reader to play to. You will have to memorize the current system you are attempting while reading the melodies. Depending on the system you are playing, the melody could be played with the kick drum, snare drum, hi hat, ride, or toms. This makes for some complex coordination patterns. This is the book I go back to the most, because of it’s challenges. I highly recommend this book to every drummer.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GROOVE by Bobby Rock
This is by far my favorite book to teach out of. Most of my students range anywhere between beginner to intermediate drummers, and this book has been perfect for every student. I went through this book when I was taking private lessons with my college professor. This book is really great for becoming a solid rock drummer. The Encyclopedia of Groove will mold any drummers kick drum foot into a solid machine. In my opinion this book is a 10/10.
THE ART OF BOP DRUMMING - John Riley
The Art of Bop Drumming is a must have for any drummer looking to start playing jazz. This book helps drummers develop a solid foundation for playing jazz and understanding the feel you have to create for this style of music. Similiar to the New Breed, John Riley creates melodies for drummers to comp too. Within this book John Riley discuses the importance of practice, independence, setting goals and defines what comping truly means. This book is my go to book for jazz drumming, it will help any drummer in their journey.
BASS DRUM CONTROL - Colin Bailey
This is THE book for developing limb coordination with the bass drum, I have yet to come across another book that compares. When I went through this book with my private teacher in high school, I had no control over my foot work. This book helped me understand how to better discipline my foot control. I have used this book with almost every student I’ve had and almost always see a growth in their playing. I recommend this book to any drummer looking to better their bass drum control.
STICK CONTROL: FOR THE SNARE DRUMMER - George Lawrence Stone
This book doesn’t need much of an explanation, it has been the go to snare drum book since 1935. For every beginning drummer this book will help tremendously with understanding how to execute sticking correctly. I used this book in elementary percussion all the way through my college level drumming. There are so many different ways to play the exercises in Stick Control, whether that be strictly on the snare drum or applying it to the drum kit. If you are starting drums, buy this book. It is one of the best out there.
