Reading music / Drum notation

[jayp]

Ive searched the forums but I guess I can't think of the exact search to use for this topic.

Can anyone suggest books/websites/video's for learning to read music, and if so are there ones specific to drumming?

I just found this http://www.musictheory.net/ but if there is a more usefull source please reply.

[bermuda]

Rather than initially relying on books or sites, I'd take a few lessons with a teacher who can answer your specific questions, and probably better explain the relationships between notes, counting, etc. When learning something for the first time, that interactivity can really ensure quick and accurate progress.

It's like many things... it's a lot faster and more easily understood to be shown something, than to read about it.

Example: It took me 2 hours to read about how to program a beat on my first drum machine back in 1985. But once I understood what was involved, I realized it could have been explained to me in about 3 minutes.

I know it seems less expensive to get a book or view a site, but sometimes it's better to spend a few more dollars and invest in yourself.

Bermuda

[crazyhorse]

Pretty much any of the beginning percussion books should be good for learning to count and read music. The notation used for drum sets tends to vary quite a bit depending on who is writing the book. So... the issue is learning the rhythms and how to count them.. more than anything else.

[jayp]

Thanks for your replies.

Bermuda, I figured thats the answer ide get, and I already plan to attend don bennette drum studios, witch Ive heard from quite a few people im very fortunate to have near me. I guess thats what I'll do Im just hoping that Its not going to cost me 40$ for an hour session and it take 50 sessios(not literally) to learn to read and then the real learning begins.

But I guess in the meantime I'll head to my local music shop and pick up some reading material and continue to check out musictheroy.com

oh oh oh and i forgot to mention, dave weckl is coming to don benettes drum studio on the 14th and playing in town with Jeff Lorber the 12th thru the 15th, Ive never attended a class and it will be cool to see one of my idols be one of my first.

Edit: Im not good with jazz and names I just know tunes, but I just listened to some of this Jeff lorber stuff and it is just grooooooooovin

[Wavelength]

Norm Weinberg's WeRhythms @ Vicfirth.com (http://www.vicfirth.com/education/features/webrhythms/intro.html)

[jayp]

Thanks wavelength! Ive been looking for this page, I lost it a while ago and have been looking for it!

[DamoSyzygy]

I have started writing up lessons on reading music, specific to drummers.

Its only in the early stages, but there are the first two lessons available here:

http://www.drum.com.au/lessons.htm

Hit me up if you have any questions. Its aimed to start very easy.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Rather than initially relying on books or sites, I'd take a few lessons with a teacher who can answer your specific questions, and probably better explain the relationships between notes, counting, etc. When learning something for the first time, that interactivity can really ensure quick and accurate progress.

I'd also recommend you the same thing.
Anyway, if you want an easy book to work with, I'd say "Understanding rhythm". It's one part rhythms from whole notes to 32nds (good enough for now...) that allows you working with it in many ways. Ex. play BD on 1 and 3 SD on 2 and 4 and read the line on the HH. I still use it. The possibilities are neverending.