Books For Teaching Reading

[MattRitter]

Hey, drum teachers (and everyone else too!)

What books do you use for teaching and/or learning reading? I'm looking for good books that go progressively from basic rhythms up to more complex ones with triplets, etc. Of course, I know a handful of such books, but I'm wondering if there are some better ones out there. What do you guys use?

Thanks!

[jeffwj]

Here are a few that I highly recommend.

New - Mel Bay's Modern Drum Method Grade One by Steve Fidyk (http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=21517SET) - Book and CD - also has optional DVD (http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=21517DVD) Grade 2 and 3 books will be out soon.

Primary Handbook for Snare Drum book/CD by Garwood Whaley (http://www.amazon.com/Primary-Handbook-Snare-Garwood-Whaley/dp/0634027530). Make sure to get the new version. The old version does not have the CD.

Vic Firth Snare Drum Method books one and two (http://www.amazon.com/Snare-Drum-Method-Book-Elementary/dp/0825809398/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228931167&sr=1-1)

[Voldemort]

Hi Matt,

I'm a student, not a teacher... But my teacher is using Alfred's Drumset Method and this is the only book I'm using at the moment.

My perspective as a student is that it's a pretty good starting place going from basic rhythms to the more advanced jazz-type stuff later in the book.

Here's a link to it on Amazon, but I've seen this book in many music stores and it's relatively cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Drumset-Method-Dave-Black/dp/0739037099/ref=pd_bbs_4/179-1068034-4379534?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228931176&sr=8-4

Cheers,
V

[MattRitter]

Thanks, Jeff and Voldemort!

Yeah, I want input from everyone, not just teachers. I'm gonna edit that post right now. Thanks again, guys!

[Deltadrummer]

I use the Alfred's Drum Method after using the Roy Burns for many years simply because the Alfred's can be used for NYSSMA, as can the Vic Firth. I don't know how much NYSSMA you do. There is also the Joel Rothman book "Teaching Rhythm." and Louie Bellson's "Modern Reading in 4/4." I know Jeff used that book at one point. If they are soli interested in drum set, I have them use Reed's Syncopation, the drummer's bible. Just ask The Colonel.:)

[MattRitter]

I use the Alfred's Drum Method after using the Roy Burns for many years simply because the Alfred's can be used for NYSSMA, as can the Vic Firth. I don't know how much NYSSMA you do. There is also the Joel Rothman book "Teaching Rhythm." and Louie Bellson's "Modern Reading in 4/4." I know Jeff used that book at one point. If they are soli interested in drum set, I have them use Reed's Syncopation, the drummer's bible. Just ask The Colonel.:)


Thanks, Ken. I think I'm gonna go ahead and just order a copy of each book mentioned here. I don't do NYSSMA because I mostly teach adults these days. I decided to make it a specialty, so I normally refer children to a different teacher. As for Ted Reed's Syncopation, I find that it doesn't have enough 16th note figures or triplet figures to really make someone a good all-around reader. On the other hand, for syncopated quarter note and eight note figures, it is the best.

[Deltadrummer]

As for Ted Reed's Syncopation, I find that it doesn't have enough 16th note figures or triplet figures to really make someone a good all-around reader. On the other hand, for syncopated quarter note and eight note figures, it is the best.

I was going to ask you why you didn't use the Reed; and I agree. The other thing is that the rhythms are just routine. There is nothing interesting about playing them. As far as the Dawson applications though. There is nothing like it. You can apply it to double bass too.

[MattRitter]

I was going to ask you why you didn't use the Reed; and I agree. The other thing is that the rhythms are just routine. There is nothing interesting about playing them. As far as the Dawson applications though. There is nothing like it. You can apply it to double bass too.

True. In fact, I really like the book on Dawson's exercises. Right now, I'm teaching mainly beginners, so they're not doing anything like the Dawson stuff. My primary concern with them reading-wise is just getting them to recognize basic 8th and 16th figures, along with various types of triplets.

[Gyrefalcon]

The one I started out with is Basics in Rhythm by Garwood Whaley.

It is completely on the snare so it gets you used to reading complicated rhythms without worrying about the complete set. It is also nice because it gives a key to counting out each set of rhythms.

[Deltadrummer]

My primary concern with them reading-wise is just getting them to recognize basic 8th and 16th figures, along with various types of triplets.

The other thing to worry about is the intermediate book. I think Jeff would back me up in saying that this is why he uses the books he does. The problem I always had with Burns was I didn't really have a use for the intermediate book. And you can't go from Burns 1 to NARD or Wilcoxon or Pratt. That was not a big issue when the kids were working on NYSSMA; they had other intermediate books. But if you want to get them into reading Podemski, De LeCluese, and Cirone, you need to pick a method that will set them up for that.

[jeffwj]

The other thing to worry about is the intermediate book. I think Jeff would back me up in saying that this is why he uses the books he does. The problem I always had with Burns was I didn't really have a use for the intermediate book. And you can't go from Burns 1 to NARD or Wilcoxon or Pratt. That was not a big issue when the kids were working on NYSSMA; they had other intermediate books. But if you want to get them into reading Podemski, De LeCluese, and Cirone, you need to pick a method that will set them up for that.

Yes, intermediate books are harder to find. That's why I like the Garwood Whaley books. Concert Solos for the Intermediate Snare Drummer (http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/1102022/snare-drum-books-cd) is a good book to go into after attaining the basics. Solos and Duets for Snare Drum (http://www.compumusic.com/Photo.aspx?photo=38369&size=3) is very good as well.

Recital Solos for Snare Drum (http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/905/snare-drum-books) is where it gets up there in difficulty. It is a good book to use before or along with Portraits in Rhythm (http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/2293/snare-drum-books).

For an intermediate book on rudimental drumming, Wilcoxon's All American Drummer (http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/2202/snare-drum-books) does a good job by starting out easy and branching out from there. It is a good way to build up to the Pratt or Wilcoxon's Swing Solos (http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/2203/snare-drum-books).

Jeff

[Hercraft]

Hey, drum teachers (and everyone else too!)

What books do you use for teaching and/or learning reading? I'm looking for good books that go progressively from basic rhythms up to more complex ones with triplets, etc. Of course, I know a handful of such books, but I'm wondering if there are some better ones out there. What do you guys use?

Thanks!

Hi Matt, take a look at the READING pages of the New Breed, They are nice and progressive.

[MattRitter]

You know what? I still love using the book I was taught on when I was 12 with my first teacher -

Drum Class Method by Alyn Heim (Vol 1 and 2)

I tried using an Alfred one with a few students but didn't like it as much.

Thanks, Dan! I'll check out the Alyn Heim books.

[Deltadrummer]

Matt, since you're still looking:

I have used Mark Wessel's book with some of my adult students. The thing about it is that it teaches right hand lead. But sometimes when beginners develop a sense of ambidexterity, they can get into trouble by not leading with the right hand when moving around the kit. It also has a video and CD accompaniment with video examples of the free stroke and the rudiments, as well as audio of the rhythm exercises.

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/wessels_beginner-lessons.html

[MattRitter]

Matt, since you're still looking:

I have used Mark Wessel's book with some of my adult students. The thing about it is that it teaches right hand lead. But sometimes when beginners develop a sense of ambidexterity, they can get into trouble by not leading with the right hand when moving around the kit. It also has a video and CD accompaniment with video examples of the free stroke and the rudiments, as well as audio of the rhythm exercises.

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/wessels_beginner-lessons.html

Thanks for the lead, Ken!

[jazzsnob]

Louis Belson's Modern Reading Text in 4/4 is the book for you.

[MattRitter]

Hi Matt, take a look at the READING pages of the New Breed, They are nice and progressive.

Thanks, Hercraft. I agree with you. I actually use the reading pages from the New Breed quite a lot as basic reading text. One of my beginner students bought the book from a local drum shop recently. The next time I went into the drum shop, the owner said he was surprised to see a beginner buying the book. I had to explain that we were just using the reading section on its own. It was sorta funny. Unfortunately, as you know, the New Breed pages don't cover things like triplets.

Thanks also to Jazzsnob for the recommendation of the Louis Belson book. I have that one already, and have used it from time to time.

[SharkyBait911]

the book that I started off with and has helped me a lot is"the art of the drummer" by john savage its a great book I recommend it

[Deltadrummer]

Here are a few that I highly recommend.

New - Mel Bay's Modern Drum Method Grade One by Steve Fidyk (http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=21517SET) - Book and CD - also has optional DVD (http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=21517DVD) Grade 2 and 3 books will be out soon.

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I just ordered the Steve Fidyk Mel Bay book. I didn't recognize that it was part of that Mel Bay Modern series until I saw the cover. I use the guitar book so I am looking forward to seeing what the drum book is like. If it works well, I'll use it at the store. :)

[jeffwj]

I just ordered the Steve Fidyk Mel Bay book. I didn't recognize that it was part of that Mel Bay Modern series until I saw the cover. I use the guitar book so I am looking forward to seeing what the drum book is like. If it works well, I'll use it at the store. :)

The DVD is out as well. It accompanies all 3 Mel Bay books. Here is a sample clip from the brush section.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjE2IDtDs1s

[Joel Berghult]

I just bought a book from berkeley, called "the reading drummer". I haven't started with it, but it seems very systematic, introducing new elements in each exercise, starting with quarter notes and quarter rests in ex. 1.

[jeffwj]

I like browsing through the Steve Weiss website. It has tons of books - many have samples of a page or two included in the descriptions. The order usually gets to me within a day or so after I place it - they really have their stuff together.

Here is a link to their snare drum books.

http://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/snare-drum-methods

Here is one book/CD set that I just found there. It may be of interest to you.
http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/1834/snare-drum-books-cd

Jeff

[Deltadrummer]

The DVD is out as well. It accompanies all 3 Mel Bay books. Here is a sample clip from the brush section.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjE2IDtDs1s

Looks liike a winner to me!!! :)

I am going to kame some of those pads with the bruash strokes on them for pedagogical purposes. That's a geat idea.

[jeffwj]

Looks liike a winner to me!!! :)

I am going to kame some of those pads with the bruash strokes on them for pedagogical purposes. That's a geat idea.

I ordered a set of Steve's signature brush maps (http://prologixpercussion.com/products.asp?CatID=4&ID=10) after watching the video a few weeks ago. Steve did warn me that they are 13" discs. I have some 13" snares in my studio, so it will work for me.

He also told me that the 8 brush patterns are both on the DVD (http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=21517DVD) and the maps. I'm getting both for my studio. It should make teaching brush patterns a bit easier.

Russ Miller has some brush maps out and I think John Riley will be offering some too.

Jeff

[Deltadrummer]

I ordered a set of Steve's signature brush maps (http://prologixpercussion.com/products.asp?CatID=4&ID=10) after watching the video a few weeks ago. Steve did warn me that they are 13" discs. I have some 13" snares in my studio, so it will work for me.

He also told me that the 8 brush patterns are both on the DVD (http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=21517DVD) and the maps. I'm getting both for my studio. It should make teaching brush patterns a bit easier.

Russ Miller has some brush maps out and I think John Riley will be offering some too.

Jeff

Sounds like the new thing in brush pedagogy technology. :)

[jeffwj]

Sounds like the new thing in brush pedagogy technology. :)

Yeah - the cool thing is that the patterns are in full size. It is more natural than deciphering small patterns out of a book.

Here's another handout of Steve's for those who liked the brush video.
http://www.nationaljazzworkshop.org/freematerials/fidyk/Steve_Fidyk_Wire_Brush_Technique.pdf

[BillBachman]

I think that the best way to teach reading is to also teach writing at the same time. If you can output information, it is the insultingly easy to read the same information.

I wish that more teachers did this. Imaging trying to learn how to read as a kid if you never learned how to write!

[jeffwj]

I think that the best way to teach reading is to also teach writing at the same time. If you can output information, it is the insultingly easy to read the same information.

I wish that more teachers did this. Imaging trying to learn how to read as a kid if you never learned how to write!

Yes. That's another reason that I like Garwood Whaley's Pimary Handbook. There are plenty of writing exercises.

Jeff