Alfred's Drum Method

Teachers consistently turn to Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1: Snare Drum Book by Dave Black as their first method choice for beginning drummers. Alfred's Beginning Drumset Method: Drumset Book, also by Black, is the natural next step for students ready to transition from snare to full kit. Many instructors pair these core texts with the online video and audio versions to give students reference recordings and visual demonstrations at home.

Dave Black is a percussionist and composer who studied percussion performance at California State University, Northridge and has performed and recorded with major entertainers and touring shows across the world. His prolific output includes over 60 published compositions and arrangements with major music publishers, and his Alfred's Drum Method series forms the backbone of this collection.

Jay Wanamaker brings decades of teaching experience and music industry knowledge to his method book work. He has instructed marching bands for high-profile events including the 1984 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Pan Am Games, and Super Bowl XXIII, and served on the music faculty at USC Thornton School of Music.

Mark Powers combines performance, education, and community engagement in his approach to percussion instruction. Beyond authoring method materials, he has worked as a teaching artist in schools and correctional facilities, and is a two-time TEDx speaker focused on rhythm-based leadership and team building.