Drums & Percussion

Teachers keep coming back to Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone and Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed for building technical foundation. Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1 by Dave Black and A Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer by Charles Dowd are widely adopted for their practical approach to both snare and drumset. John Riley's The Art of Bop Drumming offers musicians ready to tackle jazz vocabulary a comprehensive resource with online audio.

Recent additions include Chorale for Percussion by Dmitri Volkov and Trasumanar by Chester Biscardi for percussion ensemble, along with Land of Knights by Tim Wimer for conductor and parts. Jerzy Bartz's Let's Play Bongos and The Best of Modern Drums Band 1, both with recorded accompaniment, expand options for world percussion and drumset work.

Dave Black is a percussionist and composer who studied at California State University, Northridge, and has traveled internationally performing with major entertainers and productions. His prolific output includes over 60 published compositions and arrangements, many of which have been recorded; Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1 remains a classroom standard for snare and drumset instruction.

Anthony J. Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm has become essential reading for developing rhythmic literacy and sight-reading on snare drum. His work emphasizes the connection between musical understanding and technical facility.

Jeff Moore brings practical expertise to fundamental technique through Fundamental Drumstick Control, combining written instruction with recorded examples to reinforce proper grip and control.