Advanced Concepts: A Comprehensive Method for Developing Technique, Contemporary Styles, and Rhythmical Concepts

Focused and practical without sacrificing musicality. The material sits squarely in the world drummers actually inhabit: navigating contemporary styles, locking into complex rhythmic ideas, and developing the independence and control these demands require.

Intermediate to advanced high school drummers and college-level students preparing for jazz ensembles, contemporary band arrangements, and professional gigging. Directors building a drumset curriculum that goes beyond basic rudiments will find this essential.

• Work through the exercises methodically using the included recording; the 90-minute accompaniment gives you consistent reference tempos and musical contexts for each concept.
• Focus on the pull-out chart as daily routine material, cycling through exercises across multiple weeks rather than treating them as one-time drills.
• Apply the contemporary styles to ensemble repertoire students are currently learning; bridge the method work directly into your band or jazz ensemble charts.
• Record students playing sections of the exercises to track rhythmical clarity over time, especially as patterns increase in complexity.

Layer this into your drumset curriculum once students have solid fundamental technique. The contemporary styles section pairs well with modern big band repertoire or funk and fusion pieces you're performing. Use it as your go-to reference when students need to understand the rhythmical language of 21st-century ensemble music.

• Contemporary drumset techniques specific to modern styles
• Complex rhythmical concepts and syncopated patterns
• Stylistic independence and adaptability across genres
• Coordination and independence between hands and feet
• Reading and executing written rhythmical notation at advanced levels