Drum Set: The Competition Collection: Graded Solos for the Elementary-Intermediate Level

Brown's collection respects the intelligence of young drummers while building confidence through carefully sequenced difficulty. The inclusion of stylistically diverse pieces like Latin Express and Side Winder means students encounter genuine musical contexts rather than technical exercises dressed up as solos.

These solos balance rhythmic clarity with genuine musicality. You'll find yourself playing grooves that sit naturally in your hands while navigating patterns that stretch your coordination and reading without overwhelming.

Young drummers preparing for regional and state competitions, or students who need material beyond their primary method book. Teachers looking for 20 distinct solos at varying difficulty levels will find this collection reduces prep time significantly.

• Lock into the groove before adding embellishments. These solos reward players who establish a solid foundation in the core rhythm first.
• Study the harmonic context of your piece even on drum set. Understanding the chord progression underneath your solo shapes phrasing and dynamic choices.
• Record yourself at each difficulty level. Comparing early pieces to later ones reveals your technical growth and builds momentum toward more demanding material.

Assign solos sequentially through the school year, using early pieces as warm-ups in January before pivoting to competition preparation with the intermediate selections. The progression also works well for chamber recitals or student showcase concerts where you want to spotlight developing soloists.

• Reading syncopated rhythms across multiple staves
• Executing Latin and contemporary groove styles on drum set
• Building stamina for extended solo passages
• Balancing technical accuracy with musical expression
• Preparing contest material to performance readiness