The Erskine Method for Drumset

This method comes from someone who hasn't just mastered the drumset but has thrived across wildly different musical landscapes, from big band to fusion to orchestral settings. Rather than prescribing a single approach, Erskine shares the practical strategies and mindset that allowed him to adapt and excel in each context. The 300+ beats alone make this a resource that will serve students from their first weeks through years of woodshedding.

A masterclass conducted one-on-one. Erskine's voice guides you through both the mechanics of playing and the philosophy behind musical choices, creating permission to experiment across styles while building unshakeable fundamentals.

Intermediate to advanced drumset students ready to move beyond mechanics into the thinking of a working professional. Band directors and jazz ensemble teachers will find this invaluable for students who are serious about developing the flexibility and musical intelligence required in real ensembles.

• Study the grip section methodically before diving into beats. The foundation Erskine builds here directly impacts everything that follows, from fill execution to endurance.
• Work with the video demonstrations in tandem with the beats. Seeing the technique applied at tempo accelerates understanding far more than reading alone.
• Use the chart reading and interpretation section to strengthen your ability to comping and responding to what's happening around you, rather than playing in isolation.
• Spend time with the brushwork material early. Many drummers neglect this essential voice and Erskine's approach will expand what you can contribute to smaller ensembles.

Assign this to drummers in jazz ensemble or advanced percussion classes as a semester-long deep dive. The video content works well in sectional coaching; the beats and charts provide immediate material for ensemble rehearsals. Students tackling this will bring noticeably more awareness to comping, soloing, and collaborative listening.

• Grip technique and hand positioning for various drumset voices
• Reading and interpreting charts across jazz and contemporary styles
• Comping and responding to harmonic and rhythmic changes in real time
• Brush vocabulary and control for small group and ballad settings
• Fill construction and soloing within ensemble contexts
• Warm-up routines for endurance and consistency
• Listening skills and musical awareness across multiple instrumental roles