by Chis Munson
Background
 In the last article I discussed some of the basic approaches to jazz comping using the eight syncopation solos in Ted Reed’s book, ‘Syncopation.’  As we move forward, the variations on these solos will become increasingly more difficult.  It has been my experience as both an educator and student that there is not a universal learning curve for these exercises. 
You will likely find that just as you have become comfortable with the exercises, you suddenly hit a brick wall with a new variation.  When this happens, break the …

By Bill Stuhlly
 
In this article we’ll explore the accented triple stroke roll.
The key to achieving a triple stroke is the Down/Bounce/Up motion in the arm/wrist.  First play the Down Stroke, then let the stick bounce for the second note, and finally use the up stroke to reset. 
 
The following pictures illustrate each basic step in the process:
1)      DOWN STROKE

2)      Let the stick BOUNCE

3)      Then play the UP STROKE

Here are the 3 variations with the accent moving down the figure:

3A.

3B.

3C.

As you can see the accent dictates where the Down Stroke falls.
Try these …

Percussion Sessions® is a bimonthly online magazine exploring various facets of Percussion music. Each month, this “webzine” will feature articles by composers, teachers, or performers. Visitors to the site can learn about the featured authors’ publications, background, or performance/workshop schedule. A free printable music sample will be included in at least one of the articles each month.
As always, let us know what you like.

by Michael Green
A new book and a new video for the August 2010 edition!
Printable Version

Tom Roady is percussionist who has recorded with many national artists like Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Rogers as well as James Brown, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Art Garfunkel. Hes toured with many top acts like Ricky Skaggs, James Taylor and John Denver. Too many to name. This is his Mel Bay Artist Interview with Erica Cantrell. Tom teaches Mel Bay Pro licks and techniques.
www.melbay.com –
www.tomroady.com

Percussion Sessions® is a bimonthly online magazine exploring various facets of Percussion music. Each month, this “webzine” will feature articles by composers, teachers, or performers. Visitors to the site can learn about the featured authors’ publications, background, or performance/workshop schedule. A free printable music sample will be included in at least one of the articles each month.
As always, let us know what you like.

By Bill Stuhlly
In this article we’ll explore the accented double stroke roll. The key to these is the Down/Up motion in the arm/wrist. The Down stroke is played, let the stick rebound while the arm is down, then pull the arm Up letting the stick hit the snare to get another note. It should feel like a dribbling motion. Here’s how the motions look:

Practice these 2 exercises then move on the combo study:

                                           
 
Try these combo exercises
2A with 2B:
 
                
Here’s a solo study using some of the combos …

by Chis Munson
Background
Chances are that if you have formally studied drum set then you have encountered Ted Reed’s “Progressive Steps to Syncopation.”  In the middle of this book (beginning on page 38) are eight, 40 bar solos.  At first glance these solos appear to be somewhat simplistic and concise.  However, hidden within them is the possibility for, as far as I can tell, a seemingly infinite series of 4-way independence exercises.
As a student, performer, and educator it has occurred to me that there is typically a bridge missing from learning …

 
Percussion Sessions® is a bimonthly online magazine exploring various facets of Percussion music. Each month, this “webzine” will feature articles by composers, teachers, or performers. Visitors to the site can learn about the featured authors’ publications, background, or performance/workshop schedule. A free printable music sample will be included in at least one of the articles each month.
As always, let us know what you like.

by Michael Green
PDF
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Yeah! Another video for the April 2010 edition!