Introduction 3

1 - Plan 4

2 - Study what is needed 6

3 - Set the Goals 8

4 - Track the Progress 10

5 - Register 12

6 - Exercise Slowly, Learn Quickly 15

7 - Don't get distracted 17

8 - Be Consistent 19

9 - Work on Weak Points 21

10 - Study the Technique 23

I recap 25
Where can you find me? 26

Credits 28

2
Introduction
This guide summarizes the methods, techniques, and practical advice on the study of the most
great world drummers.

One of the most common problems in learning the drums is definitely

the organization of one's own work. Often, even those who are guided by a teacher,
fatica a pianificare in maniera efficace i propri studi.

Here are the most common doubts:

What do I study today?

➔ where should I practice?

Why don't I improve?

How long should I study?

Do I have to practice every day?

How do I stay motivated?

To achieve the goals, it is therefore important to understand how to optimize one's

studio, creating a routine and clearly defining some specific steps. I have gathered
so examples and practical advice for getting the most out of your sessions.

The drummers mentioned in this guide are:

● Terry Bozzio ● Kenny Aronoff

● Chris Adler ● Dave Weckl
● Ilan Rubin ● Stewart Copeland
● Benny Greb ● Jay Weinberg
● Gavin Harrison ● Neil Peart
● Stanton Moore ● Tommy Igoe
● Mike Johnston ● Antonio Sanchez
● Steve Smith ● Buddy Rich
● Josh Freese ● Dom Famularo

3
|1. Pianifica

Terry Bozzio

Having clear ideas from the beginning is essential for creating a study system that
day results.

Terry Bozzio, in this interviewtalks about the need to have a clear understanding of one's own
objectives from the very beginning: "Do you want to be a studio musician, rock, jazz or country? Do you want
to be a session man, to play in a band that makes original pieces or do you want to work with the
symphonic orchestras?

AlsoSteve Smith, in this DVDexplains the importance of organizing study and

being consistent to achieve goals: "You need to know what to practice every day
stick to your plan. Be patient and take your time.” Therefore, avoid sitting behind
the battery without deciding on what to work on.

Mike Johnstonargues that "sitting behind the drums without a plan is like
going to the supermarket without a shopping list. You'll waste a big part of your time
"only thinking about the list."

4
For example:
If you are at the beginning and starting from scratch, you could work on these areas:

1. Rhythmic reading: learning to sight-sing and read notes in the staff

● Dante Agostini vol.1(Dante Agostini)

● Encyclopedia of reading rhythms(Gary Hess)

[Link] technique: the correct movements to perform: tap, down, upstroke and

downstroke, free stroke, basic exercises for the snare drum

● Stick Control(George L. Stone)

● You made your move(Dom Famularo)

● Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation(Buddy Rich)

3. Coordination and rhythms: study of the main rhythms in order to play pieces

simple coordination exercises for hands and feet

● Syncopation for the modern drummer Ted Reed

● Groove Essentials(Tommy Igoe)

● Survival Guide for the Modern Drummer(Jim Riley)

5
2. Study What is Necessary

Chris Adler

It is not always easy to identify what is really needed to study. The topics are
many, but the ideal is to choose those areas that can improve you in the context in which you
found in a certain period.

Chris Adlerof theLamb of Godprefers to dedicate a good part of his routine

to the study of a single topic, focusing its attention particularly on the
double cash [Link] this interviewexplains his warm-up routine before the
concerts, specified for the musical style it is dedicated to.

AlsoKenny Aronoff, one of the legends of the world drumming, advises to

choose the topics based on what we need to play at that moment
I need to be able to perform at my best in that musical [Link] the video).

Tommy IgoediceAsk yourself this: What am I studying? I am studying things to appear

cooler? To impress friends? To be better than the drummer in my neighborhood?
I have seen many young drummers wasting time working on things that only drummers care about.
they really interest.

6
For example:
If you are playing with a pop/rock band and your interest is to improve timing, the
precision and control, works on these topics:

Groove
Reading
Sound on click
Precision
Use of the metronome
Ghost notes
●Exercises play along

Useful resources:

●Method:Time Functioning Patterns(Gary Chaffee)

●Method:The New Breed(Gary Chester)

●Metodo:Groove Essentials 1 and 2Tommy Igoe

Method:Groove Alchemy(Stanton Moore)

Method:Future Sounds(Dave Garibaldi)

Method:Time & GrooveMaurizio dei Lazzaretti

●Metodo:Time RudimentsMaurizio dei Lazzaretti

●Method:The Drummer’s Play AlongCristiano Micalizzi

Method:Breakbeat Bible(Michael Adamo)

●DVD:The Art and Science of Groove(Benny Greb)

●Basi play along:Test of Time

●App: Live BPM Beat Detector Android|

- iOS

7
3. Set the Goals

Ilan Rubin

SecondIlan Rubinthe ingredient of success is only the work ethic: "creates the
goals, achieve them and create new ones. Keep improving and making progress. Work
always on what I want to achieve, I am a workaholic.

Once the main objective is established, it will be necessary to divide it into mini-objectives or
step, on which to focus attention for shorter periods. This system is used to
keep the focus only on specific topics.

It could take a week, a month, or more. Beyond three months, it is more difficult.
maintain focus, so if you are studying a method or a topic that requires
such a long term, take a specific section and set a deadline for then
start the next one.

AlsoJay Weinbergcurrent drummer of theSlipknot, in this interviewspeak

the importance of having short-term goals: 'Keep working on small
achievable goals. Once you have reached a result, continue to set yourself goals
new and to reach them.

8
For Example:

Create tables with the three/four topics that interest you

Choose topics of different durations, so you don't get bored and don't lose.

enthusiasm

Choose which book/DVD/resource you want to use

Set a deadline to achieve the goal

Append your sheet in front of the battery to always keep it in view.

9
4. Track Progress

Benny Greb

Keeping track of your progress helps to have an indication of what you have.
reached up to that moment. And seeing the daily progress fuels the
motivation.

Inthis interviewthe great German drummerBenny Grebsays he has

collected various notebooks with all his studies from years, with the topics of each
session and specific notes on the exercises. A true diary of the
own musical evolution.

You will notice the usefulness of this system even after months or years, and it will be interesting in
time, see how manybpmwere you able to do that exercise to compare yourself with your
current capacities.

10
For example:
Get a notebook or a planner dedicated to your sessions and note down:

Did you study that day?

How much time have you dedicated to each study area?

How many bpm have you reached?

What difficulties or problems have you encountered?

What are your feelings after studying?

Useful resources:

● Praxis Music JournaliOS app to track your progress in

studio

● Hero PanelComplete tool for organizing your daily calendar

11
5. Register

Gavin Harrison

Recording your sessions doubles (at least) the effectiveness of your study.
It is a system that greatly speeds up learning and allows us to understand.
where we need to improve and what our weak points are.

Gavin Harrisonrecord your sessions with the metronome and take care in a way
maniacal all the details of the execution. Slowing down the listening, check if the notes of the
the kick or the charleston are perfectly in time, if the ghost notes are aligned
with the sixteenths or if there are accidental flats.

He also adds: "It is difficult to think about certain things while you are playing. It is more...
easy and functional to record and listen, to record and listen. It is only when you take the
time and learn to feel what happens in your way of playing, you will be able to isolate
what is not right is to work on it to solve the problem.

AlsoDave Weckl, in his famous educational video "Back to Basics, speaks of how
thanks to the recordings, I was able to fully understand the dynamic problems or
of time, which he would not have noticed otherwise.

12
For example:
You don't need to have a professional recording studio to record your own
sessions, here are some possibilities:

Audio recorder

Zoom H1 Tascam DR-05

Microphone for smartphone

Zoom IQ-6 Rode i-XY

If you want to know more, watch my course on how to record drums and create a home.
studio from scratch:[Link]

13
6. Practice Slowly,
Learn Quickly

Stanton Moore

"Practice slowly and learn quickly" is a valuable piece of advice fromStanton Moore,
one of the best drummers and educators around.

This concept means that the fastest way to learn to play any
what is studying very slowly with the metronome and gradually speeding up
time. Even though it may seem boring, it is truly the best way to do
decisive progress.

AlsoSteve Smithadviceto practice slowly and in different dynamics for

have greater control. It also suggests using your own study sessions
like a sort of meditation to release tension in the body.

Stewart Copeland, the great drummer of the The Police” diceWhen you practice, you look for
perfection. To achieve it, find the right speed to play the rudiment at
perfection and not going beyond. Because going beyond that time will make you sound in
imperfect manner and therefore study poorly.

14
For example:
I started slowly, even at 40 or [Link]

Repeat in a loop until you feel confident.

Increase by 3-5 points gradually.

Speed up to the target time

Work on various dynamics

Use a mirror to check your movements.

Useful resources:
● Groove ScribeWebsite to study grooves or fills in a loop

● Tempo Lite(free metronome) - iOS or Android app

● Tune Transcriber(free) - Slow down or speed up MP3 or YouTube video

● AnytuneSlows down and speeds up tracks while maintaining high file quality.

Ideal for studying songs or sections of a piece.

● Amazing Slow DownerTo slow down or speed up tracks without changing the

pitch

● Audipo(Android) - Speed up and slow down songs or sections of a song. Create loops,

custom playlists, location markers, wav/mp3 export.

● Chrome extensionto slow down or speed up YouTube videos

15
7. Don't Get Distracted

Mike Johnston

The English drummerGavin Harrison, tell in this Podcastas a boy,

he was used to studying for six to seven hours a day, five days a week, closed off
in the rehearsal room without any kind of distraction. Just him and the drum set.

But studying six hours every day, checking email every 10 minutes,
Social media or your girlfriend's texts won't yield great results for you...

Mike Johnstonfor example, uses in their study routine thePomodoro Technique,

known as an effective method for time management and motivation.

Today, with everything the web has to offer (videos, DVDs, books, etc.), it is easy
to be fascinated by new topics and lose concentration on those that
Instead, they should be our work plans.

Stay focused on your starting goals and use any new insights that you
they arrive to plan future study topics.

16
For example:

Turn off the phone

Deactivate the internet and social networks

●Impose yourself to do only what you previously established

Concentrate on one thing at a time

Do everything you would like to do more, do it afterwards.

Take a short break every 25-30 minutes.

Useful resources:

● Cold Turkeyone of the most comprehensive tools on the market to avoid distractions and

block everything that limits operations and focus

● FreedomBlock internet, apps, and websites

● Pomodoro Time ManagerPomodoro App for Mac OS

● TomatoOnline timer to practice the Pomodoro technique

17
8. Be Consistent

Kenny Aronoff

The frequency and duration of study sessions are very subjective things. Many
factors (time, work, health, relationships...) significantly affect one's
personal routine. But developing the habit of exercise is extremely important for
to reach the goals we aspire to.

Kenny Aronoffinthis interview, states that discipline has always been at the
basis of all her successes. The second element is hard work, supported by
passion and from the study of the instrument.

Neil Peartdrummer of theRush"When you start playing, practicing must be a"

cosa meccanica, accurata e ripetitiva, ma una volta acquisiti gli strumenti “base”, le tue
sessions can become a kind of private performance.

According to some studies, creating a habit is a process that on average takes 30 days.
dayswatch this video), after that it becomes natural to do it. Study every day,
a little but always, and after a few weeks, you won't feel it as a burden anymore.

18
For example:
Be realistic about the time you intend to dedicate to studying.

Find that moment of the day where you can perform better mentally and

physically

Set fixed hours and always stick to them

Think of your study session as an unmissable appointment.

Participate in short sessions, but of great quality.

● Study with continuity, possibly every day

It's better to study for one hour every day than for six hours in a single session.

Gradually increase the duration of your study sessions

Useful resources:

● Tiny GainApp to create your daily routine (iOS/Android)

19
9. Work on Weaknesses

Thomas Lang

Thomas Lang, in this interviewtalk about how his study system

Daily life should consist of long-term and short-term goals and the importance of writing.
a list of one's weaknesses, to eliminate gradually. Once established
The study objective defines the three specific weak points to work on for improvement.
that area is devoted to completely eliminating them.

Tommy Igoe, in the introduction to "Great hands for a lifetimeit argues that: "If the
Drummer A practices 12 hours a day, while drummer B does it for four hours.
working on his weaknesses and pushing himself into new territories every time he studies, who
Do you think he will become a better musician in the end?

AlsoMike Johnstoninthis articlesaying: 'What do you want to improve? What do you see of
better than other drummers? What are your weaknesses that you wish could become
What are your strengths? Answering these questions will help you define your study routine.

20
For example:

Identify a style or a technique that you would like to explore further.

Analyze your list of weaknesses

Practice every day to eliminate them

Work on what you consider to be the most difficult of your current abilities.

Isolate the sections where you make mistakes most often and repeat them.

●Study what you don't know yet

21
10. Study the Technique

Buddy Rich

The in-depth study of technique is the element that unites most of the
great drummers. Working seriously on the technical foundations is necessary to gain control
of the instrument, in order to be able to do with the hands what the brain is
elaborating.

Buddy Rich, considered by many to be the greatest drummer of all time,speak like this
the importance of technique: "The concept of technique that many drummers have, is
groundless. Many of them spend an infinite number of hours practicing the technical aspect.
without worrying about the true purpose: expressing one's musical thought and one's own
sound.

Antonio Sanchez, affirmsthat technique is very important to be able to convey the

our musical thoughts into physical actions. Having good technique with our hands and feet allows us
it allows us to have agility with the tool and to express ourselves freely.

SecondDom Famularothe deep technical knowledge is the only way to be able to

to transmit on the kit the emotions we want to express inside.

22
AlsoThomas LangHighlight the advantages of having a large technical base: "The technique
it is the key to playing effortlessly. It allows you to focus on what you want to play,
not on how to play it.

The famous session manJosh Freese, telldi come fin da bambino, fosse abituato
to study the rudiments: double strokes, five-stroke rolls, seven-stroke rolls, paradiddles, flam taps,
I was studying a snare drum solo called 'Three Camps'... Learning it
it was a big goal for me, at just ten years old. I loved the routine of that exercise, the
the way my wrists warmed up and stayed in shape.

23
For example:
Study all the basics on the snare or on the pad

Apply the concepts of rudiments to the drums as well.

●Signaledbpmwho have you arrived at

Always train the technique of hands and feet

Useful resources:

● 40 Rudiments PAS
I 40 official rudiments in PDF format

● Stick ControlGeorge L. Stone

Considered by many to be the most important text for hand techniques.
To gain control, power, strength, and precision.

● Accents and reboundsGeorge L. Stone

The continuation of the famous Stick Control, focused on development.
and the control of accents.

● Rudimental PatternsJoe Cusatis

How to apply the use of fundamentals on set. A great book to improve.
their agility on set and creatively develop the studies conducted on the snare.

● Secret weapons for the modern drummer (JoJo Mayer) - DVD

Everything about technique, setup, control, speed, and endurance of the hands
with one of the leading experts. From basic movements to more advanced ones explained in
detail.

● Great hands for a lifetime(Tommy Igoe) - DVD

Tommy Igoe analyzes the concepts of single hits, double hits, rebounds, the families of
rudiments, routines for practice and exercises to maintain the technique unchanged in
time.

24
I recap

1. Don't sit behind the drums without already knowing what to study.

Study what is most useful to you at that precise moment.

[Link] goals and break them down into mini-goals

4. Annotate your progress, noting the weak points.

[Link] to evaluate your performance

[Link] all the bpm, starting very slowly

7. Turn off the phone and do not get distracted

8. Create the habit, set the times and stick to them.

9. Step out of your comfort zone and work on your weaknesses

Always keep the technique trained.

25
Where can you find me

My online courses:

● Drummer from Zeroonline drum course for beginners

● Tuning the Drumhe/she will learn to tune the drum kit

● Rhythmic Solfeggiolearn rhythmic sight-reading and reading for drums

● Register the Batterycreate your home studio and record drums from home

26
Who I am and what I do:

● [Link]/who-i-am

My personal sites:

● [Link]

● [Link]

Social:

● YouTube

● Facebook

● FB Group SuonarelaBatteria

● Instagram

● Podcast Playing the Drums

Playing the Drums: a teaching method for beginners

technical setup of hands and feet

●Rhythmic variations in musical styles

coordination of the four limbs

●main rudiments and applications
●studio of fill
dynamics
rhythmic lectures
approach to musical pieces
study practical advice
list of 165 famous songs from
playing in various styles

148 pages - Attached multimedia files: Video + Mp3

Buy on Amazon:[Link]

27
Credits
● Drumeo - Kenny Aronoff (Functional Practicing)

● NoiseCreep - Chris Adler

● Modern Drummer - Agosto 2011 - Ilan Rubin

● [Link] -Jay Weinberg

● MIke Dolbear -Benny Greb

● Back to Basics -Dave Weckl

● Modern Drummer - Gennaio 2009 - Gavin Harrison

● Music RadarGavin Harrison

● Drummer’s Resource Podcast -Stanton Moore

● Vital Information -Steve Smith

● Music Radar - Stewart Copeland

● Drummer's Resource Podcast -Gavin Harrison

● EffectivelyPomodoro Technique

● TED -Mutt Cutts (Try something new for 30 days)

● Music Guy 247 - Kenny Aronoff

● ICMP Online Podcast -Thomas Lang

● Great Hand for a Lifetime-Tommy Igoe

● Modern Drummer-Mike Johnston

● Scottkfish - Buddy Rich

● Hudson MusicAntonio Sanchez

● Hudson Music -Thomas Lang

● Modern Drummer -Josh Freese

28
Image Credits
● Terry Bozzio

● Chris Adler

● Ilan Rubin

● Benny Greb

● Gavin Harrison

● Stanton Moore

● Mike Johnston

● Kenny Aronoff

● Thomas Lang

● Buddy Rich

Last update April 2020

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