I’m standing in the middle of the New Forest watching a large heard of wild cows approaching my drum kit. Panic is setting in, what am I doing here? Why did I think this was a good idea? Oh that’s right, calm down dear, you’re just trying to get some interesting photos for your new drumming book….
Going back to January of 2012 I decided I really wanted to put together a book that would represent the style, methods and progressions that I have developed and used over the past decade to successfully improve other drummers’ playing.
My main goals were to make it clear, progressive and focused. I wanted to offer an alternative to drumming books that progress by jumping between different styles of grooves and really make sure the reader had a chance to develop the understanding of beat placement and coordination on a similar theme. This would ensure that it would empower and enable them to go away and construct their own patterns rather that just having a small bank of memorised patterns; It would put the player in control.
The book is a logical progression of drum grooves designed to develop the drummer’s timing, coordination, feel and understanding. The theme that ties the book together is that all the grooves use the same right hand ostinato (repeated pattern) which is 8th notes on the hi hat. It begins at a level that will work for a beginner and progresses on to exercises that will challenge experienced musicians.
Now that it’s finished I’m extremely proud of it. It has been a hit with my students and having a wealth of knowledge within one book has really added to their progression. I was confident the content was going to work as I have seen the results from working with students in the past however I feel that the work done by Rich Windsor on the graphics and lay out and Jenna Marsh on the photography and Gareth Cobb in the studio have made it truly excellent resource.
Groove Freedom Book 1 is now available to purchase from the product page of the Element Drum Tuition website. I had a really good time putting this book together as I got to work with exciting and amazing people and laugh a lot. One of my goals for 2013 is to produce the next book in the series so I’m sure it won’t be long till I’m again stood in the wilderness trying to keep calm as large, wild animals converge on me and my drum kit.
Feel free to let me know what your views are on the book or get in touch if you have any questions on the material.
Happy New Year and see you on my next blog…