INTRODUCTION

     The main objective of this book is not to achieve the ability to read complex drum
music (although, when you've gone through this book, you will have a certain level of
reading ability you will find very useful), nor is it to give you beats that you will use the
rest of your life, or make you develop any one particular style. The goal of this book is
to give you some basic coordination on the drum set that will get you on your way to
playing rhythms & grooves.

     The first section of this book deals with some basic music theory, and will give you
the tools needed to read drum set music. With this ability, you will be able to expand
your knowledge freely with, for example, any of the song or solo transcriptions and
technique exercises you'll find in Drum! or Modern Drummer magazine. You will also
be able to write down the drum set music of your favorite artists for yourself.

     You may have already been taught snare drum and basic theory, either at school or
by a private teacher. If you wish, you may skim through the first section and proceed to
section two. It never hurts, however, to refresh your memory, so feel free to review the
information.

     I would make two suggestions for using this book, or any other. The first is to use a
metronome whenever possible. It will help you keep steady time (which is, after all, our
main function as drummers), and help you divide beats evenly. It is also a great tool in
gauging your progress. With a metronome, you can also increase the tempos (speeds) at
which you play the exercises steadily and evenly, which results in the best playing
possible.

     The second suggestion is to study with a teacher. You can always learn something
from others, and you will be able to progress faster with someone to show you how
things work. I know from my own experience that it takes longer to get from one place
to another without someone to show you how to get there.


               Remember to ask questions, practice well, and enjoy yourself!