My daily go-to drum books
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As a drummer, I have found that a few reliable books can keep practice focused and inspiring. Over the years I have tried many different methods, but there are five that I keep coming back to almost every day. They give me structure, push me in different directions, and help me grow as both a player and a teacher.
1. Advanced Coordination for Drum Set and Hand Percussion by Rick Dior
This book has really opened up my playing when it comes to independence. The exercises can be tough at first, but they train your hands and feet to move in ways that feel natural once you get them down. What I like most is that it’s incredibly comprehensive and it goes beyond typical drum set patterns bringing in concepts from hand percussion. Working through these pages gives me a sense of freedom when I sit behind the kit.
2. Jazz Drummer’s Reading Workbook by Tom Morgan
Reading music is something that can easily be overlooked, but this book makes it practical. The exercises feel like real charts you might play on a gig, and that makes them a lot more fun. I use it to practice sight-reading and also to strengthen my time and feel in different jazz settings. It gives me confidence that if I sit down with a band and someone drops a chart in front of me, I can handle it.
3. Master Studies by Joe Morello
When I want to focus on pure technique, this is the book I go to. The exercises look simple but they are extremely effective for building control, endurance, and dynamics. Many times I use it during my warm-ups, but it also becomes part of a deeper practice session when I want to refine my touch. It is one of those timeless books that proves how important the fundamentals are.
4. Advanced Funk Studies by Rick Latham
If I am in the mood to groove, this is the book that comes out. The funk patterns and fills are challenging, but once you work them up to tempo they feel great. What I enjoy is how practical they are. I can take ideas from this book straight into a rehearsal or performance and they just work. It is a perfect mix of technical workout and real-world drumming.
5. Modern Rudimental Swing Solos for the Advanced Drummer by Charles Wilcoxon
This book connects me to the tradition of drumming more than almost any other. The solos are based on rudiments, but they are written in a way that really swings. They are excellent for reading and they also develop hand strength and control. For me, it is a reminder that everything we do on the drums is part of a larger history, and working through these solos makes me feel connected to that.
Closing thoughts
These five books cover a lot of ground in my practice. One focuses on advanced coordination, another on jazz reading, another on technique, one on groove, and one on tradition. Using them together gives me a balanced routine that keeps me improving a little bit every day.