The Syllabus
The DRUMOLOGY syllabus is divided into 14 sections each one of which is sub-divided into a number of modules. There is no specific running order for these sections as each student will require a different combination or running order according to their experience & capabilities.
ERGONOMIC SET UP (1 MODULE)
The basic princilples of setting up the Drum Set
HAND TECHNIQUES, GRIPS & FULCRUMS (7 MODULES)
Analysis, description & exercises for the application of the various “Grips”.
STROKE TECHNIQUES (8 MODULES)
Analysis, description & exercises for the application of the various dynamic strokes including the Moeller Technique.
GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE PRACTICE (1 MODULE)
How to obtain the best results from practice.
COUNTING (1 MODULE)
How to count Rhythmic Subdivisions.
DRUM NOTATION (3 MODULES)
Explanation of standard Drum Notation & voice placement on the staves.
SIGHT READING (16 MODULES)
Analysis & description of Rhythmic Figures & Partials & Sight Reading exercises.
DRUM RUDIMENTS (26 MODULES)
Analysis, description & exercises for the practice & application of the Standard Drum Rudiments to the Drum Set.
BASS DRUM TECHNIQUE (12 MODULES)
Analysis, description & exercises for the application of the Foot Techniques required to obtain, speed, power & control.
HI-HAT TECHNIQUE (5 MODULES)
Analysis, description & exercises for the application of the Open/Close & Splashing Foot & Hand Techniques.
GROOVE TECHNIQUES (17 MODULES)
A series of exercises that bring together 3 & 4 way independancy using all voices on the drum kit to produce repeating rhythmic patterns (ostinatos). Included in these modules are patterns built around accent, rim shot, ghost note & cross-stick techniques.
LINEAR TECHNIQUES (7 MODULES)
Exercises for the application of Linear Grooves where no two limbs ever strike a note at the same time.
ODD TIME SIGNATURES (4 MODULES)
The study & explanation of Time Signatures other than Simple or Duple Time Signatures.
MUSICAL STYLES (33 MODULES)
Examples & Exercises of Grooves in the following styles, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Fusion, Metal, Blues, Drum & Bass, Hip Hop, R&B, Swing Beat, Funk, Soul, Afro-Cuban, Brazilean, Afro-beat, Argentinean, Afro-Carribean, Reggae, New Orleans 2nd Line.