The Level System by Jeff W. Johnson
Jeff's book, The Level System, is an overview of the accenting system that was taught to him by Joe Morello. This book was runner-up for the Drum Magazine Drummies award the year it was published.
Rudimental Primer by Mitchell Peters
This is an extensive study of rudiments. It is recommended for marching band drummers, or anyone serious about learning rudiments. The concepts from Jeff's book, The Level System (see above item), can easily be applied to this book.
Primary Handbook for Snare Drum
This book introduces the drummer to the fundamental rhythms as well as a variety of time signatures. Composition assignments, duets, and multiple drum studies are also included. Online audio access allows the drummer to play along with pre-recorded tracks.
A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum by Mark Wessels
This book reinforces fundamentals while introducing rudimental snare drumming. Rudimental etudes, multiple drum studies, and rhythmic studies are included. Students find the supplemental mp3 tracks especially enjoyable.
Intermediate Snare Drum Studies by Mitchell Peters
This book is both musically and rhythmically challenging. It features etudes in a number of time signatures. Many etudes feature changing time signatures. Dynamics and musical articulations are a main focus of the book.
The All-American Drummer by Wilcoxon
This is a classic book by Wilcoxon. Many drummers apply the concepts in this snare drum book to the entire drum set.
Portraits in Rhythm Study Guide by Anthony J. Cirone
Portraits in Rhythm by Anthony Cirone is standard snare drum literature in colleges and universities. The study guide includes the 50 etudes in the original book plus helpful performance notes from the author.
Drumming the Easy Way by Tom Hapke
This introduction to the drum set incorporates both short exercises and extended solos. Grooves and fills are addressed. The entire drum set is utilized, including snare drum, bass drum, toms, and cymbals (hi-hat, ride, and crash cymbal).
Hal Leonard Drumset Method - Book 1
This book presents a number of drum grooves, styles, and fills. The accompaniment tracks will allow the student to play along to a full band. The audio access allows the drummer to slow down the tracks as needed.
Jazz Time Book 1 by Frank Briggs
This book addresses the hand/foot coordination necessary for jazz band performance.
The Rock and Roll Bible of Coordination by Joel Rothman
This book features coordination pattern between the cymbal, snare, and bass drum.
Click here for Rock and Roll Bible of Coordination on Amazon.
Ultimate Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice
This classic drum book has been used my many drummers to improve coordination and increase creativity.
Chart Topping Drum Beats by Nate Brown
This book includes transcriptions of drum beats from famous songs ranging from the 1960's through today.
Advanced Concepts by Kim Plainfield
Jeff studied with Kim Plainfield at Drummer's Collective in NYC. Kim also taught at Berklee College of Music. The book was a major part of the curriculum at both schools. The book covers a wide range of advanced topics, including technique, styles, and soloing.
Mallet Percussion for Young Beginners
This is a great book for beginning mallet players. It focuses on using one's ability to use peripheral vision for playing and reading music.
Click here for Mallet Percussion for Young Beginners on Amazon.
A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion by Mark Wessels
This book can be used in conjunction with school band method books. It contains traditional and classical pieces. mp3 access is included for play-alongs.
Click here for A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion on Amazon.
Fundamental Method for Mallets by Mitchell Peters
This book is an extensive musical study of mallet percussion. It is a thick book, so choose the comb-bound option if offered.
Vic Firth 5AN Drumsticks
The Vic Firth 5AN are great all-purpose drumsticks. They seem to fit well into just about any size hand. The nylon (plastic) tip allows for greater articulation on the cymbal and extends the life of the stick. Unlike other companies, which glue the tips onto the sticks, Vic Firth uses injection molding. This means that the tip actually becomes part of the stick.
Click here for Vic Firth 5AN sticks on Amazon.
For smaller hands, try the 7AN version (similar to above, but thinner and a bit shorter).
Ahead Practice Pad
This as an all-purpose practice pad. The handle and 10" size makes it extremely portable. It has a soft rubber base, allowing it to be placed on a table without scratching your furniture. The price is considerably lower than most other brands.