Drum Set Syllabus

Drum Set
Course Description Explores coordinated 4-limb independence and maximizes efficiency,
speed, power, control, and endurance. Expands the utility of the rudiments to the whole
drum set within the context of rock, swing, funk, and Latin grooves. Improves stick
technique. Introduces basic rhythms essential for drum set. Explores the role and
responsibilities of the drummer in big band, combo, jazz trio, rock band, and Latin band
settings.
Required materials
Course Description Explores coordinated 4-limb independence and maximizes efficiency,
speed, power, control, and endurance. Expands the utility of the rudiments to the whole
drum set within the context of rock, swing, funk, and Latin grooves. Improves stick
technique. Introduces basic rhythms essential for drum set. Explores the role and
responsibilities of the drummer in big band, combo, jazz trio, rock band, and Latin band
settings.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:
1. Identify by listing the rudiments and various grooves studied.
2. Play on demand any of the grooves studied, with proper limb independence and proper
technique
3. Read drum parts from the standard literature
Assessment
The student will be assigned a lesson each week, and the following week be graded on
the performance of the assigned lesson.
1. Grades will be based on the quality of the performance and the amount of effort applied.
2. Music majors will be expected to perform on a higher level, and will prepare pieces for
their convocation recitals.
Hand work first year first semester
1. Introduction to grip
2. Introduction to different types of strokes
3. Introduction to first and second rudiments
Hand work second semester
1.Developing the three building blocks [endurance, control and speed]
Drum set first year first semester
1. Seating and positioning of drum and cymbals
2. Basic 1/4 note studies in rock
3. Advanced techniques in modern jazz
Drum set second semester
1. 1/8th note studies in rock
2. Advanced studies in modern jazz
3. Independent techniques for hands and feet
4. Introduction to some common R&B, funk and hip hop grooves
This first semester involving hand work will prepare you in proper technique in volume,
touch and cleanliness of strokes. The first semester involving full drum set will acquaint
you in basic fundamentals in rock and jazz. Students involved in jazz band can bring their

drum charts to class for interpretation and review. Second semester in hand work will
develop strength in wrist, hand and finger muscles.
Drum set second year first semester
1. Advanced techniques in modern jazz
2. Development in 1/16th note triplet beats focusing on the left hand
3. Rolling and half time triplet shuffles
Drum set second semester
1. Advanced techniques in modern jazz
2. Ghosting
3. Six stroke rolls with ghosting
4. Mixed 16th note funk grooves and paradiddle funk
Drum set third year first semester
1.Advanced techniques in modern jazz
2. Paradiddles with inward, reverse and outward patterns
Drum set second semester
1. Advanced techniques in jazz
2. Introduction to Latin independence patterns
Drum set fourth year first semester
1. Advanced techniques in modern jazz
2. Samba fundamentals
3. Left hand accents over bass drum ostinato
4. Baioa rhythm and 6/8 Afro--Cuban patterns
Drum set second semester
1. Latin pop
2. Latin funk/fusion grooves
3. Building a jazz samba with a songo kick
4. Odd time signatures