As a convenience to parents and students all required materials are available for purchase at the studio.
Drum Sticks: the student will need sticks for both snare drum and drum set. Recommended sticks are: Vic Firth SD1 or SD1 Jr. for snare drum and practice pad; Vic Firth 5A or 5B for drum set.
Practice Pad: a good practice pad (even if the student owns a drum set and/or a snare drum). Recommended practice pads include: Vic Firth Heavy Hitter Stock Pad or Slim Pad, Vic Firth Heavy Hitter Exactopad, or the Aquarian Tru-Bounce Practice Pad.
Metronome: this is a MUST HAVE piece of equipment. Especially for beginners! Recommended metronomes include: Tama RW-100 or RW-105, Korg MA-30, Boss DB-30 Dr. Beat, or the ASM Metroclick CD. In addition to these several metronome apps are available for smart phones at various prices. The one that I use and recommend is the Tempo from FrozenApe.com
Timer: in addition to a good metronome some kind of timer is recommended for practice. A simple kitchen style timer or a watch with a timer function will work great. Again most smart phones have a clock function that includes a timer
Recommended Books
Jim use the following books for reading and rudimental development:
- Syncopation for the Modern Drummer
- Stick Control for the Snare Drummer
- Alfred’s Drum Method Book 1 & 2
In addition Jim has several topic specific handouts that he has developed. Several snare drum solo and duet books and pieces are introduced depending on the student’s goals and ability.
Drum Set students will work out of:
- Drumset 101
- Alfred’s Kid’s Drum Set Method
- Ultimate Realistic Rock
- Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer
- The Commandments of Early Rhythm and Blues Drumming
In addition students will work with various CD’s, DVD’s, and Play-Along’s as the student progresses including:
- The Turn It Up and Lay It Down Series
- Groove Essentials
