Customer Reviews

Gene Krupa Drum Method

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Gene Krupa's original text guides the beginning drummer through everything from stick selection to being a "quadridexterous" drummer (combining the use of both arms and legs). He focuses on making sure the student learns even the most basic aspects of drumming thoroughly, and each lesson builds upon the last, as any good instruction should. Also, all the well-known drumming rudiments are taught, such as paradiddles, rolls, and flams. From talking to more experienced drummers, most have said that this is the best way to learn to drum; it's only too bad that the rudiments have been ignored in favor of the five-minute "this is a basic rock beat" lesson. I have found this book very easy to teach yourself from.

Experienced drummers will also enjoy this book, with several of Gene's solos in the back. Songs such as "Sing, Sing, Sing," "Caravan," and a neat little cowbell lick, among others, are included. This book is a must for the beginning drummer, the jazz drummer, and Gene Krupa fans!

The Gene Krupa Drum Method, published in 1938, was an important book when it comes to understanding the history of drum set playing. As Gene Krupa studied with Sanford Moeller, the Gene Krupa Drum Method brought valuable insight into the "Moeller Technique". The present edition of Gene Krupa Method contains detailed explanations with photographs of stick grips as well as instructions for the Upstrokes and Downstrokes specific for the "Moeller Technique". There are also sections on drum rudiments, especially rolls and paradiddles, and drum set playing. However, in this reprint on Alfed Publishing, almost half the original book has been excluded, meaning the military beats in the original edition, such as The Three Camps and Downfall of Paris, as well as swing classics like Sing, Sing, Sing. If this reprint is the only Krupa book you can find, and you are interested in drum history and the "Moeller Technique", I recommend it. However, if you can get hold of a copy of the original book from 1938, so much the better! Tormod Kayser, M.Mus, Norway

The book is too small to be of practical use,about 5" by 5". To use the exercises it is necessary to enlarge them. The book is poor on explanation. From such a great drummer I was expecting a much better book.Some of the exercises are good so the book is not a total waste.