Inside Out: Exploring the Mental Aspects of Drumming [Paperback]

Billy Ward (Composer)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2003

This book takes drummers beyond the rudiments and technical exercises to the artistic and spiritual side of what it takes to be a great musician. Master drummer Billy Ward, player and educator, has become one of the most popular columnists in Modern Drummer history. Totally honest and revealing, he shares his series of essays from Modern Drummer magazine that will give players a different perspective on getting better at everything they do, from their own solo playing to the part they play as a component of a band. Topics include: How to Get Gigs, Learning to Groove, Effective Practicing, Session Drumming Tips, Auditioning, Improving Your Mechanics, Wards Quickie Chart System, and more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Modern Drummer Publications (July 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0634064029
• ISBN-13: 978-0634064029
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,491,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A different kind of drum book..., January 22, 2005

By 

D. Kolton (The Great Northwest) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Inside Out: Exploring the Mental Aspects of Drumming (Paperback)

Most drum books contain lessons, or, at least some lessons and some text. This book is all text, and some "life lessons". Billy Ward gives you the up-front and frank discussion maybe-nobody-ever-gave-you about "making it", practicing, "the business", playing with a clear head (and maybe not so clear band-mates) and more.

I don't think this book will change your drumming life, BUT, if you don't usually read stuff like this I feel sure you will find it interesting. Certainly a lot of little tid-bits of knowledge from the game of "life" as experienced by a musician and drummer who has been in the game a while.

Whay not five stars? Not really sure. I fee like something is missing, but I don;t really know what it is...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but not mind-blowing, August 30, 2005

By 

Absense of Form (Hong Kong S.A.R.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inside Out: Exploring the Mental Aspects of Drumming (Paperback)

I'd been looking around for drum books that tapped inside the minds of great drummers. I already own a lot of method books and wanted to improve my mental side of drumming. This book looked like it was exactly waht I wanted. I got it, and spent 2 days before I finished it. I must say, it's very easy reading and each chapter is short so it feels very fast.

However, honestly speaking, its more like just talkiing to Billy Ward. I did get a few things out of this book that changed the way I saw things when I drum, but I guess for the price I paid, I was expecting a little bit more.

This book is inspirational, but don't except to be blown away by it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, November 20, 2011

By 

Luke - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Inside Out: Exploring the Mental Aspects of Drumming (Paperback)

It's different from other drum books. It talks about Ward's experiences, self improvement and musical behavior. it's a good guide for self studies and for those who have their own students. I recommend it.