Customer Reviews

Master Studies

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When one looks for educational material regarding the art of drumming, a lot of options is available nowadays. Videos, cd's and books covering all kinds of stuff you can possibly imagine are available for purchase in 4 or 5 mouse clicks. But, when it comes to drum books, there is a particular kind of book that I don't like, concept-wise, it's what I call the "drum lick oriented book". "Master Studies" is a book that runs away from that category, it's a book about hand technique, pure and simple. This is a book that will put you through YEARS of worthfull training, it's a lifetime investiment towards the mastering of hand technique. So, if you want a drum book where you can find a Steve Gadd lick or some ticky-tacky linear groove to impress your band mates or your friends, don't buy Morello's book. But, if you have the commitment, the discipline and take drumming seriously(may it be professionally or a serious hobby), "Master Studies" by Joe Morello is a MUST...In a couple of years, you'll notice serious improvement that will help you to become a better musician. Technique is a something you acquire, something that will assure that you'll be able to play what your hear in your mind and in your heart. So, up to a certain point, it's an invaluable tool.

Joe Morello is a great drummer but IMHO this book is a bit hard to follow compared to any Ted Reed book or Jim Chapin book. I like the book , it's just that the other authors are easy to learn from and follow on a daily basis....just my opinion. Joe is a great drummer and teacher! Also check out Ted Reed's book for the bass drum and drum solos. Chapin's 'Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer ' is a classic that I use with my students also. Better layouts than 'Master Studies'.

This book covers singles, buzz, flams, etc. Even a chapter packed with various fill-in exercises.

I worked a lot with the old classic book "Stick Control" for a long time and made progress with my chops. But after I got "Master Studies" my progress took huge steps forward! It's a super-book in my opinion.

It's perfect for drummers of all styles I guess. I'm an allround drummer myself playing plenty of both jazz and rock. "Master Studies" has helped me very much with the fine touch and all the buzz-effects, etc. for the jazz-playing. But also it has helped a lot with the power and stamina needed for the rock-side of things.

I highly recommend "Master Studies" for any drummer trying to get faster, more endurant, more able to control changing from singles to buzz to doubles etc.

And last but not least - It's actually fun to use!

Great job Joe Morello!! To all drummers out there: GET THIS BOOK IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE IT!! It will help you! No matter what style you play.

I don't think that this book is very useful without a teacher. An enormous amount of exercises are presented to improve speed, endurance and control, but there is no logical sequence (as the author himself states). The problem is that one has to evaluate his own weaknesses to understand which kind of exercise he's really in need of. Frankly, I find those exercises a bit boring. Morello's previous work, "Rudimental Jazz" (no longer available apparently) is much better.

This book is full of exercises which are not extremely difficult to play but whose objective it is to be played correctly and well. These are two subjective terms ('correctly' & 'well'). The emphasis is on how relaxed one can be while playing them. The more relaxed you are, the more evenly and precisely you can play them. These exercises are not designed to be memorized so you can play them at your next band gig or rehearsal. They are there for your practice and conditioning so that you can get in the habit of playing without tension in your arms and wrists. The more relaxed you are when you play, the faster and more even your playing will be. By the way, my most favorite result from practicing this book is the increased fun I have when I play with my improved technique. It does work if you work it. I recommend practicing from this book at the beginning of each practice session for twenty to thirty minutes. That way you are loosened up and ready to practice your other aspects of drumming with a relaxed approach which can only benefit your progress.

I think this book is absolutely a must have to drummers who working with there chops.This is not i beginner book but for the drummers who want to develop there proper technique i higly recommend this book.Its inclueding all kind of snare exercises and its a much more funny book than for example Stick Control or Syncopation.If you working on your foot chops you can use this book to.Work a couple of months with this book and its
realy show results.

For me, looking through the book and working on sections where I feel I need improvement has worked

pretty well. It's pretty easy to follow, but also challenging. I'm using traditional and match grip

on the exercises. It's helped my traditional grip quite a lot already.

I think this book will help you understand timing and using a metronome, along with

building up your speed and coordination. It's helped me and I've been playing for over 20 years.

Just be patient. It's o.k. to spend a week on one page if you need to.

Don't try to judge your progress by how far into the book you are. Start in the middle if you want.

Just stick with it.

This is also a great method book sure to humble you:

4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set

Good luck.

There is no question in my mind being a second gen student of Morello that this book is the key to success in subdividing your motor skills down and obtaining strong independent stick control. I've been using this book more for refreshers and exercises, but it is definitely an excellent book. That said, you can't learn percussion from a book alone, so I would highly suggest taking some courses in jazz drumset or classical percussion along side any study materials like this.

I think this book is absolutely a must have to drummers who working with there chops.This is not i beginner book but for the drummers who want to develop there proper technique i higly recommend this book.Its inclueding all kind of snare exercises and its a much more funny book than for example Stick Control or Syncopation.If you working on your foot chops you can use this book to.Work a couple of months with this book and its
realy show results.

I am working on primarily increasing my sticking speed and this classic Morello Studies book was just what I needed.