Picture Yourself Drumming: Step-by-Step Instruction for Drum Kit Setup, Reading Music, Learning from the Pros, and More [Paperback]

Jonathan Peckman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Imagine yourself onstage with your band. As the band plays, the crowd moves to the rhythm-your rhythm. The rhythm that you feel in your bones and set loose on the crowd. Drummers aren't front and center. They're not often the face of the band. Instead, they are its heart. It's the drummer who sets the pace and keeps the song on track. Picture Yourself Drumming is an easy-to-follow, visual guide that will help you tackle the basic skills you need to someday control that crowd with your own driving beat. If you have some natural rhythm, a set of sticks, and a desire to become a drummer, then this book was written for you. The accompanying DVD includes tips for a variety of drumming techniques as well as coaching sessions and step-by-step instructions for setting up each piece of your new drum kit.

About the Author

Jon Peckman has been a professional drummer for 20 years and a teacher for 10. He has worked in almost all genres of music as well as maintaining a full teaching schedule. He has taught students aged 8 to adult and has developed an effective and encouraging coaching style.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (January 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598633309
• ISBN-13: 978-1598633306
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,128,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just buy it!, June 20, 2008

By	Robert Petz (Rockton, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Picture Yourself Drumming: Step-by-Step Instruction for Drum Kit Setup, Reading Music, Learning from the Pros, and More (Paperback)

I borrowed this book from the library 4 times before I decided I just had to add this to my collection. From the beginner to the novice drummer, there's something for everyone in this book. It takes you from what the "job description" of a drummer is, how to get a kit, how to set it up and tune the drums, how to read music, basic beats, advanced beats, fills, more fills, advanced drumming techniques and then where to go from there (ie, join a band, music lessons, recordings, etc).
I've been a drummer (on and off) for almost 18 years now and did the garage band thing back in the day. I still learned quite a few things from this book.
It's also a very easy read. So much so that my impatient 11 year old son picked it up and figured out how to lay a basic click. If it works for him.. hey, you gotta get this book!
The absolute only thing I would have liked different about this book is to have audio tracks either with or in place of the dvd. I'm not usually around a tv/dvd setup, especially when practicing. But I do have a cd/mp3 player handy. However, the dvd is fantastic! Far better quality and detail than I expected.
In summary, you can't afford not to get this book. If you're just starting out, this is your launch point. If you're already playing, this will shore up your educational/experience shortfalls. Something for everyone here, a real winner.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Picture yourself succeeding!, February 3, 2007

By	Bobo Nadrumbo "Bobo" (Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Picture Yourself Drumming: Step-by-Step Instruction for Drum Kit Setup, Reading Music, Learning from the Pros, and More (Paperback)

My brother bought this book for my son and I. we have both been studying it and have found it to be the most comprehensive starter instructional book out there. This really covers the nuts and bolts of getting started on a drum kit, both the mechanical aspects of setting up the equipment and the musical aspects of how to make music on the kit. It should be mandatory with every drum kit sold to an aspiring drummer. I think it will help many new drummers get a solid start on the kit rather then the usual frustration encountered. I highly recomend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From a step-by-step setup for a drum kit to reading music, June 17, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Picture Yourself Drumming: Step-by-Step Instruction for Drum Kit Setup, Reading Music, Learning from the Pros, and More (Paperback)

From a step-by-step setup for a drum kit to reading music, learning professional drumming techniques, and practicing the right way, PICTURE YOURSELF DRUMMING is for any beginning drummer who wants to start out on the right foot. Learn how to use expert techniques to make a band sound great, play and invent grooves, and more with this book/DVD package which offers up a logical, progressive drum instructional perfect for drummers who would supplement classroom teachings with more specific routines for advancement.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch