A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum

I'm an old drummer who never learned to play right. Along with some you tube videos on rebound, this is the way to go. The book is laid out really well in an easy to understand manner. The music tracks that come with the book are great. They actually sound like you're drumming along to music, and they serve as a little reward for your progress. He goes into pretty good detail of technique. You really get the best experience by watching the you tube videos as well. It's just great that he took the time to make a video for every lesson. It's so convenient to watch them. I actually had a pirated copy of this book that I could have used just fine, but the book seemed so nice, that I wanted the real deal. I'm glad I did because it's been updated as well. I also got a chance to check out some other popular beginner/snare books and I like this one the best. I'm using this with the level system presently because that book goes into a lot of detail about up and down strokes. I also recommend the Jo Jo Mayer video "Secret Weapons", for the best video I've seen explaining rebound technique. I'm going to eventually have to pay a teacher a dollar a minute to help me fine tune my technique, but this book will help me get there.

Impressive! Mark has videos on YouTube and one might think they can just use those...why buy the book? Well, I thought the same. Mark references lines in the book, teaches how to read music, in the videos. The book is the price of a single live lesson, and super worthwhile for those that watch the videos. I watch the videos on my tablet while looking at the book, both on my music stand, and it’s like having Mark in the room. I did not get the book for free, and do not know Mark Wessels...I just know a good thing when I see it. Note: if you plan to use the book, which does not come with a CD as everything is on YTube now, and NOT watch the videos, I think the book alone would NOT suffice. You really need book plus videos. And a metronome. Thanks.

If you truly want to learn to play the snare, this is the book w/mp3. I've always liked drums but only knew how to play the tenor. This book gives you every bit of information you need to get started and stay on the path to learning the 40 rudiments to play the snare. It takes a lot of practice but the end results are well worth it. You will learn how to hold your sticks, read the music, and how to stick consistently to get that drum roll that can go on forever. I have purchased other CDs and DVDs on playing the drums. This one beats them all as far as information is concerned. This book is not done half way. He tells you everything you need to know to be successful. You've just got to do it.

I had scheduled a return but ultimately decided to keep it because I guess I could benefit from the refresher and reviewing the fundamentals... Be advised: this is a good book for beginners, but for intermediate players it should only be a review of the basics. Also, the item pictured and described is an outdated version - the version you will likely receive if you order a new copy does not come with CD or rudiment poster, but it does have links to downloadable tracks and YouTube videos.

I discovered this book through the Vic Firth website. I started the method with the free lessons found there. The practice routines on the Vic Firth site seem to be from an older edition of the book. Pay close attention to the changes to routine when transitioning from the free lessons to the book.It's a fine method. I am a guitar player and instructor. I wish there were books like this for guitar.I'm using this book for self instruction (I get occasional drum lessons to check my form). After about two months of daily practice, I've reached the sixth lesson (out of twenty).The lessons are well paced, with an emphasis on gradual, consistent development of rudiments and exercises. The visual presentation in the book is tight and concise.The supplementary online videos are thoughtfully done and very helpful. The included audio recordings are indispensable.I wish this book were widely available in Canada.

My son had this on his requirements list for school band. I've seen it more at home than in his backpack. I hope he used it. But with how teachers make requirements and then forget to use the, I'll never know.

In my opinion, this is one of the great bodies of work for music method, absolutely clear and concise, easy to follow and understand. It takes one from first drumstick touch through intermediate. There is easily 2 years worth of study in this book. My 8 year old, who plays piano, looked over my shoulder and figured out how to drum and read drum notation in just a few minutes. The beginning exercises are so simple and gradually increase, that if one applies themselves they will be assured of success. Absolutely A++ method book. I wish all instruments had such a book!

This is the definitive manual to learning to play the snare drum and the necessary rudiments while also learning to read music in a fast, easy manner. The book comes with a CD that has play-along music for the various exercises. This is great because right away you are exposed to a variety of playing styles, and it makes playing even the most basic exercises fun. The book comes with a link to some free youtube videos, but to see all of the videos that match up with the lessons, you must pay from the author's website. I think these are very valuable and worth the extra money. In only a matter of weeks you will be reading music and playing along to song tracks. Excellent!

Excellent book

Veloce ed intutitivo. E' di gran lunga il mio metodo per la batteria / rullante preferito. Ho migliorato la mia tecnica in poche settimane ed i risultati si sentono. Disponibili anche i video scaricabili dal web (complemento indiscindibile secondo me). Ottimo acquisto.

Recommended by son's conservatory teacher, so it must be good. Son likes playing along with the cd/dvd. I like the looks of the book.

Méthode excellente pour débutant(e) à avancé(e) très ludique:à pratiquer sans modération.Mark wessell étant un pédagogue hors paire,je vous la recommande...