Master Studies

Joe Morello was the man. Master studies books are must haves

The best thing I like over the Stone books were the exercises in Dynamics!!!! Remember those? That means loud to soft to medium in a twitch? Vic Firth and my classic percussion teacher used to rant on these or the absence of them in music today. This was the Stone/Morello book that never happened as Mr. Stone grew I'll and passed on. Morello also threw in some insights and comments on how to get more out of the practice that are just treat. Some say the Stone/Morello books are passe' and no longer useful; they are bones for the creative not just how-to. Think!!!12/21 Update: I forgot to mention of an experience I had shortly before I received my copy of Master Studies… I was working on the Stone Accents And Rebound book as was doing some creative editing and then had what I felt was a stroke of genius…then a saw in his book where Joe Morello had written the same thing some 40 years before.03/2022: Still a great book! As I mentioned before. I haven’t seen too many books anymore teaching DYNAMICS. I guess there is only one dynamic any more: POW, POW, POW, SMASH, SMASH, SMASH, (not included in the book). I highly recommend it for teachers and more advanced students.

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.

The book teaches you much about limb independence and how to create some amazing fills and improvs by expanding your rhythmic vocabulary.

For me, looking through the book and working on sections where I feel I need improvement has workedpretty well. It's pretty easy to follow, but also challenging. I'm using traditional and match gripon 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 withbuilding 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.

One might suggest that you finish "Stick Control" (#1 Greatest Drum Book), and "Accents and Rebounds" (#4 Greatest Drum Book), before tackling this book...but I am not so sure. I have finished about ½ of Stick Control and have just begun Accents and Rebounds, and just got this book. Much to my delight, there is a chapter on buzz rolls. I have been playing for 6 years and have always used the French Grip. It actually takes effort NOT to buzz roll with that grip - LOL! So, I have always been a big buzz-roller. I immediately dove into that chapter and banged-out 2/3 of the exercises the first time through at 100bpm.The moral is, there is something in nearly ever good book for everyone. I am digging this already!!! :D !

This book is the second best chops builder I have in my library. The best is "Master Studies II".

Joe's expansion of Stone's Stick Control is a must have. Well written (no surprise from Joe), he's been my most looked up to percussionist. You can't go wrong if you follow his guidance. Buy this book!

A very good drum method book for building on technique and creative when applied to the drum set. A must have if you wish to 'iron out' creases with regard to technique and fluidity.

Perfect

All made sense, nothing too complicated here.

Definitely a must have for any serious drummer. So many ways to play thru this book. Guaranteed to improve your playing if practiced properly!

Excellent condition.