Rudimental Arithmetic: A Drummer's Study of Pattern and Rhythm

Bob Becker

General Info

Year: 2008
Edition: 1st Edition
Publisher: KPP
Cost: Book Cost - $60.00   |   Supplemental Books - $0.00

Overview

Becker, Bob. Rudimental Arithmetic: A Drummer's Study of Pattern and Rhythm. Asbury Park, New Jersey: Keyboard Percussion Publications, 2008.

In this book Becker relates rhythm to math equations. The focus is on rolls, drags, and diddles. In each chapter he takes these elements and breaks them down mathematically. For example, in the Rudiment section he shows how two notes (RL) cam be played as two eighth notes, a quarter note triplet and eighth note, a dotted quarter note and sixteenth note, and a flam. These are all different ways to play two notes and he does this for 3-9 strokes as well. Basically, he finds patterns in the rhythms and shows how many different ways this can be interpreted. There are very thorough explanations and many exercises. This book also uses mathematic language and is set up similar to a mathematic textbook rather than a book full of music.

Chapters

Chapter I: Meter
Chapter II: Rudiments
Chapter III: Permutations
Chapter IV: Partitions of Numbers
Chapter V: Polyrhythms
Chapter VI: Exercises
Chapter VII: Etudes

Reviews

This book is more of a study or research project that someone could learn about. Yes, the pieces in this book are difficult and I think the intermediate or advanced level player could learn from this book, but I also think there are many words that analyze polyrhythms, ratios, and everything else for a student who wants to research this subject. The percussionist might already know most of the things he talks about in here, but he goes much further in depth with the patterns and permutations than I have before. In my opinion, this book is more for research or the player who wants more daily exercises to work on.
Rating: II
Review by Ashley Feist.

Books for Percussion by this Author

Becker, Bob. Rudimental Arithmetic: A Drummer's Study of Pattern and Rhythm. Asbury Park, New Jersey: Keyboard Percussion Publications, 2008.