"Primary Handbook for Snare Drum" is a comprehensive guide written by Whaley Garwood, designed to provide a solid foundation for playing the snare drum. It covers a wide range of topics such as technique, rudiments, musicality, and practical exercises, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate players looking to enhance their skills on the snare drum.

The book begins by introducing the fundamentals, including how to hold the drumsticks and execute different strokes. Garwood's clear instructions and diagrams make it easy for readers to comprehend and apply the correct techniques. From there, Garwood delves into the rudiments, offering detailed explanations and exercises for each one. This section is particularly beneficial for beginners as it helps them establish a strong fundamental understanding of snare drumming.

An outstanding aspect of this book is its emphasis on musicality. Garwood explores topics such as dynamics, phrasing, and musical interpretation, providing valuable insights on how to maximize the snare drum as a melodic instrument. By focusing not only on technical proficiency but also on musicality and expression, this book offers a unique opportunity for readers to develop a well-rounded musical approach.

Available on Audible

Get as a free audio book
The go-to guide for mastering the snare drum

In addition to technique and musicality, "Primary Handbook for Snare Drum" provides practical exercises that reinforce the concepts covered in the book. These exercises are thoughtfully designed to challenge and improve the reader's skills, ensuring that the learning process is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Overall, "Primary Handbook for Snare Drum" by Whaley Garwood is an outstanding resource for snare drum players at any level. Whether you are a beginner starting from scratch or an intermediate player seeking to refine your skills, this book offers the tools and guidance necessary for growth. With its clear instructions, comprehensive content, and emphasis on musicality, it is an invaluable addition to any drummer's library.

What are readers saying?

The book "Primary Handbook for Snare Drum" by Whaley Garwood has received a mixed response from readers. While some readers praise its comprehensive approach to teaching snare drum techniques, others find it difficult to follow or lacking in depth.

A number of readers appreciate the book's clear and organized format, noting that it provides a solid foundation for beginners. They find the explanations of different drumming techniques to be concise and easy to understand, making it an excellent resource for students just starting out. The inclusion of exercises and practice tips is also highlighted as beneficial for developing snare drum skills.

However, some readers express disappointment with the book's lack of depth. They feel that it only scratches the surface of snare drum playing and fails to provide more advanced techniques or musical concepts. These readers believe that the book may not be suitable for experienced drummers looking to expand their knowledge or improve their playing.

In addition, some readers find the book's organization and structure to be confusing. They feel that the progression of topics is not well-defined, making it difficult to follow along and build upon previous knowledge. The lack of visual aids, such as diagrams or pictures, is also mentioned as a drawback that could enhance the learning experience.

On a positive note, many readers appreciate the book's focus on technique and fundamentals. They believe that the exercises included in the book are valuable for building strength, speed, and control on the snare drum. Some readers even mention noticeable improvements in their playing after working through the exercises.

SnareDrumHandbook PrimaryPercussionGuide DrummingEssentials