Practice Material: Melodic Systems

Drummer Michael D’Angelo recently put out a new book of reading material that I’ve been enjoying for the last couple of weeks. I know Michael through his wonderful YouTube series on how to mic jazz drums. I’ve learned a lot from him and am happy to help spread the word about his book.

Michael’s book builds upon the many drum books designed to develop independence and coordination on the drum set, such as Ted Reed’s Syncopation and Gary Chester’s The New Breed.

Melodic Systems can be used in various ways and is only limited by your imagination, but Michael provides some exercise ideas to get you started.

What I like most about this collection is the thoughtful way that it’s organized. Michael has sections for eighth notes, sixteenths, triplets, and 12/8 rhythms. Each rhythmic study in the book puts the different combinations in a musical context while focusing on limited groupings (1-note, 2-note, 3-note, and 4-note). This is very useful for methodically working up challenging exercises.

After I bought the book (this is not a sponsored post), Michael sent over a promo code for me to share with you all. Use PRACTICINGDRUMMER at checkout for $5 off (digital version only). This code is good through August 2024.

Highly recommend!

Buy the digital version – promo code PRACTICINGDRUMMER (good through August 2024)

Buy the physical version

If you pick it up, let me know what you think!

Podcast – Jeremy Dutton

This episode is available in most places that you listen to podcasts.

Episode 9 Jeremy Dutton Practicing Drummer podcast

Recorded June 2024

Podcast interview with drummer Jeremy Dutton

Jeremy Dutton is drummer from Houston who now lives in New York City. He was featured in Modern Drummer magazine last year and his first album as a leader, Anyone is Better Than Here, has been out for almost exactly a year. Aside from his solo projects, he plays regularly with Joel Ross, Vijay Iyer, James Francies, and many other great artists.

Links:

The music featured in this episode is the song Waves from his album Anyone is Better Than Here.

The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero’s Loop Loft sample pack.

Podcast – Colleen Clark

This episode is available in most places that you listen to podcasts.

Recorded April 2024

Podcast interview with drummer Colleen Clark

Colleen Clark earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas and after living in NYC for many years, she’s now an Assistant Professor of Jazz at the University of South Carolina. 

In addition to her role at USC, Colleen has several musical projects and the recent album with her band Alliance received a 4 star review in Downbeat. She is also the founder and artistic director of USC’s Jazz Girls Day.

Links:

The music featured in this episode is the song Wingspan off of the new Alliance album.

The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero’s Loop Loft sample pack.