Matt Dean is a professional drummer who records and tours with artists in numerous genres, as well as writing for music publications around the world. He is author of The Drum: A History (Scarecrow Press, 2011) and publishes a blog through his website, [...]

Preface
Acknowledgments

1 Practice Strategies
Secret 1: Time Management
Secret 2: Practice Diary
Secret 3: Record Yourself
Secret 4: Rhythm Then Orchestration
Secret 5: Add a Note
Secret 6: Looping
Secret 7: Don't Forget to Breathe
Secret 8: Best Sticking
Secret 9: Avoid the Rut-How to Find Inspiration
Secret 10: Play More with Less

2 Technique Strategies
Secret 11: Play without Tension
Secret 12: The Bounce
Secret 13: Which Grip?
Secret 14: Fundamental Bass Techniques
Secret 15: Nature's Way

3 Timing Strategies
Secret 16: Developing Your Internal Metronome
Secret 17: Master of the Metronome
Secret 18: Find Your Achilles' Heel
Secret 19: Swinging
Secret 20: Odd Time

4 Accuracy Strategies
Secret 21: Locked Limbs
Secret 22: Speed Bursts

5 Equipment Strategies
Secret 23: Choosing Drums
Secret 24: Choosing Cymbals
Secret 25: Choosing Drumsticks
Secret 26: Tuning-The Black Art
Secret 27: Eliminating Snare Buzz
Secret 28: Getting the Right Snare Sound for Each Song
Secret 29: Essential Equipment
Secret 30: Embracing Technology

6 Health Strategies
Secret 31: Protecting Your Greatest Instrument
Secret 32: Looking After Your Back
Secret 33: Optimizing Setup and Seat Position
Secret 34: Potential Health Risks

7 Preparation Strategies
Secret 35: Writing Charts Quickly
Secret 36: Nailing the Audition
Secret 37: Financial Planning

8 Marketability Strategies
Secret 38: Learn All Styles to a Passable Level
Secret 39: Focus Your Efforts
Secret 40: Promoting Yourself
Secret 41: Maximize Your Employability
Secret 42: Keeping the Gigs-Beyond Drumming

9 Recording Strategies
Secret 43: Play Less
Secret 44: Playing for the Song
Secret 45: Achieving a Great Tone
Secret 46: Mix Yourself

10 Performance Strategies
Secret 47: Warm-up and Gig Preparation
Secret 48: Stage Fright
Secret 49: Believe in Yourself

11 Soloing Strategies
Secret 50: Soloing with a Theme
Secret 51: Odd Numbered Groupings
Secret 52: Jumping into the Abyss-Improvising

Bibliography
Index
About the Author