By Josh Gorska
JoGo Publications 2006

Josh Gorska, a Chicago working drummer and educator for the passed 17 years, has compiled an extensive collection of his most effective and favorite instructional worksheets, used by he and his students for many years.

Drumset Mechanics offers the reader a logical flow of lesson plans, each designed to build upon the previous. From note reading, rudimental studies and snare drum dynamics to world music, clave variations, Jazz and Latin systems, this 123 page book is packed with something for everyone, for both, the beginner and the intermediate/advanced musician. Another plus is that each lesson begins with a few paragraphs that generally emphasize the notation count, the dynamics, and the associated context (feel) in which the lesson is designed.

Although not a complete substitute private instruction, Drumset Mechanics can offer the reader a reasonable level of assurance that he or she is covering the various core aspects that make a drummer whole. What I like about this book is that it is well written with clear notation, and the lesson flow is reminiscent of weekly instruction. To avoid burn out, Gorska takes care not to focus on any one element for too long. Drumset Mechanics is not about making you an expert in a particular area, it’s about the aspects that make a drummer well rounded.

As a tool for the instructor; unless your drum teacher has great follow-up from week to week, this is a very good book to keep you both on track, and moving forward. There is also dedicated space with each lesson for the student / instructor to write down their ideas and interpretations. Drumset Mechanics, as a composition of ideas and proven lesson plans in a progressive flow, offers the student and teacher a very solid overall value.