Chuck Silverman has staked out a reputation in percussion as both a specialist in applying Afro-Caribbean rhythms to the drum set, and as an educator.

Silverman has traveled worldwide teaching thousands of drummers about traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as mambo, songo and samba. He also has developed and shared a more creative approach to learning the drums by incorporating these styles into the student’s rhythmic foundation. According to Silverman’s Web site, his technique “will help you to develop command and control of the instrument.”

Silverman has written three crucial books on percussion, “Practical Applications” 1, 2 and 3. The trio is considered by some to be among the most important drum instructional books ever published. Silverman’s educational video, also known as “Practical Applications,” illustrates his teaching and playing methods, and has been widely reviewed and accepted by percussion magazines and students worldwide.

A key component of Silverman’s method of playing and teaching is the notion that he is always expanding his knowledge and skills to find ways to “have more fun playing drums.” He’s recently added hand drums to the Silverman Rhythm Workshops, which also, according to his Web site, have “become more interactive, where the audiences find themselves a part of the performance.”

The artist has been featured in numerous magazine articles in at least a half-dozen countries, including: “Slagwerkkrant” (the Netherlands); “Rhythm” (the U.K.); “Batteur” (France); both the magazines “Sticks” and “Drums and Percussion” (Germany); and “Percussioni” (Italy).

Silverman endorses DW Drums, Remo drumheads, Zildjian cymbals, and products by Toca, Rhythm Tech, HQ Percussion and Alfred Music.

Also among Silverman’s endorsement interests is the Beatnik Rhythmic Analyzer. He and his friend and student, Chris Green, are developing a book of exercises incorporating the Beatnik, but the book at this writing (October 2007) is yet to be released.