I was first Introduced to this "Heel / Toe" technique at a clinic with Alan Dawson. An amazing drummer and teacher with such advanced four way coordination and in particular, precise control with his feet. I was working at the drum shop that set up the clinic and Alan was kind enough to give me a private lesson dedicated to this technique that I was so enthused about. I decided to commit myself to mastering this method of timekeeping and dexterity.

After settling in Los Angeles, as I was working with my students I found myself scribbling all over the books that we were working with in an effort to pass along this foundation technique. I began to conceive of a new method and an innovative way to organize all my applications of this heel / toe technique and get it down on paper. Thus ROCKING INDEPENDENCE and the LAMITEXT™ method was born. Printed on the book pages are the snare drum and bass drum notation. On the LAMITEXT™ mylar overlays (4 included) are the hi-hat and ride cymbal notation. When combined, they create the entire four-way coordination exercise.

Many books 'suggest' the pursuit of this goal of four-way coordination coordination by asking you to commit separate limb patterns to 'memory', but 'Rocking Independence" is the only book utilizing The LAMITEXT™ technology, making it easy to learn by breaking it all down and actually putting all the necessary notation information right before your eyes. From the simple beginning beats to the most advanced and challenging triplets, Rocking Independence provides an easy progression to get you there fast, and it's fun! In addition, with the addition of the expansion package (21 additional overlays) the book content literally 'expands' offering an incredible amount of coordination exercises and beats.

click here to see how the LAMITEXT™ technology works

As a teacher / clinician I have personally seen amazing results through the use of this method. This book will build coordination and timekeeping, as well as adding accomplished 'ghosting' and multi four-way sound dynamics to your repertoire! it does get results!

Below are excerpts from the book, I also have arranged with my publisher to offer my book here on my website at a substantial savings. Just click the PayPal button and you can instantly purchase my book and have it shipped to you. I will make myself available via the FORUM page to you, feel free to ask any questions and / or discuss the book with me. I am confident it will bring a new vitality and confidence to your playing!

Introduction

Four-way independent coodination is simply the ability to perform rhythms played simultaneously with both hands and both feet. This is the foundation of playing drumset. No matter how many drums you have, or how fast you can play a single stroke roll, it all eventually boils down to good timekeeping, while expressively keeping "the beat". Each limb has its own job to do in creating an interesting and expressive drumming style.

This book does not attempt to teach the reading of complex drum notation, but rather a basic understanding of note values and how they apply to the drumset. If pursued with commitment and enthusiasm, this method will greatly improve the dexternity, independence, expression and speed of both your hands and feet.

The "Rocking Motion"

The importance of the hi-hat cannot be overemphasized. Besides opening and closing the cymbals, it provides a solid "pulse" to ground your beats. Consider this - if every time you leave a beat to play a fill your hi-hat stops playing, you are essentially in "free time" to play your fill, relying only on the accurate execution of the fill itself to keep you "in time". The ability to keep your hi-hat foot in motion (keeping time in quarter notes, eight notes, or even half notes while you play your fills) will keep it all together, making it effortless to stay "in time".

This "rocking motion" technique is a simple way to keep your hi-hat foot in motion, regardless of what you choose to play against it. The "rocking motion", as I call it, is a toe-to-heel motion that "rocks" back and forth. Since the heel or the toe is always in contact with the hi-hat pedal, it helps keep your balance and creates a solid "seat". It may take a little getting used to, but if you stick with it, this motion will become automatic. Soon you will find yourself playing with a new level of confidence and authority.

How to use this book

This book is designed to introduce many ideas in a very simple format. Since there are endless possible rhythm combinations that your feet and hands can play, I developed the LAMITEXT™ method to help organise some of those combinations in an easy-to-understand, easy-to-read book that is expandable.

Maximize the power of Rocking Independence! Order the Rocking Independence expansion package - twenty-one new transparencies designed to accompany and expand this volume, creating a virtual library of independence grooves.