Part 1
Technique
The physical side of drumming: the rudiments, phrases and motions that make up our language of rhythm — from first grip to advanced rudimental studies.
The Musical Drumming method · in one book
Unlock the drummer within you.
Groove, Technique and Musical Drumming is John McColgan’s complete drum method — a practical approach for beginning, intermediate and advanced drummers, built from 40+ years on stage, in the studio and in the lesson room.
Has played with
Emmylou Harris
Linda Ronstadt
Richard Thompson
Buddy Guy
Michel Pagliaro
Meet your teacher
John McColgan
A professional drummer based in Montréal, John has been part of the Canadian and international music scene for over forty years. He has toured the world with celebrated artists and played on more than thirty albums — including The McGarrigle Hour and Gogh Van Go, both Juno award winners.
Since 2006 he has taught students of every age and level with his own Groove, Technique & Musical Drumming method — and that method is what this book puts in your hands.
- 40+
- years playing professionally
- 30+
- albums as a session drummer
- 2006
- teaching drums ever since
How the book teaches
Two perspectives. One musical drummer.
This isn’t page after page of rudiments or “1001 rock beats.” John teaches you to look at the drums from two angles — technique and groove — and to work on both at once, until one starts feeding the other.
Part 2
Groove
Playing beats, exploring styles — blues, rock, R&B, funk, jazz and folk — plus interpretation, dynamics and feel.
The result
Musical Drumming
An extensive drumming vocabulary and a true feel for music on the kit — a satisfying way to express yourself on your instrument.
Who it’s for
From first beat to odd meters.
Whether you’re a budding drummer, a weekend hobbyist, or picking up the sticks again after years away, the book meets you where you are — and gives you the skeleton keys to keep going on your own.
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Beginners
Grip and hand technique, the fundamental rudiments, your first beats — and how to turn a beat into a groove with solid time.
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Hobbyists & intermediate players
Applied rudiments, a bigger musical vocabulary, a deeper groove, playing dynamically and learning new styles of music.
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Advanced drummers
Advanced rudimental studies, polyrhythms, odd meters and subdivisions, speed and endurance, and challenging music.
The goal is to give you skeleton keys for unlocking rhythmic secrets. Find your own closed doors — and I’ll help you pry them open.
Kind words
What people say about John
“The only thing that can trump his phenomenal skill as a musician and mind-blowing knowledge of the history and theory of drums, is his intuitive ability to teach all of it.”
“I had always wanted to learn how to play the drums but didn’t know where to start! John methodically walked me through the technicalities of the kit and in no time, I was on my way!”
“John is a true professional in all senses of the word. He clearly masters his craft and knows how to communicate the material to take anyone from where they currently are to whichever level they want to achieve.”
Your next groove starts here.
The full Groove, Technique and Musical Drumming method, in John’s own words. Available now.