This book is designed for the drummer who has had some experience playing other styles of music but has a desire to learn some techniques and styles of jazz. It is assumed the reader has a knowledge of notes measures or bars time signatures musical notation and drum notation. A knowledge of the drum rudiments is also desirable. Though the book is meant as an overview to teach basic and essential jazz techniques it will take someone who is willingto put in the time and practice from being a total jazz novice to the level of being a competent drummer in the jazz idiom. In addition to learning the essential knowledge required to play jazz the student will also accomplishmany intermediate and advanced techniques. I should note that I wrote this book EXACTLY as I teach jazz drumming techniques in my private lessons. This system has been developed and refined over the years and has given excellent proven results that have produced some fine drummers many of whom went on to build careers playing and teaching jazz. I am hoping that this book will inspire the reader and student to delve further into the jazz idiom and develophis or her technique and knowledge to the highest level. And even if the student goes no further in the jazz idiom I am confident that the book will open doors to other avenues that the drums can take and will be benefit thereader in any style of music he or she chooses to play.