Introduction to Volume I

Audio & Video Companion

Mastering the Tables of Time provides an inclusive framework combining otherwise exclusive studies in timekeeping, rudimental and polyrhythmic musical phrasing, and coordination to benefit players of any skill level with an interest in developing a stronger foundation and greater confidence in their freedom of expression in any musical direction.

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Volume I

The term Standard Timetable is a play on words borrowing from the world’s division into different time zones, a standard zone being a commonly accepted one. The Standard Timetable in Roundtable Form focuses on duple and triple subdivisions, as they are the most commonly used in popular music, that expand or contract rhythmic phrases into half, double, and triple-time feels. One timetable provides several tempo applications.

The term Roundtable Form uses word play to define a circular approach to practicing the timetables throughout the book. As you play through each example, it is recommended that you repeat the example in reverse order-like an extended musical arch form. The goal is to be able to comfortably hear, anticipate and play musically through all of the note values while keeping steady time based on the quarter-note pulse.

The purpose of categorizing the timetables serves to highlight applications unique to each. They each provide a framework that ties the concepts of the chapter studies together, just as one would want to do when performing.

Accent Studies

Accent Studies address musical phrasing with broad stylistic applications to ensemble figures, soloing and grooving. Muted and open tone interpretation can also be applied to the accented phrasing, allowing for great variance of pitch and melodic color in application.

Demonstration interpreting Accent Studies around the drumset, as described above, from pg. 4 of the Selected Common Sequenced Groupings.​

Cross Referencing Chapter Studies​

Demonstration interpreting a single musical motive throughout the book, beginning with pg. 7, Ex. 16, of the Accent Studies.​

Demonstration interpreting Accent Studies around the drumset, as described above, from pg. 4 of the Selected Common Sequenced Groupings.​

Balancing Dynamic Contol and Tempo

Dynamic Control Studies offer great challenges to drummers because they tap into balancing the relationships of the ever-changing velocities of tempo and volume. They also offer possibilities for better-attuned harmonic sensibilities.

Demonstration and discussion of musical phrasing, illustrating Examples 1 and 2 of Crescendo & Diminuendo in Roundtable Form, as seen on pg. 13.