Berklee Jazz Drums

“I was lucky enough to study privately with Casey at Berklee for a few semesters in the mid ’90s. I was always awestruck by his encyclopedic knowledge about drums and music, but more importantly, his teaching method and philosophy made the transition from practice room to performance attainable and logical. This excellent book exemplifies his concise, practical, and easy-to-grasp approach, greatly needed because a lot of drummers suffer from too much practicing without properly being able to translate technique into actual musical thoughts. Berklee Jazz Drums is a must-have for serious drummers that want to think of themselves as musicians first. Very well structured, easy to understand, and no bull. Congratulations Casey, on a beautiful, monumental work.”

—Antonio Sanchez, Drummer (Pat Metheny, Birdman soundtrack, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Gary Burton, Danilo Pérez, Joshua Redman, Antonio Sanchez: Migration, Thana Alexa)

“One of the most comprehensive and practical drum books I have ever seen. Each chapter addresses a specific aspect of jazz drumming in a clear and organized manner. Much of what Scheuerell shares could only have come from someone who actually works as a jazz drummer. As a fellow Berklee drummer and former Alan Dawson student, I am honored to endorse it.”

—Joe LaBarbera, Drummer (Bill Evans, Tony Bennett, Woody Herman, Randy Brecker, Joe LaBarbera Quintet; Faculty: California Institute of the Arts)

“Casey Scheuerell has performed with the best of the best in mainstream music and has a deep background in music education. Borrowing from those experiences, he has compiled practical, jazz-based material that every drummer needs. If you are an aspiring drummer who wants to learn to play the drums the proper way, with the convenience of learning at your own pace, this is the book for you. It will help any serious drummer build a strong fundamental foundation, regardless of the style of music they play. For the intermediate to advanced player, your control, tone, speed, fluidity, efficiency, musicality, phrasing, coordination and strength will all be improved while providing a pathway for the development of a unique and individual voice.”

—Neal Smith, Drummer (Anita Baker, Cyrus Chestnut, Frank Foster, Tom Harrell, Kenny Burrell)

“As one of Casey Scheuerell’s former students, it would be an understatement to say that he is a great educator. Not only does he know how to guide the student in very clear and mature steps regardless of level, but he also knows how to connect historic context to technique and content. Casey answers the why of any given lesson. This book takes the reader through a series of clear and concise steps, with musical reference points, informing us ‘why’ to play them. This produces both physical and mental growth, ultimately leading the reader to be a better musician as a whole. In short, this is a very nicely structured method for jazz drumming with explanations that actually matter and will lead to a big and evident development.”

—Helen De La Rosa (Donny McCaslin, Victor Wooten, Jae Deal, George Garzone, Amalur, Sócrates García Latin Jazz Orchestra)

 “Casey’s book Berklee Jazz Drums is amazing. I have never before seen a book that has everything you want to know about jazz drumming: reading the charts, some very hip exercises. Exceptional book. A great work!”

—Colin Bailey, Drummer (Joe Pass, Benny Goodman, Vince Guaraldi Trio, Ben Webster, João Gilberto, Frank Sinatra, Antônio Carlos Jobim; television and movies session player)