Description:

The Rudimental Blueprint is the ultimate guide for percussionists seeking to master the art of rudimental snare drumming. Co-written by Jeff Asselin and legendary educator Chuck Burrows, and edited by Matt Savage (The Savage Rudimental Workshop), this book offers over 100 solos and duets designed to take drummers of all skill levels from foundational strokes to advanced techniques.

Grounded in a social constructivist philosophy of education, The Rudimental Blueprint is more than just a collection of solos—it’s a complete learning system. Each solo is supported by a YouTube playlist, accessible through a QR code listed at the top of the page, providing multiple versions of each solo at different tempos. These videos begin with slow, counted demonstrations on a practice pad and build toward full-performance tempo renditions—making each video a stepping stone in your learning journey.

Designed with the learner in mind, the book features:

✔️Clear, easy-to-follow notation

✔️Helpful performance tips throughout

✔️Large print for enhanced readability

Whether you’re a beginner learning your first rudiments or an experienced drummer refining your craft, The Rudimental Blueprint will guide you with clarity, structure, and purpose—unlocking your full potential behind the kit.

The solos in the book were composed the author’s drum teacher, mentor, and colleague Chuck Burrows. Jeff Asselin is honored to bring his invaluable pedagogy and inspiring musicality for rudimental drumming to a wider audience. For those who are just beginning their journey into the study of rudiments, you would not be remiss if you were wondering, “Are rudiments important, or even relevant?” Yes, and yes! The language of drumming is made richer and more expressive through rudiments, and studying them will benefit your drumming and musicianship immensely.

Over the decades of Burrows’ teaching career, he had written a total of 12 books focusing on a pedagogical approach to technique, coordination, reading, mobility around the drumset, 12/8 studies, linear concepts, Latin studies, polyrhythms, and groove construction and adaptation. He created a complete pedagogy for drummers through a series of books and handouts, and truly dedicated his life to education. Thousands of students all over the world felt the influence of his teachings, many of whom are now top performers or educators. He had a deep knowledge of education, which gave his books a unique step-by-step approach to inspire students to reach their musical goals. In Rudimental Blueprint, Asselin works with renowned percussionist/educator Matt Savage (author of Savage Rudimental Workshop) to update these solos.

This book is composed of duets (solos containing a part 1 and part 2 of the same title) and solos. To perform the duets you can study them with a drum teacher, practice with another rudimental enthusiast, or use the QR code at the top of each solo to access the play-along video playlist. It is recommended that you start with Part 2 (which is slightly easier to perform) and then proceed to Part 1. Every playlist begins with a foundational video performed on a practice pad, free of dynamic markings and accompanied by a counting track. This initial step is designed to help learners focus on reading and internalizing the rhythmic structure without the added complexity of expressive elements.

From there, students progress through a series of videos performed on a snare drum, each introducing dynamic markings and presented at incrementally faster tempos, culminating in a final performance-level video.

These videos are not merely demonstrations; they are designed as pedagogical stepping stones, each serving as a vital link in a carefully constructed learning path. The progression enables students to develop the skills and confidence to tackle advanced material, reaching levels of fluency they may not have achieved working alone.

Through this layered, constructivist approach, The Rudimental Blueprint offers a flexible, inclusive, and profoundly musical learning experience-one that empowers drummers of all levels to grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence.