Current Issue | Home | Back Issues | Other Mel Bay Sites
Swing Triplet Exercises | Interview with Chester Thompson | Yet Another Syncopation Application

Yet Another Syncopation Application

by Todd London

If I had to compile a list of drum books to have on a desert island, the book at the top of my list would undoubtedly be Ted Reed's Syncopation. Now I say this as one who, when first confronted with the possibility of using Syncopation as a student, wondered about the sanity and credibility of my teacher. How could such a relatively simple book of snare drum rhythms be beneficial to me as a drumset performer? Needless to say, the sanity and credibility of my teacher was positively confirmed as I began to experience the multi-faceted benefits derived from the study of Mr. Reed's classic method book.

The simplicity of the book gives it a versatility in application that is remarkable. Much of the material in the book is excellent source material for developing one's jazz chops. There are numerous applications for both sticks and brushes. I've also found much of the material in Syncopation to be useful for bossa nova and samba applications. Recently, I decided to experiment with some of the material in Syncopation as a way to improve independence with Afro-Cuban rhythms, particularly in the area of clave independence. I'll share with you a few ideas I'm currently implementing into both my playing and teaching.

The concept is fairly simple: I've created five two- and three-limb ostinatos over which the melodies (the snare drum lines) from pages 30 - 45 are to be played. The ostinatos are:

With Ostinato #1, the melody is to be played by each hand individually then with both hands playing the melody in unison. Ostinato #2 introduces clave to the exercise. I'm using 3:2 son clave for the example, but one should definitely practice these exercises utilizing 2:3 son clave as well. 3:2 and 2:3 rumba claves should also be included in the practice of this material. Start with clave in the right hand and melody in the left, then reverse the hands. Ostinato #3 utilizes a cascara pattern. Again, be sure to practice both 3:2 and 2:3 clave directions. Play the cascara pattern with the right hand and melody with the left, then reverse the hands. Ostinato #4 moves the clave to the left foot. Play the melody first with the right hand, then the left. After getting comfortable with the melody in either hand, try playing the melody with both hands in unison. Remember, practice all the clave possibilities. Ostinato #5 has the left foot again playing clave and one of the hands playing the cascara pattern. Start with the cascara pattern in the right hand and melody in the left, then reverse the hands. You will quickly discover that this exercise is extremely challenging. In fact, all of these exercises pose some interesting independence challenges and should keep you busy in the practice room for quite some time. So, grab your copy of Syncopation and get to work. Greater clave independence awaits you.

Todd London
August 2003

---

Since 1994 Todd London has served on the percussion faculty of Belmont University's School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. London holds a B.M. in Commercial Music from Belmont University and a M.M. in Percussion Performance from the University of Georgia.

A versatile musician, Mr. London is an active performer in the Nashville area. His performance skills run the gamut of musical styles, and Mr. London is equally at ease in both commercial and classical musical settings. His performance credits include such diverse names as CCM artist Jeni Varnadeau, country artist Charly McClain, jazz artists The Barber Brothers, and the classically oriented Nashville Chamber Ensemble. In addition to his performing activities, Mr. London is also an active composer. He has recently composed the music for two children's ballets performed by the Nashville Ballet and is currently at work on new music for percussion ensemble. Since 1996 Mr. London has been part of an Emmy(c) award-winning production team whose compositions appear regularly on programs such as Guiding Light and As The World Turns.

Contact information for Mr. Todd London:

E-mail address - londont@mail.belmont.edu