Odd Meter Studies for Snare Drum

This collection of exercises is designed to help the percussionist develop a more thorough understanding of odd meters and time signatures. When playing music with odd meters, the feel of each measure is vital and often overlooked. Most meters, not just odd meters, contain unique characteristics that help determine how they will be interpreted and played. 

For example, when making a close analysis of 4/4 time and cut time, one will note that mathematically they are identical to one another in that the same number of quarter notes fits into each measure. What differentiates the two meters is that the pulse in 4/4 time is most commonly felt as four primary beats to the measure, whereas in cut time, the pulse is usually felt as two primary beats. 

This same principle applies to the interpretation of odd meters. The author recognizes that there can be certain factors in music that will change how a measure is felt or subdivided; however, throughout this book, the rules touched on above and outlined in the next few pages will be observed. The thirty-five exercises in this book start with simple rhythms and meters, which gradually become more challenging by adding complex rhythms, accents, dynamics, ornaments, rolls, and shifting time signatures.

• Includes metronome clicks CD