[tenrap76]

hi,
i wonder if anyone could tell me how to test myself to know my level of drumming. i am self taught and have been practicing and playing for the last 5 years. i have learned from 5 books and currently i am referring 3 books for practice. how many years do i need to be an advanced drummer and what books should i learn from?

[Gus]

There is no book or physical or verbal telling of drumming levels... Derek Roddy book is challenging

[Tainojim]

Tenrap,
Post a video and we can tell you how good you are. But then again that's leaving yourself out in the open for criticism.
If you get complements from your friends, then your good. Levels have nothing to do with it. Hear a song and play it. You'll know if you screwed it up. If you decide that you can put in some riff for improvement, there you go.
Not everybody plays the same, so there are no levels involved. You can be the only judge on what level you want to achieve depending on your style and music you enjoy playing.
So stop concerning yourself about levels and enjoy what you do best.

[chezm]

no books or people can tell you what level of drumming you're at. that thought shouldnt even cross your mind, seriously...who cares? i mean that in a positive way. as long as you're practicing and enjoying yourself, thats what matters.

[tenrap76]

thank you all. your points of view groove towards the same direction, i.e, no self testing but keep practicising and enjoying. however the idea of posting a video sounds good. i will try that out. and Gus i have just started going through the Derrek Roddy book. It seems great and I am referring The Encyclopaedia of Double Bass Drumming by ?? too.

[tamazildjian]

I think if the other musicians can lock in with you, you are rythmicly accurate and you like what you play then your pretty good.