[Zarathustra]

I'm a "self-taught" drummer, with the only instruction I've ever received comnig from a couple of drum instructors while playing snare in high school marching band.

So my question is: What's a good way for me to evaluate where I'm at in my drumming skills? I'm at a point where I'm really desiring to improve my abilities, but when I go looking around for tips and lessons there's such an intimidating number of things I could potentially work on, I don't know where to begin! What I think I need right now is a good way to figure out what I'm best at, what I'm worst at, and just in general what I need to work on the most.

[mynameisalfred]

Well, a good way to tell is the way you hold your sticks, remember, hold the sticks with the back of your hands up, and use your wrists to play, not your arms. Now, that doesn't mean don't use your arms entirely, usually on a drum set you play with your arms for more volume. Another thing, practice your rudiments, listen to them, and then listen to someone who knows how to do them well and compare. Rudiments like paradiddles, dragadiddles, rolls, flams, etc.