“My course of study as an aspiring drummer did not include working out of Ted Reed’s “…Syncopation” book, much to my regret in later years. My sense of having missed out on some essential training was somewhat offset by my mistrust or misunderstanding of the Reed book and its intended goals.
Bryan Bowman’s revisit and expansion on the topics of syncopation and rudimental drumming bridges the gap for me, as I’m sure it will for many other drummers — as well as providing a beautifully-useful tool for students of the Reed, Dawson and Wilcoxin methods and etudes.
I am looking forward to utilizing this book with my students as well as on my own practice pad.”
– PETER ERSKINE
“Syncopation Companion: An Integrated Approach to Rudimental Drumming, by Bryan Bowman, is a wonderful addition to the world of drum set pedagogy, extending the great work of jazz education pioneer Alan Dawson’s methods with Ted Reed’s Syncopation. Indeed, a rich legacy to stand upon. I am most impressed by the logical progression from Chapter One through Chapter Twelve and the inclusion of concepts applicable to various styles, including Jazz, Rock, Funk, Brazilian, and Afro Cuban genres. The technical exploration presented in Syncopation Companion will surely extend the hand and four-way technique of the intermediate-advanced drummer, making it an excellent resource for drum set and percussion teachers alike, who are looking to challenge their students’ overall musical development.”
— YORON ISRAEL (Chair and Professor of Percussion, Berklee College of Music)
“Bryan’s book is an excellent source for those who are looking for interesting and engaging ideas based on the Syncopation book! All too often students (as well as their teachers) have a limited arsenal of ideas when it comes to the possibilities hidden in this widely used textbook. I would recommend Bryan’s Companion to the army of drummers out there who own Ted Reed’s book but don’t really know how to put it to full use!”
– MARKO DJORDJEVIC (Associate Professor, Percussion, Berklee College of Music)
‘Bryan Bowman‘s book, The Syncopation Companion, is a masterfully crafted, well organized, learning tool for all Drummers who are interested in moving forward on the instrument. The systems introduced in Bryan’s book are perfect vehicles for musically incorporating rudiments into any drummer’s vocabulary. The exercises can be challenging, but also very gratifying and fun!
I started working out of Syncopation by Ted Reed when I was seven years old. I still work out of it today. I’m looking forward to digging into The Syncopation Companion for many years to come!”
– DAVID ROKEACH (Drum set instructor at Stanford University.
Has performed/recorded with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Joe Henderson,,Rita Moreno, Mark Murphy, Gregory Porter, Maria Schneider, Taj Mahal and many others)
“I have done so many applications of Syncopation in my life. For many years I had an idea to come up with a book of all these applications. Well, I have to say, you have done it for me! In fact, you have surprised me with many applications. I think you have done a tremendous job and I would definitely recommend it to my students.”
MARIANO STEIMBERG, Assist. Prof. of Drums, Berklee College, Valencia, Spain campus
Bryan Bowman’s book is a beautifully useful tool. I am looking forward to utilizing it with my students as well as on my own practice pad.”
