Timothy Van Cleave

I’ve got some incredibly exciting news to share with you all: I’m releasing a new book this fall, and it’s something I believe will genuinely help so many of you looking to expand your rhythmic horizons on the drum set. It’s a collection of 10 unique etudes specifically designed to help drum set players master the art of swinging in 3/4 time.

For too long, the drumming landscape has been overwhelmingly dominated by 4/4 time. And don’t get me wrong, 4/4 is the cornerstone of so much incredible music! Most method books, exercises, and even professional transcriptions are firmly rooted in that time signature. This makes perfect sense, as so many of the fundamental strategies and techniques we learn as drummers are built around the pulse of four.

However, the world of music is far richer than just 4/4. Think about the beautiful waltzes in jazz, the intricate folk tunes, or even contemporary pieces that venture beyond the standard. When you encounter a song in 3/4, the common advice often boils down to “just apply your 4/4 ideas and adapt.” While that might work for some experienced players, it’s often a murky and frustrating path for many. The feel of a swing waltz is distinctly different, and trying to force a 4/4 mindset onto it can lead to awkward phrasing and a lack of true fluidity.

That’s precisely why I dedicated myself to creating this book. I wanted to build a clear, accessible, and enjoyable learning path for drummers who might have little to no prior experience playing in 3/4. My goal was to demystify the process and provide a practical framework that sets you up for immediate success. Each of the 10 etudes in this book is carefully crafted to progressively build your understanding and comfort with the unique rhythmic language of 3/4 swing.

You won’t find a compendium of “ass-kicker” exercises or hyper-complex professional transcriptions here. This book is designed to be chill and genuinely helpful. It’s about nurturing your rhythmic intuition and building a solid foundation, not overwhelming you with insurmountable challenges. We’re focusing on establishing a confident and authentic swing feel in 3/4, step by step.

But here’s a little secret, a little challenge for you, and something that makes this book even more special: at the heart of each etude is a standard jazz melody. As you work through the drum parts, you’ll be subtly engaging with some of the most beloved tunes in the jazz repertoire. Can you identify them? It’s a fun way to connect your rhythmic practice with melodic understanding and deepen your appreciation for these timeless compositions. I’ve intentionally woven these familiar melodies into the fabric of each etude to provide a sense of musicality and context, making the learning process more engaging and less purely technical.

So, if you’ve ever felt intimidated by 3/4, or simply want to expand your rhythmic vocabulary and unlock new creative possibilities on the drum set, this book is for you. Stay tuned for more details on the official release date this fall. I can’t wait for you to get your hands on it and start swinging in a whole new dimension! Get ready to embrace the waltz and add a beautiful new groove to your drumming toolkit.