Many students — beginners to the more advanced players — want to learn how to play fast around the drums. It has been my experience that I have to first have a certain amount of endurance before I can attempt a faster tempo. In order to play a drum beat, a particular rudiment or a drum fill at a fast tempo, I first need to be able to play it many times at a medium tempo. The medium tempo is different for different patterns, so I need to keep track. Write down the metronome marking at which you can play the material for a while (5-10 minutes). If you’re somewhat fatigued near the end of that time-frame, that’s OK as long as your muscles remain relaxed.
There is no short-changing this process. If I attempt to play a jazz ride pattern, e.g., at a tempo that’s too fast, not only does it not sound good but my muscles tighten up and I end up way too fatigued. I find that the more I concentrate on making the pattern sound good at a medium tempo for extended periods of time, then the better my chances are of eventually getting that tempo a bit faster.
John Riley’s, The Art of Bop Drumming, has a great section about this and a very particular way to develop this idea. Please check it out.
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