Beginner Drum Methods
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 32
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 30
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Robert Shipley's Beginner Drum Methods is a clear, accessible, and thoughtfully structured guide for new drummers. Designed to help students build a strong technical and musical foundation, this book includes initial exercises, fundamental rhythm patterns inspired by Shipley's early training and residencies in the south of France, along with finger-control exercises, essential rudiments, core grooves, fills, and an introductory jazz drumming system.
Presented in a simple and progressive format, this method equips beginning drummers with the skills needed for long-term growth and prepares them for Shipley's advanced publication, The Complete Drum Methods for the Well-Rounded Drummer.
Born and raised in Chicago, Robert started studying drums at the age of 10, starting a band with twin brother (Richard) who plays bass. They had a soundproof studio built by their father (Charles Shipley) who was a recording engineer.
Robert attended Chicago Vocational High School majoring in music. After High school he went to Kentucky State University on a marching band scholarship, and then to The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago.
In 1979, he started touring the world with Blues bands such as Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, who he recorded on Gatemouth’s Grammy-winning album (Best Blues Artist) in 1981. After moving to Los Angeles in 1982, he began touring with Natalie Cole (1983–1989), Diana Ross (1989), The Temptations (1989–1990), The O’Jays (1990–2002), Chaka Khan (1995–1998), and isolated dates with artists such as Stephanie Mills, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams, The Main Ingredient, Ben Vereen, Evelyn King, The Emotions, The S.O.S. Band, Jody Whatley, and many more.
Robert decided to take his career in another direction after 20 years on the road performing in every venue from Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Superdome in New Orleans, to the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, and appearing on several TV shows such as Soul Train, Oprah Winfrey, The Tonight Show, and many H.B.O. Specials. He moved to Vegas to pursue a more stable life in the Vegas showrooms and to share with kids his passion for drumming.
After having a rising career in Vegas with productions such as Ain’t Nothing like the Real Thing, Earl Turner, Legends in Concert, and Hitzville (The Show), a Motown revue featuring Jin Jin Reeves. He teaches drum lessons to students at Winchester Community Center, sponsored by The House of Blues Foundation, DW Drums, and Sabian Cymbals. In addition to his many endeavors, beginning in May 2010, he toured worldwide as Musical Director/Drummer, for Eddie Levert (The O’Jays), Johnny Gill (New Edition), Gerald Alston (The Manhattans), and Dennis Edwards (The Temptations).
Robert invested six years of his life toward securing his Bachelor’s Degree in jazz performance and Master’s Degree in jazz composition at the University of Nevada Las Vegas supporting the substance of his fortitude and willingness to do the hard work that is required when he sets his mind and heart toward a goal.
Robert Shipley is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Hope College. A tenure track position he proudly excepted on July 1, 2021.
He is the author of (3) drum method books titled
THE ART OF COMMERCIAL DRUMMING
COMPLETE DRUM METHODS FOR THE WELL-ROUNDED DRUMMER
THE EVOLUTION OF THE GROOVE
He is also an accomplished musician, widely acclaimed for his versatility and accomplishment, whose various styles of playing includes but is not limited to Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Latin music.
Robert Shipley's Beginner Drum Methods is a clear, accessible, and thoughtfully structured guide for new drummers. Designed to help students build a strong technical and musical foundation, this book includes initial exercises, fundamental rhythm patterns inspired by Shipley's early training and residencies in the south of France, along with finger-control exercises, essential rudiments, core grooves, fills, and an introductory jazz drumming system.
Presented in a simple and progressive format, this method equips beginning drummers with the skills needed for long-term growth and prepares them for Shipley's advanced publication, The Complete Drum Methods for the Well-Rounded Drummer.
Born and raised in Chicago, Robert started studying drums at the age of 10, starting a band with twin brother (Richard) who plays bass. They had a soundproof studio built by their father (Charles Shipley) who was a recording engineer.
Robert attended Chicago Vocational High School majoring in music. After High school he went to Kentucky State University on a marching band scholarship, and then to The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago.
In 1979, he started touring the world with Blues bands such as Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, who he recorded on Gatemouth’s Grammy-winning album (Best Blues Artist) in 1981. After moving to Los Angeles in 1982, he began touring with Natalie Cole (1983–1989), Diana Ross (1989), The Temptations (1989–1990), The O’Jays (1990–2002), Chaka Khan (1995–1998), and isolated dates with artists such as Stephanie Mills, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams, The Main Ingredient, Ben Vereen, Evelyn King, The Emotions, The S.O.S. Band, Jody Whatley, and many more.
Robert decided to take his career in another direction after 20 years on the road performing in every venue from Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Superdome in New Orleans, to the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, and appearing on several TV shows such as Soul Train, Oprah Winfrey, The Tonight Show, and many H.B.O. Specials. He moved to Vegas to pursue a more stable life in the Vegas showrooms and to share with kids his passion for drumming.
After having a rising career in Vegas with productions such as Ain’t Nothing like the Real Thing, Earl Turner, Legends in Concert, and Hitzville (The Show), a Motown revue featuring Jin Jin Reeves. He teaches drum lessons to students at Winchester Community Center, sponsored by The House of Blues Foundation, DW Drums, and Sabian Cymbals. In addition to his many endeavors, beginning in May 2010, he toured worldwide as Musical Director/Drummer, for Eddie Levert (The O’Jays), Johnny Gill (New Edition), Gerald Alston (The Manhattans), and Dennis Edwards (The Temptations).
Robert invested six years of his life toward securing his Bachelor’s Degree in jazz performance and Master’s Degree in jazz composition at the University of Nevada Las Vegas supporting the substance of his fortitude and willingness to do the hard work that is required when he sets his mind and heart toward a goal.
Robert Shipley is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Hope College. A tenure track position he proudly excepted on July 1, 2021.
He is the author of (3) drum method books titled
THE ART OF COMMERCIAL DRUMMING
COMPLETE DRUM METHODS FOR THE WELL-ROUNDED DRUMMER
THE EVOLUTION OF THE GROOVE
He is also an accomplished musician, widely acclaimed for his versatility and accomplishment, whose various styles of playing includes but is not limited to Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Latin music.