The Level System

Jeffrey Johnson

General Info

Year: 2012
Edition: 1st Edition
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc.
Cost: Book Cost - $9.90   |   Supplemental Books - $0.00

Chapters

Chapter I:
Chapter II:
Chapter III:
Chapter IV:
Chapter V:
Chapter VI:

Reviews

Student Reviews

Organization: The Table of Contents immediately follows the title page, listing an introduction, dedication, and starts with snare drum technique and using a metronome. Most of what follows fall under the umbrella of ‘the level system’ which simply emphasizes the use of stick height through certain strokes to control dynamics as well as execute rudiments such as flams, drags, and accented notes. After strokes, dynamics, and accents are introduced, rudiments follow with drum set applications listed after and a list of recommended books at the end. The back cover displays the purpose of the book as well as describing the level system itself, as well as a biography of the author.

Content: In terms of the order of presentation, I like the way this book is ordered, with strokes preceding rudiments, possibly because the level system itself is based off of types of strokes and thus stick heights. The exercises in the book are chosen because they make use of the level system and give the student some examples of how the level system may be used. Though there are no orchestral excerpts provided to use the level system on, there are enough playing examples that I feel students would still be able to try out the method for themselves and see if they want to implement it into their technique.

Uses: I would say this book could be used by both middle and high school students, as it gives them a good foundation for their strokes to build their rudiments off of, although the roll itself does not seem to be explained in very much depth. I feel this book in particular would be good to introduce students to different kinds of strokes and how they can be used in their playing, and then later replaced by books that specialize in other concepts a bit more, such as rolls or orchestral playing. Given that marching band is very dependent on the proper understanding and use of upstrokes and downstrokes and the like, I feel this book would thrive in a marching band setting.

Rating: This book seems to provide a good understanding of strokes and how the differences between them can be used in rudiments, especially on snare drum and drum set. The book seems to associate dynamics with stick height to a certain extent, with the mention of the velocity of which the stick is ‘thrown’ while playing, which I feel some student could misinterpret without an instructor to explain it to them. The drum set patterns and included rudiments are well explained, use the level system, and would be a great resource to introduce students to some of these rhythms. 4/5. User:Hondogracias

Works for Percussion by this Author

Johnson, Jeffery. The Level System. Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc., 2012.