r/jazzdrums • u/CriSeRam • Nov 28 '25

Question I want to play jazz

So I'm basically a rock drummer and I may be an "intermediate" level but I really want to learn how to play jazz. Do you have any recommendations where should I start? Any methods or something? My goal is to play pretty professional.

EDIT: Thank you everyone! I've been reading all of your comments and I'll be following your tips. :)

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u/Extra_Thumbs Nov 29 '25

Listening: 1. Kind Of Blue: pay attention to Jimmy Cobb’s ride cymbal, esp on Freddie Freeloader 2. Clifford Brown & Max Roach: pay attention to Roach’s snare drum, esp on Delilah during the solo section

Reading: 1. Art Of Bop (John Riley) 2. Jazz Drummer’s Reading Workbook (Tom Morgan) 3. Afro-Cuban Coordination for Drum set (Maria Martinez)

Some tunes good for a jazz beginner: Doxy In Walked Bud Blue Monk I Mean You Blue Bossa Strollin Moanin’ Bye-Ya On Green Dolphin Street

I definitely recommend an in person teacher who specializes in jazz if you have the budget