The Playing Techniques series marks the culmination of legendary drummers Ralph Humphrey and Joe Porcaro’s deep contribution to drum set education. Covering the study of everything pertaining to the proper technical performance of music on the drum set, the materials are presented in a systematic manner similar to a college course, which the authors refined over decades of teaching at Musicians Institute and Los Angeles College of Music.

Book Four covers more advanced exercise building on previous concepts, including: all sticking philosphies including categories 1-6 applied to various time signatures and groupings; the remaining advanced rudiments and etudes; Ralph’s (and Mike Packer’s) Rudimental Challenges; advanced ostinatos and hand phrases; right-hand lead patterns; note groupings; hand ostinatos; rhythmic coordination; and quintuplets and septuplets.