Four core domains · graded from Awareness to Mastery · plus specialised percussion branch
⥠Technical Execution
Hands, feet, rudiments & instrument-specific
noviceBasic grip, steady 8ths
intermediateMoeller, rebound, double
strokes
advancedFull dynamics (ppâff), heel-toe
expertEffortless speed, whiplash strokes,
nuance
noviceBasic rock beat (kick 1&3, snare
2&4)
intermediateLimb separation, polyrhythms
(2:3)
advanced4âway independence, broken time, Latin
feet
expertComplete limb autonomy, metric
modulation
novice5 basic rudiments
intermediate26 rudiments, applied on set
advancedSwiss rudiments, melodic phrasing
expertHybrid rudiments, seamless at speed
noviceHits cymbals, holds triangle
intermediateChokes, splashes, 2âmallet
advancedCrossâstick, ride bow, 4âmallet, timpani
gliss
expertOneâhanded rolls, vibes pedaling,
intonation
đ Musical Perception
Pulse, subdivision, listening & tonal awareness
noviceMetronome, steady 4/4
intermediateInternal clock, behind/on top
advancedHuman metronome, pocket, no
rushing
expertShift grid intentionally, extreme
BPM
noviceQuarter, 8th, 16th notes
intermediateTriplets, 16th syncopation
advanced3:4, 5:4 polyrhythms over groove
expertModulate between feels (4/4â6/8â5/4)
noviceFollows click or bass
intermediateNotices guitar riff, adjusts
volume
advancedAnticipates phrasing, comping for
soloists
expertDynamic shape, pushes & pulls
energy
noviceLow/high distinction
intermediateDry vs wet snare
advancedTunes drums to 4ths/5ths
expertSing pitch, perfect intonation
(timpani/mallets)
đ” Musicality &
Repertoire
Style, arrangement, soloing, groove
noviceRock, Pop
intermediateJazz, Funk, Shuffles
advancedAfroâCuban, Brazilian, oddâmeter
expertChameleon, authentic cultural
language
noviceVerse/chorus structure
intermediateDifferent parts for
intro/bridge
advancedSuggests hits, writes drum parts
expertOrchestrates climax, emotional arc
novice4âbar drum fill
intermediateStructured 8âbar solo
advancedTrades 4s, thematic development
expertConversational, tension & release
noviceKeeps time
intermediateSits in the pocket, locks with
bass
advancedMicroâtiming manipulation
expertDefines the feel, deep pocket
đŻ Professional Aptitude
Setup, reading, interaction, reliability
noviceSets up 4âpiece, adjusts hiâhat
intermediateTunes, changes heads, gig bag
advancedMics kit, understands phase
expertCustom sounds on fly, fixes pedals
noviceBasic 4/4 chart
intermediateBigâband charts, hits & cues
advancedNashville numbers, chord charts
expertSightâreads complex scores,
transcribes
noviceStarts/stops with band
intermediateEye contact, follows nods
advancedGives visual cues, leaves space
expertActs as director, resolves train
wrecks
noviceOn time, sticks
intermediateEarly, setlist, backup sticks
advancedListens to recordings, kick patch,
tempos
expertSpare parts, setlist memory,
coldâread