Speed is of No Concern OSTINATOS is all about ostinatos. An ostinato, derived from the Italian word stubborn or obstinate is a short constantly repeated rhythmic pattern which, funnily enough, played on the bass drum, is also a tiny little melody in itself. In the exercises, the duration of an ostinato or the change of different rhythmic patterns, mirrored or displaced, is relatively short. A rhythmic pattern played over a longer time is control and endurance. Compare it with a single stroke bass drum roll. The long roll is a matter of endurance and control of both the muscles and the movement of the legs! On the other hand, short rhythmic patterns, mirrored or not, played one after the other ultimately give a mix of constant tension and relaxation of the muscles. The patterns and exercises are just one of the multiple ideas of how double pedal technique can be used and have been designed to help you gain greater independent facility with both feet. For the right handed drummer the lead foot will be the right foot, the lead hand the right hand. The second foot will be the left foot, the second hand the left hand. For the left handed drummer vice versa. I have not used a legato slur in any of the exercises throughout the book. The bass drum patterns have been written down separately to keep the examples as uncluttered as possible.

Always remember: SPEED IS OF NO CONCERN!
Marcel van Weerdenburg