Jeff Asselin & Chuck Burrows - The Rudimental Blueprint - The Burrows Method
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The ultimate guide for percussionists seeking to master the art of rudimental snare drumming.
The Rudimental Blueprint is the ultimate guide for percussionists seeking to master the art of rudimental snare drumming. Co-written by Jeff Asselin and legendary educator Chuck Burrows, and edited by Matt Savage (The Savage Rudimental Workshop), this book offers over 100 solos and duets designed to take drummers of all skill levels from foundational strokes to advanced techniques.
Grounded in a social constructivist philosophy of education, The Rudimental Blueprint is more than just a collection of solos—it’s a complete learning system. Each solo is supported by a YouTube playlist, accessible through a QR code listed at the top of the page, providing multiple versions of each solo at different tempos. These videos begin with slow, counted demonstrations on a practice pad and build toward full-performance tempo renditions—making each video a stepping stone in your learning journey.
Designed with the learner in mind, the book features:
• Clear, easy-to-follow notation
• Helpful performance tips throughout
• Large print for enhanced readability
Whether you’re a beginner learning your first rudiments or an experienced drummer refining your craft, The Rudimental Blueprint will guide you with clarity, structure, and purpose—unlocking your full potential behind the kit.
The solos in the book were composed the author’s drum teacher, mentor, and colleague Chuck Burrows. Jeff Asselin is honored to bring his invaluable pedagogy and inspiring musicality for rudimental drumming to a wider audience. For those who are just beginning their journey into the study of rudiments, you would not be remiss if you were wondering, “Are rudiments important, or even relevant?” Yes, and yes! The language of drumming is made richer and more expressive through rudiments, and studying them will benefit your drumming and musicianship immensely.
Over the decades of Burrows’ teaching career, he had written a total of 12 books focusing on a pedagogical approach to technique, coordination, reading, mobility around the drumset, 12/8 studies, linear concepts, Latin studies, polyrhythms, and groove construction and adaptation. He created a complete pedagogy for drummers through a series of books and handouts, and truly dedicated his life to education. Thousands of students all over the world felt the influence of his teachings, many of whom are now top performers or educators. He had a deep knowledge of education, which gave his books a unique step-by-step approach to inspire students to reach their musical goals. In Rudimental Blueprint, Asselin works with renowned percussionist/educator Matt Savage (author of Savage Rudimental Workshop) to update these solos.
This book is composed of duets (solos containing a part 1 and part 2 of the same title) and solos. To perform the duets you can study them with a drum teacher, practice with another rudimental enthusiast, or use the QR code at the top of each solo to access the play-along video playlist. It is recommended that you start with Part 2 (which is slightly easier to perform) and then proceed to Part 1. Every playlist begins with a foundational video performed on a practice pad, free of dynamic markings and accompanied by a counting track. This initial step is designed to help learners focus on reading and internalizing the rhythmic structure without the added complexity of expressive elements.
From there, students progress through a series of videos performed on a snare drum, each introducing dynamic markings and presented at incrementally faster tempos, culminating in a final performance-level video.
These videos are not merely demonstrations; they are designed as pedagogical stepping stones, each serving as a vital link in a carefully constructed learning path. The progression enables students to develop the skills and confidence to tackle advanced material, reaching levels of fluency they may not have achieved working alone.
Through this layered, constructivist approach, The Rudimental Blueprint offers a flexible, inclusive, and profoundly musical learning experience-one that empowers drummers of all levels to grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
CHUCK BURROWS
Chuck Burrows was born on June 2, 1948 in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada to a family of musicians. He started playing the trumpet when he was just six years old. In 1959 he joined the Lampliters Drum Corps, playing trumpet but soon switched to the snare drum studying under Don Jolley and John Worlington, both World Open Champions and accomplished drumset artists.
Chuck’s passion for teaching began soon, leading the B-line drumline while teaching new drum corps members. He also wrote and arranged for the ensembles. In 1963 the Lampliters Drum Corps won the Canadian National Championship and by age 15 he was performing regularly with rock, country, and swing bands. At 18, Chuck studied with Henry Adler in New York while also starting to tour across Canada, the United States and Europe.
He joined the Canadian Forces and spent two years at Forces School of Music in Victoria, British Columbia, graduating with honours in 1967. While at school he played with the Victoria Symphony and Port Alberni Symphony, as well as many jazz and show bands that were featured on TV shows in the Victoria and Vancouver area. It was during this period that Chuck started writing a teaching program for drumset which could be applied to all styles of music.
In 1968 he was stationed in Montreal with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, performing in North America and Europe. Chuck also took contracts with many touring musicals, jazz quartets, rock groups, and played regularly with the McGill Jazz Workshop Big Band. From 1969-1972 Chuck performed with trumpeter Red Rodney and was a player in the New York loft scene. In the early 1970s Chuck started to gain recognition for his teaching program and taught in many prestigious schools and programs while perf arming regularly on tours in Canada, the USA and Europe. In July of 1979, Chuck moved to the Ottawa area and began performing with the National Arts Centre, Art Maiste (pianist with the Montreal and National Art Centre Symphony Orchestras and the originator of the jazz program at McGill University of Montreal), John Dela, Red Norvo, Sheri Lewis, and Salome Bey.
During his teaching career Chuck taught thousands of students, many of whom are now top performers or renowned teachers. Beginning in 2001, Chuck was the principal drumset instructor for Carleton University in Ottawa and at the time of his passing he had written 12 instructional books which focused on all aspects of the drumset. Chuck passed away on April 19, 2019. The drumming industry lost a historian, an educator, an advocate for the arts, and to so many a father figure who deeply cared for his students.
JEFF ASSELIN
Jeff Asselin is a professional musician and full-time educator for Jeff Asselin’s Drum Academy, the Carleton University music program as a Performance Instructor in the school for Studies in Art and Culture, and a professor at Algonquin College in the Media Foundations Program. He has toured extensively all over the world and recorded over 100 studio albums including TV and movie soundtracks.
He has performed with artists such as: Jarvis Church (Gerald Eaton), Chase Sandborn, David Braid, John Nemeth, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Mike Webster, Paul Deslauriers, Delbert Nelson (Funk Brothers), Steve Marriner (Monkey Junk), Mark Ferguson (Manteca), Parliament, JW Jones, Mike Rud, Kenji Omae, Ben Waters (the Rolling Stones), Rick Estrin, Red Young (the Animals), Harrison Kennedy, Little Charlie Baty, Alex Schultz, Brian Browne, Mark Cassius (the Nylons), the Texas Horns, Sue Foley, Jens Lindemann, KellyLee Evans, Lou Nelson (founder of Wrabit), Christine Jensen, Jeff Jarvis, Peter Dawson (Canadian Fiddlers Hall of Fame), Pat Labarbera, Shania Twain and Denny Christianson.
While touring he has opened for Pat Travers, Robert Cray, Drop Kick Murphy’s, Kid Rock, Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Canned Heat, KC and The Sunshine Band, Kentucky Headhunters, Brian Wilson, Mike Love and the Beach Boys, Dave Matthews Band, Fred Eaglesmith, Kathleen Edwards, P!nk, Ashley Maclssac, The Jim Cuddy Band, Jonas, City and Color, Colin James, Simple Plan, KD Lang, Daniel Lanois, Shemekia Copeland, and Tom Cochrane.
He has studied with some of the top drummers in the world, including: Pete Beaudoin, Chuck Burrows, Terry Clarke, Barry Elmes, Ian Froman, Larry Graves, Ari Hoenig, and Aldo Mazza.
Jeff proudly endorses Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo drumheads, Cympad products, cRASHbar products, and Protechtor/Gator Cases.
MATT SAVAGE
Matt Savage is a graduate of the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York, and The University of Southern California. As a professional educator he has taught at every level of public education, from elementary through to college level.
Along with teaching in public education, Matt also has over thirty-five years of playing, teaching and arranging experience in the marching percussion field. This experience includes playing snare drum with the legendary Bayonne Bridgemen, and serving as the percussion director and arranger for the Anaheim Velvet Knights, Dutchboy, Jersey Surf and the Bluecoats. His virtuosic snare drum performances can be heard on Row-Loff Publications Rudimental Cookbook and Just Desserts.
At the collegiate level, Matt has served as percussion instructor for the USC Trojan Marching Band and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he has also served as Assistant Director of University Bands. Matt has been heavily involved with the WGI indoor percussion activity as an adjudicator and has served on the WGI Percussion Steering Committee. His publication Savage Rudimental Workshop is a state-of-the-art rudiment development book with audio accompaniment published by Alfred Music and used world wide. Along with being a marching percussion specialist, Matt is a Remo hand drum artist and drum circle facilitator leading drum circles for a variety of both local, national, and international events with his company Rhythm Alive.
He is a proud clinician and endorser for Zildjian Cymbals, The Yamaha Corporation, Remo Inc., and Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets.
TESTIMONIALS
“Not only did I study briefly with Chuck Burrows in 1980, but Jeff Asselin was also a student of mine for a few years in the early 2000s. To say that I am close to the principles involved and this material would be an understatement! Jeff has organized, edited, and completed a lifetime’s work by a unique and early-departed champion of the drums. Chuck dedicated his life to educating others, even putting aside his playing career. I don’t know a more qualified steward of this material than Jeff Asselin. At a time in my life when I am transitioning from a traditional grip to a matched grip, this book is becoming an invaluable asset. The book starts slowly and develops into quite challenging material. Bravo to Jeff and his editor, Matt Savage, for undertaking this endeavor. Well done! Highly recommended!”
Ian Froman (Professor – Berklee College of Music/Freelance Jazz Musician)
“The Rudimental Blueprint is a unique and welcome addition to the field of snare drum literature. It’s tough to make a book on this topic stand out, but Jeff Asselin, Chuck Burrows, and Matt Savage have done it in spades. They have collaborated on an excellent method that deserves a place next to Wilcoxon on any drum/percussion educator’s shelf. Building from a clear approach to rolls in varying meters and basic solos that cover all the important rudiments, the book builds to a collection of challenging, fun, useful, and musical solos that apply and reinforce a series of increasingly complex modern concepts applied to the snare drum. Many of the solos are extremely advanced. If you are looking for something new to challenge, improve, and expand your abilities as a rudimental snare drummer, I highly recommend this book.”
Joe Bergamini (SABIAN Education Network Director/Hudson Music Senior
Editor/ Author/NYC pro drummer)
“The Rudimental Blueprint is a fantastic and highly practical resource for any serious drummer. The ‘Hints, Tips, and Words of Wisdom’ section is a treasure trove of practical knowledge, and the progressive layout of the solos makes the collection incredibly versatile. The musicality of the solos is a key strength; they swing authentically and are phrased beautifully. This is a welcome and highly anticipated addition to the percussive library, and I am grateful to Jeff and Matt for bringing Chuck Burrows’ incredible work to the drumming community.”
Dr. John Wooton (Professor of Percussion – University of Southern Mississippi/
Author/Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame)
“It looks great! I especially like the steady progression The Rudimental Blueprint takes the player through. This is a great addition to snare drum education!”
Alan Keown (Author and arranger/Founder of the Alan Keown
Marching Percussion Camp)
“Before playing full kit, I followed in the footsteps of my father and joined a drum corps. I absolutely loved rudiments. This book doesn’t just teach rudiments – it turns them into weapons for your creativity behind the kit. Strap in!”
Randy Cooke (Los Angeles based session & touring drummer)
The Rudimental Blueprint is the ultimate guide for percussionists seeking to master the art of rudimental snare drumming. Co-written by Jeff Asselin and legendary educator Chuck Burrows, and edited by Matt Savage (The Savage Rudimental Workshop), this book offers over 100 solos and duets designed to take drummers of all skill levels from foundational strokes to advanced techniques.
Grounded in a social constructivist philosophy of education, The Rudimental Blueprint is more than just a collection of solos—it’s a complete learning system. Each solo is supported by a YouTube playlist, accessible through a QR code listed at the top of the page, providing multiple versions of each solo at different tempos. These videos begin with slow, counted demonstrations on a practice pad and build toward full-performance tempo renditions—making each video a stepping stone in your learning journey.
Designed with the learner in mind, the book features:
• Clear, easy-to-follow notation
• Helpful performance tips throughout
• Large print for enhanced readability
Whether you’re a beginner learning your first rudiments or an experienced drummer refining your craft, The Rudimental Blueprint will guide you with clarity, structure, and purpose—unlocking your full potential behind the kit.
The solos in the book were composed the author’s drum teacher, mentor, and colleague Chuck Burrows. Jeff Asselin is honored to bring his invaluable pedagogy and inspiring musicality for rudimental drumming to a wider audience. For those who are just beginning their journey into the study of rudiments, you would not be remiss if you were wondering, “Are rudiments important, or even relevant?” Yes, and yes! The language of drumming is made richer and more expressive through rudiments, and studying them will benefit your drumming and musicianship immensely.
Over the decades of Burrows’ teaching career, he had written a total of 12 books focusing on a pedagogical approach to technique, coordination, reading, mobility around the drumset, 12/8 studies, linear concepts, Latin studies, polyrhythms, and groove construction and adaptation. He created a complete pedagogy for drummers through a series of books and handouts, and truly dedicated his life to education. Thousands of students all over the world felt the influence of his teachings, many of whom are now top performers or educators. He had a deep knowledge of education, which gave his books a unique step-by-step approach to inspire students to reach their musical goals. In Rudimental Blueprint, Asselin works with renowned percussionist/educator Matt Savage (author of Savage Rudimental Workshop) to update these solos.
This book is composed of duets (solos containing a part 1 and part 2 of the same title) and solos. To perform the duets you can study them with a drum teacher, practice with another rudimental enthusiast, or use the QR code at the top of each solo to access the play-along video playlist. It is recommended that you start with Part 2 (which is slightly easier to perform) and then proceed to Part 1. Every playlist begins with a foundational video performed on a practice pad, free of dynamic markings and accompanied by a counting track. This initial step is designed to help learners focus on reading and internalizing the rhythmic structure without the added complexity of expressive elements.
From there, students progress through a series of videos performed on a snare drum, each introducing dynamic markings and presented at incrementally faster tempos, culminating in a final performance-level video.
These videos are not merely demonstrations; they are designed as pedagogical stepping stones, each serving as a vital link in a carefully constructed learning path. The progression enables students to develop the skills and confidence to tackle advanced material, reaching levels of fluency they may not have achieved working alone.
Through this layered, constructivist approach, The Rudimental Blueprint offers a flexible, inclusive, and profoundly musical learning experience-one that empowers drummers of all levels to grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
CHUCK BURROWS
Chuck Burrows was born on June 2, 1948 in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada to a family of musicians. He started playing the trumpet when he was just six years old. In 1959 he joined the Lampliters Drum Corps, playing trumpet but soon switched to the snare drum studying under Don Jolley and John Worlington, both World Open Champions and accomplished drumset artists.
Chuck’s passion for teaching began soon, leading the B-line drumline while teaching new drum corps members. He also wrote and arranged for the ensembles. In 1963 the Lampliters Drum Corps won the Canadian National Championship and by age 15 he was performing regularly with rock, country, and swing bands. At 18, Chuck studied with Henry Adler in New York while also starting to tour across Canada, the United States and Europe.
He joined the Canadian Forces and spent two years at Forces School of Music in Victoria, British Columbia, graduating with honours in 1967. While at school he played with the Victoria Symphony and Port Alberni Symphony, as well as many jazz and show bands that were featured on TV shows in the Victoria and Vancouver area. It was during this period that Chuck started writing a teaching program for drumset which could be applied to all styles of music.
In 1968 he was stationed in Montreal with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, performing in North America and Europe. Chuck also took contracts with many touring musicals, jazz quartets, rock groups, and played regularly with the McGill Jazz Workshop Big Band. From 1969-1972 Chuck performed with trumpeter Red Rodney and was a player in the New York loft scene. In the early 1970s Chuck started to gain recognition for his teaching program and taught in many prestigious schools and programs while perf arming regularly on tours in Canada, the USA and Europe. In July of 1979, Chuck moved to the Ottawa area and began performing with the National Arts Centre, Art Maiste (pianist with the Montreal and National Art Centre Symphony Orchestras and the originator of the jazz program at McGill University of Montreal), John Dela, Red Norvo, Sheri Lewis, and Salome Bey.
During his teaching career Chuck taught thousands of students, many of whom are now top performers or renowned teachers. Beginning in 2001, Chuck was the principal drumset instructor for Carleton University in Ottawa and at the time of his passing he had written 12 instructional books which focused on all aspects of the drumset. Chuck passed away on April 19, 2019. The drumming industry lost a historian, an educator, an advocate for the arts, and to so many a father figure who deeply cared for his students.
JEFF ASSELIN
Jeff Asselin is a professional musician and full-time educator for Jeff Asselin’s Drum Academy, the Carleton University music program as a Performance Instructor in the school for Studies in Art and Culture, and a professor at Algonquin College in the Media Foundations Program. He has toured extensively all over the world and recorded over 100 studio albums including TV and movie soundtracks.
He has performed with artists such as: Jarvis Church (Gerald Eaton), Chase Sandborn, David Braid, John Nemeth, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Mike Webster, Paul Deslauriers, Delbert Nelson (Funk Brothers), Steve Marriner (Monkey Junk), Mark Ferguson (Manteca), Parliament, JW Jones, Mike Rud, Kenji Omae, Ben Waters (the Rolling Stones), Rick Estrin, Red Young (the Animals), Harrison Kennedy, Little Charlie Baty, Alex Schultz, Brian Browne, Mark Cassius (the Nylons), the Texas Horns, Sue Foley, Jens Lindemann, KellyLee Evans, Lou Nelson (founder of Wrabit), Christine Jensen, Jeff Jarvis, Peter Dawson (Canadian Fiddlers Hall of Fame), Pat Labarbera, Shania Twain and Denny Christianson.
While touring he has opened for Pat Travers, Robert Cray, Drop Kick Murphy’s, Kid Rock, Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Canned Heat, KC and The Sunshine Band, Kentucky Headhunters, Brian Wilson, Mike Love and the Beach Boys, Dave Matthews Band, Fred Eaglesmith, Kathleen Edwards, P!nk, Ashley Maclssac, The Jim Cuddy Band, Jonas, City and Color, Colin James, Simple Plan, KD Lang, Daniel Lanois, Shemekia Copeland, and Tom Cochrane.
He has studied with some of the top drummers in the world, including: Pete Beaudoin, Chuck Burrows, Terry Clarke, Barry Elmes, Ian Froman, Larry Graves, Ari Hoenig, and Aldo Mazza.
Jeff proudly endorses Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo drumheads, Cympad products, cRASHbar products, and Protechtor/Gator Cases.
MATT SAVAGE
Matt Savage is a graduate of the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York, and The University of Southern California. As a professional educator he has taught at every level of public education, from elementary through to college level.
Along with teaching in public education, Matt also has over thirty-five years of playing, teaching and arranging experience in the marching percussion field. This experience includes playing snare drum with the legendary Bayonne Bridgemen, and serving as the percussion director and arranger for the Anaheim Velvet Knights, Dutchboy, Jersey Surf and the Bluecoats. His virtuosic snare drum performances can be heard on Row-Loff Publications Rudimental Cookbook and Just Desserts.
At the collegiate level, Matt has served as percussion instructor for the USC Trojan Marching Band and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he has also served as Assistant Director of University Bands. Matt has been heavily involved with the WGI indoor percussion activity as an adjudicator and has served on the WGI Percussion Steering Committee. His publication Savage Rudimental Workshop is a state-of-the-art rudiment development book with audio accompaniment published by Alfred Music and used world wide. Along with being a marching percussion specialist, Matt is a Remo hand drum artist and drum circle facilitator leading drum circles for a variety of both local, national, and international events with his company Rhythm Alive.
He is a proud clinician and endorser for Zildjian Cymbals, The Yamaha Corporation, Remo Inc., and Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets.
TESTIMONIALS
“Not only did I study briefly with Chuck Burrows in 1980, but Jeff Asselin was also a student of mine for a few years in the early 2000s. To say that I am close to the principles involved and this material would be an understatement! Jeff has organized, edited, and completed a lifetime’s work by a unique and early-departed champion of the drums. Chuck dedicated his life to educating others, even putting aside his playing career. I don’t know a more qualified steward of this material than Jeff Asselin. At a time in my life when I am transitioning from a traditional grip to a matched grip, this book is becoming an invaluable asset. The book starts slowly and develops into quite challenging material. Bravo to Jeff and his editor, Matt Savage, for undertaking this endeavor. Well done! Highly recommended!”
Ian Froman (Professor – Berklee College of Music/Freelance Jazz Musician)
“The Rudimental Blueprint is a unique and welcome addition to the field of snare drum literature. It’s tough to make a book on this topic stand out, but Jeff Asselin, Chuck Burrows, and Matt Savage have done it in spades. They have collaborated on an excellent method that deserves a place next to Wilcoxon on any drum/percussion educator’s shelf. Building from a clear approach to rolls in varying meters and basic solos that cover all the important rudiments, the book builds to a collection of challenging, fun, useful, and musical solos that apply and reinforce a series of increasingly complex modern concepts applied to the snare drum. Many of the solos are extremely advanced. If you are looking for something new to challenge, improve, and expand your abilities as a rudimental snare drummer, I highly recommend this book.”
Joe Bergamini (SABIAN Education Network Director/Hudson Music Senior
Editor/ Author/NYC pro drummer)
“The Rudimental Blueprint is a fantastic and highly practical resource for any serious drummer. The ‘Hints, Tips, and Words of Wisdom’ section is a treasure trove of practical knowledge, and the progressive layout of the solos makes the collection incredibly versatile. The musicality of the solos is a key strength; they swing authentically and are phrased beautifully. This is a welcome and highly anticipated addition to the percussive library, and I am grateful to Jeff and Matt for bringing Chuck Burrows’ incredible work to the drumming community.”
Dr. John Wooton (Professor of Percussion – University of Southern Mississippi/
Author/Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps Hall of Fame)
“It looks great! I especially like the steady progression The Rudimental Blueprint takes the player through. This is a great addition to snare drum education!”
Alan Keown (Author and arranger/Founder of the Alan Keown
Marching Percussion Camp)
“Before playing full kit, I followed in the footsteps of my father and joined a drum corps. I absolutely loved rudiments. This book doesn’t just teach rudiments – it turns them into weapons for your creativity behind the kit. Strap in!”
Randy Cooke (Los Angeles based session & touring drummer)
