Scott,
First, if you are a serious musician, you will be practicing rudiments for the rest of your life, every day if possible. The issue is, how good do you want to be. In my opinion, there are far too many drummers who's muicality is great but who's musicianship and technique is lacking. When I first started, I practiced the rudiments on pillows (Philly Joe Style) for 3 years. Not that I'm a rudimental drummer or anything, but, after about 15 years off, my hands came back pretty quickly. It's like riding a bicycle. I can't imagine how it would be if I had continued uninterupted all those years.
Ratamatatt
Thanks for the response.
So, I take it this is a 'yes' to my question? I'm not questioning the importance or even the applicability of rudiments but rather in your personal experience, what exercises or methods have helped improve your brush technique? Maybe this including doing the rudiments with brushes or maybe it did not. I'm just trying to get some opinions which may or may not influence how I choose to maximize my practice time.
