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Drums Grade 8

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The Drums Grade 8 book covers the in-depth knowledge you'll need to tackle the full array of techniques and theoretical challenges you'll face in your Grade 8 exam - pass this, and you're truly ready to roll with the best in the world of rock and pop. Good luck!

What you'll learn at Grade 8

  • Double bass drum, advanced stylistic grooves, complex time-signature changes and syncopation
  • Single strokes developed, alternative paradiddle-diddles, Swiss Army triplet, pataflafla, single and double triple ratamacue, rolls, Stylistic Studies
  • Playback and performance skills

Download Individual
Tracks or Tests

Includes digital versions of the audio, notation and fact files.

  • All Of You Track 1 of 12
    £3.99
  • Bonfire Track 2 of 12
    £3.99
  • Dark Matter Track 3 of 12
    £2.29
  • Freightshaker Track 4 of 12
    £2.29
  • Hit Me Track 5 of 12
    £3.99
  • Last Time Track 6 of 12
    £3.99
  • Lead Sheet Track 7 of 12
    £2.29
  • Meet Darth Ear Track 8 of 12
    £2.29
  • Mind The Gaps Track 9 of 12
    £2.29
  • Nosso Samba Track 10 of 12
    £2.29
  • Red Baron Track 11 of 12
    £3.99
  • Some Skunk Funk Track 12 of 12
    £3.99
  • Supporting Tests
    £5.99
  • List
    • 6 new arrangements of iconic rock, pop, and contemporary music tracks from classic and contemporary artists & 6 Rockschool Originals
    • The most diverse selection of contemporary music ever seen in a syllabus making the Grades accessible to everyone without precluding any musical tastes
    • Fact Files: band and artist background information with recommended listening
    • Walkthroughs: in-depth guidance on every track
    • Downloadable audio: easily access audio content online
    • All the essential music theory and technique you need to pass your exams
  • paper
  • music note
    • Billy Cobham - Red Baron
    • Cole Porter - All Of You
    • Dirty Loops - Hit Me
    • Brecker Brothers - Some Skunk Funk
    • Knife Party - Bonfire
    • Moderat - Last Time
    • 6 Rockschool Originals
  • paper

    Technical Exercises

    • Group A - Single Strokes
    • Group B - Paradiddles
    • Group C - Triplets
    • Group D - Ratamacues
    • Group E - Rolls
    • Group F - Stylistic Studies

    Unseen Tests

    • Quick Study Piece
    • Ear Tests (Test 1: Fill Playback and Recognition, Test 2: Groove Recall)
    • General Musicianship Questions
  • Tick

    'All Of You' Text has been added at bars 17 and 32 to instruct to the player to switch from cross-stick to open snare at bar 32 during the 'develop' section. The walkthrough has been updated to reflect this as follows: "The first time at bar 17 the melody is played and drums play a lighter version of the previous groove featuring a cross-stick as opposed to the open snare along with a simpler bass drum pattern. This change in pattern supports the drop in dynamics to mezzo forte. The cross-stick is maintained through the first half of the first chorus, changing to open snare from bar 32. The concept is a subtle lift in dynamics and intensity with the drums developing and responding to the changes within the choruses." (Updated 27 Oct 2022)

    Pages 23-28

    Some Skunk Funk

    Click backing track audio has been fixed so that it correctly mirrors the time changes throughout the score (Updated 3 December 2019).

  • paper

    Learn more about the Drums Syllabus

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Digital Files

For the RSL shop we’ve chosen the most widely used media for ease of use and flexibility when transferring across different devices.

Every complete digital book (e.g. Electric Guitar Grade 1) includes:

  • PDF sheet music
  • MP3 audio
  • Supporting tests

Download Limits

We know downloading digital content can be frustrating at times which is why we’ve given you multiple chances to download your audio and sheet music.

Each complete digital book purchased includes:

  • 5 audio downloads
  • 3 sheet music downloadsThis means if you misplace your content, or if your download times-out, you’ll still have plenty of attempts to download your content.

Purchase Options

1. Hard Copy

The hard copy or paperback version can be purchased from our shop for shipping to the UK. Orders for shipping to other countries can be placed via www.musicroom.com. The paperback version includes everything you need for your exam in one essential book, including sheet music, a code for access to MP3 audio and complete supporting tests.

2. Digital Download (where applicable)

Digital downloads is the most popular way of purchasing and downloading a Rockschool book, track or supporting test. Rockschool digital book downloads come complete with PDF sheet music, MP3 audio and supporting tests for instant accessibility on all your favourite devices.

Note: Digital sheet music is stamped with your email address and order number.

3. Digital Download + E-Book Access

The RSL e-books, utilising Learning Platform technology powered by MatchMySound, are the ultimate practise tool, giving you the ability to master your instrument like never before.

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