Marv was the author of more than 20 method books during the course of his life. 4-Way Coordination and Accent on Accents (both co-authored with Elliot Fine) are still being published by Alfred Music. Drum Set Control and a selection of his other texts are being offered as self-published digital pdf downloads below.
Volume I available as hard copy on Amazon
or digital file from Alfred Music
Volume II available as hard copy on Amazon
or digital file from Alfred Music
Drum Set Control
The purpose of this text is to explore the many possibilities of using the common drum rudiments in conjunction with the bass drum while moving around the drum set. Focusing on clockwise and counterclockwise motions, each melodic and creative solo is beneficial for drummers of all styles. As is typical of Marv’s playing and teaching, the fluidity and musicality of four-way coordination continue to be an emphasis throughout the text. A classic method book that was a staple of Marv’s teaching throughout the years. A Must-have for any serious drummer!
Available as printable pdf file
Price – $12
Marv Dahlgren’s Notebook
This text is a collection of reading exercises written by Marv Dahlgren ranging from simple quarter note exercises to more advanced drum set and jazz-specific applications. Each section includes detailed explanations in Marv’s signature cursive handwriting.
Available as printable pdf file
Price – $12
Rudimental Riffs –
As a firm believer in the value of drum rudiments, Marv Dahlgren demonstrates, in this text, the use of traditional rudiments as a basis for four-way coordination. In addition to the standard rudiments, several accepted exercises fall into the rudimental category, that is, exercises that are composed of single strokes, double strokes, and flams (referred to as “modern rudiments”).
Available as printable pdf file
Price – $12
Variations on Three Camps
Three Camps is a traditional rudimental snare solo used during the Revolutionary War to begin and end the reveille ceremony (waking up the troops). Although an old piece of snare drum literature, this text takes the student on a journey as Marv explores the multiple possibilities of sticking patterns and subdivisions that can be used while playing this classic snare drum piece. This book is a must for any serious student looking to learn a bit about the history of early military drumming as well as develop their technique to withstand the demands of today’s drummer.
Available as printable pdf file
Price – $12
Twos and Fours The purpose of this book is to present some ideas for short solos to the drum set player. These solos range from fairly simple to highly technical and difficult. Included in this book are accented 1/8 note, 1/8 note triplet, and 1/16th note solos on the snare drum. Followed by drum set application with interesting melodic phrasing, bass drum placements, and exercises in 3/4 and 5/4 time. Very valuable to drummers looking to develop solo ideas in the jazz or Latin style.
Available as printable pdf file
Price – $12
Four-Way Fours:
A collection of short drum solos that feature coordination between both the hands and feet. The exercises and solos are written in Marv’s signature two-line staff (top line for hands, bottom line for feet). Ideal for all drummers looking to develop melodic and interesting drum solos while using all four of their limbs! NOTE: Some exercises in this book are supplemental to the groundbreaking Four-Way Coordination!
Available as printable pdf file
Price – $12
Polyrhythms
A 16-page set of exercises which Marv considered a continuation of 4-Way Coordination
Available as printable pdf file
Price – $3.50
Marv Dahlgren's Legacy 