Contrary to popular belief that "drummers don't need to read music, they just need to keep time", Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments emphasises this false reasoning and proves that the drummer needs to be as much a musician as any other member of the band or orchestra!

The book is laid out in clear sections of learning from selecting drum sticks and using a practice pad, to developing hand, wrist and arm action. The book then details all the necessary techniques for a developing drummer including single strokes, accents, three-, four-, five-, seven- and nine-stroke rolls and ruffs, paradiddles, flams, drags and also includes a number of advanced rhythmic techniques.