Yes, as the title says, I have completed half of this methods book! To put into perspective, how much work has gone into this, I have completed about 50 pages.
Yes, that is correct, 50 pages. Now, that does not mean this book is going to be 100 pages because I believe the bulk of the written work is done. For now, the Etude pages start on page 30. That means I have only 20 pages dedicated to real music. Now we get into the fun part though.
What am I doing?
I am creating a compilation of 10 original etudes for a beginning to intermediate snare drummer. The goal of this book is to assist band directors and private instructors teach their intro level students. The reason I want to pursue this is that when I was in the early stages of my career I relied solely on YouTube videos, Drum Forums, and a lot of method books. When I got my first full-time teaching job at a high school in south Tucson, I noticed 2 things that were not working right and affected their education. Their band director, who is truly a great musician and teacher, probably one of the best in the world, did not know how to play percussion. When I first came up with this idea it was with that program in mind. The one thing I wanted to do was help programs like that who have incredible directors, and all they need is the right tool.
Update
Since this methods book is going to have 10 etudes, being halfway means I am finished with Etude 5, right? YES!! Today I finished Etude 5 with all the interpretations and 
handwritten notes. It is exciting because I wrote etude five in a 3/8 time signature, which is very fun and exciting! This etude reminds me a lot of a Delecluse etude, but for beginners. The reason I say that is because of how detailed I am making the interpretations. I made them so precise to the point of the exact start of a hairpin, and how long a dynamic should be maintained. It is extremely detailed. To put it into simpler terms.
I’ll attach a picture and PDF download here (Etude 5). That way you can see where I am actually at in this thing.
Biggest Problems?
Well, my biggest problem is always going to be time, but this week I was very focused on solo repertoire. Now, while that is good, I did not manage my time well at all this past week. Now I am coming up on spring break from school and that leaves a lot of time to figure out the rest of the semester which also includes this project.
Next Week
As my schedule is laid out, this next week I wanted to give myself a lighter schedule so I can come back with a fresh mind and new approach. I say that now, but I doubt that actually happens. The next time that I write, hopefully, I will have through Etude 8 completed and ready. Whether or not that is this next week or the following week, I do not know.
How Can You Help?
I am still accepting applicants to join me in this project. The steps are extremely easy. Just go to my projects page and scroll to the bottom. Follow the steps and you are all set! Have any questions? Fill out my contact form and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Tyler J. Haley 