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The sound of the drum can be quite stirring. Whether it is the deep resonant sound of the bass drum thrumming against the air, or the crack of the marching drum through the holiday streets, the sound provokes deep personal and cultural memory. Learning more about drums, or enjoying their sound by the standards of your own culture or those of some far-flung place is easy enough. Massive collections of literature and entertainment awaits anyone hoping to add some thumping music to their soul, or pick up a pair of wooden sticks and start to thwack away at a new set for themselves.

There are many popular books on the history of drums but some really stand out. The Great American Drums and the Companies That Made Them, 1920-1969 by Harry Cangany will do a fine job of introducing the reader to the modern history of drums in America. Covering the great era of American identity, Harry will introduce you to the wonder of the American drum tradition.

The Ojibwa Dance Drum: Its History and Construction, by Thomas Vennum. A different American drum tradition that covers instead a sacred native drum movement. Stirring and rich in sacred history as moved to the beat of a drum. The Drum Book: A History of the Rock Drum Kit - Updated Edition, by Geoff Nicholls. Geoff takes the reader behind the scenes of the Rock & Roll drum as never before. A complete history of how the bass thunders the audience, then and now.

Now of instead of just reading about drums, you may want to try your hand at reading about how to play drums, there are several basic and reliable choices to start with.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums, 2nd Edition, by Michael Miller. An undeniably simple beginning, the Complete Idiot keeps the novice on the right path and introduces all the basics and the jargon without pretence. The Drummer's Bible: How to Play Every Drum Style from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco, by Mick Berry. Mike offers not just good advice and comprehensive lessons, but variety and style.

In addition to the massive volume of literature to learn the drum from, an entire DVD industry awaits to teach the beginner how to use his sticks! Getting Started on Drums Featuring Tommy Igoe DVD - Setting Up / Start Playing, directed by Robert Wallis and Classic Rock Drum Solos DVD, also directed by Robert Wallis, take the drummer from simple to solo. The first DVD will set you up and give you all the tools you need to understand the drummer’s art, while the second will allow you to learn to play with the great rock classics.

Drum Lesson: Learn How to play drums - Essential Beats, Fills and Grooves DVD, Directed by Music Star Productions. If Robert Wallis can’t do it for you, Music Star surely can. This DVD serves a simple introduction, and is gentle on both the beginner and veteran alike.

Finally, if perhaps you just want to listen to some drums, sit back and let the music move you.

Sacred Earth Drums and Drum Medicine, by David and Steve Gordon. This pair of accomplished drummers have won award after award for their unmeasured ability to capture the sacred and shamanistic drums of bygone worlds.

Specializing in native and aboriginal drums, prepare to let your inner spirit dance! Drums of Passion, by Babatunde Olatunji. Dating back to 1960, this classic African piece was one of the first to ignite world interest in African drumming. The deep percussion offers a glimpse into the rich musical history and variety offered by world drums.

Planet Drum, by Mickey Hart. Mickey Hart has an entire series of solo and partnered drum experiments that mix world music and genres together to form an unrivaled sound.

All mentioned titles are available at Amazon.com, with many others available to enrich your drumming experience!