This is absolutely a ‘must have’ for every drummer’s library.
— Bruce Becker (Educator, Drumeo...)

Available Now!

Philly-ISM, the second book in Tim’s ISMS series, is a unique analyses of Philly Joe Jones’ RUDIMENTAL approach to soloing. More specifically, it’s a deep dive into Philly’s use of the paradiddle


I have been enjoying digging into some of these great variations and solo passages already!
— Stanton Moore (Galactic...)

A deep dive into the sophisticated tool box that Philly Joe developed as one of the most swinging, and creative, drummers of all-time.
— Steve Smith (Journey...)

Welcome to the ISMS series, a drum method dedicated to and built around the famous Bruce Lee quote: 

“I fear not the [person] who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the [person] who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

For the purposes of this series, the quote has been modified as follows:

“I fear not the MUSICIAN who has practiced 10,000 LICKS once, but I fear the MUSICIAN who has practiced one LICK 10,000 times.”


Philly-ISM, the second book in Tim’s ISMS series, is a unique analyses of Philly Joe Jones’ RUDIMENTAL approach to soloing. More specifically, it’s a deep dive into Philly’s use of the paradiddle

With Philly-ISM, you will:

  • Learn how Philly Joe utilized the PARADIDDLE sticking and its variations in his solos

  • Study 18 Philly solos from legendary recordings

  • Permutate, orchestrate, and subdivide the ISM

  • Analyze 9 additional Philly Trademark Phrases

  • Learn to sing and solo using your ISM over REAL song forms 

  • ABSORB THE ISM AND CREATE YOUR OWN VARIATIONS! 

Includes over one hour of instructional video lessons demonstrating exercises and concepts from this book.


“Tim Carman's Philly-ISM is a deep dive into the sophisticated tool box that Philly Joe developed as one of the most swinging, and creative, drummers of all-time. Tim breaks down and clearly explains how Philly Joe took simple ideas, gained control over them, and was able to access them in spontaneous musical statements. If you're interested in digging into Philly Joe's concept, which is still quite relevant in today's world, check out Philly-ISM.”

  • Steve Smith (Journey, Mariah Carey, Vital Information, Steps Ahead…)

“Philly-ISM is an interesting and effective approach to understanding some of the language of legendary drummer Philly Joe Jones. Tim’s concept is to look at one rhythmic cell and examine the various possibilities of that idea in a deep way in order to truly understand how to utilize that element in a musical way. This is a concept that once understood, can be applied in many circumstances. I often find myself utilizing a similar approach in trying to get as much mileage out of one idea as possible, so Tim’s book resonates with me. I have been enjoying digging into some of these great variations and solo passages already!”

  • Stanton Moore (Galactic, Garage A Trois…)

“A great insight into the poetry of Philly Joe Jones, one of my all time favorite drummers!”

  • Mike Clark (Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters…)

“Tim Carman has assembled a masterful ensemble of insights into the stylings of Philly Joe Jones!! This is absolutely a “must have” for every drummer’s library.”

  • Bruce Becker (Drummer for David Becker Tribune, educator)


Listen to Tim chat about the book on the Drum History Podcast (2023)