Well, you've pored through the basic drum rudiment books; (Syncopation, Stick Control, et al.) you've purchased a nice set of traps; and you may have even started jamming some ideas with a few friends. There are, however, a few additional basics and guidelines you should familiarize yourself with early on if you want to be a successful percussionist.

1. Play for the music! - The problem for many novice drummers is that they'll choose a few bombastic drummers for inspiration. Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, and Thomas Lang are all fantastic drummers who've mastered the art of subtlety. So much so, that they can play elaborate fills and complex patterns over the music without clashing with the rest of their respective bands. They got to this point, however, by studying groove, feeling, and the absolute basics of rhythmic interplay. If you start by playing a fill every other measure, you're going to accomplish nothing but irritating your bandmates, and alienating your audience.

2. Use Protection! - No, not with the groupies (definitely do this); but with your ears. Exercise caution with your playing. A good policy is to always play with earplugs; earmuffs; or sound-deadening headphones (if you're playing along to a CD). If I had a nickel for every advanced-to-pro drummer I've met with a hearing disorder, I'd have a whole pile of nickels!

3. Give Your Wrists a Break! - Tendonitis is an extremely common ailment that advanced drummers experience. Your wrists aren't meant to constantly pivot from side-to-side, but they naturally pivot up-and-down. Always play palms-down (except in certain sparing situations with the hi-hat), and if you start to feel even a twinge of pain, STOP. Rest your wrists!

4. Practice With a Metronome! - Have you ever been to a concert where the drummer seems to be dragging everyone back, or violently forcing the tempo ahead? It's safe to assume that it's been a while since that drummer has picked up a metronome. Playing repetitive rudiments to a steady click might seem like the most boring activity on the planet; but it's necessary to build good time! Try mixing rudiments on the different drums and cymbals to add variety.

5. Have Fun! - I know you've been advised by your instructor to treat books like Syncopation as drum bibles, but that doesn't mean you can do your own thing. Think of your drum rudiments as your brush, and rhythm and creativity as your endlessly vast canvas! The drummers that are the most interesting to listen to DON'T do what the other guy does. They develop their own style with time and experience. Just remember what you started to play drums for: to fulfil yourself, and to entertain others!

Follow these simple rules, and I guarantee you'll impress yourself, and keep yourself a healthy, happy drummer. Have fun, and keep the beat goin' on!