Who we are
Backwerd Rhythm Shop is a hub for percussion education resources, designed by a percussionist, for percussionists. Our mission is to provide high-quality, innovative, and practical tools that support percussion students, educators, and performers at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re a band director looking for structured lesson plans, a percussion student seeking effective study materials, or a performer in need of creative inspiration, we’ve got you covered.
At Backwerd Rhythm Shop, we specialize in creating digital and physical resources tailored to the needs of percussion educators and students. Our growing collection includes:
Educational Posters & Visual Aids – Engaging and informative posters for percussion classrooms and practice spaces.
Percussion Flashcards – Study tools designed to reinforce key concepts in percussion technique, music theory, and history.
Lesson Plans & Teaching Resources – Research-based teaching materials aligned with NMfAE, TEKS, and PAS standards.
Printable Pass-Off Systems – Structured progress-tracking tools to help students develop fundamental percussion skills.
Percussion Arrangements & Ensembles – Sheet music for various skill levels, including solos, ensembles, and warm-ups.
Jazz Drumset & Concert Percussion Guides – Resources to help drummers expand their skills in multiple musical settings.
Why “Backwerd”?
The name Backwerd Rhythm Shop is more than just a play on words—it reflects a philosophy of learning percussion in a way that challenges traditional approaches. In percussion education, progress isn’t always linear. Sometimes, the best way to master a skill is to break it down, deconstruct it, and rebuild it from the ground up—learning “backward” to move forward.
Many drummers and percussionists develop their skills through repetition and instinct, but true mastery comes from understanding the mechanics behind what we play. By rethinking how we approach rhythm, sticking, phrasing, and technique, we create deeper learning experiences that last. Backwerd Rhythm Shop embraces this mindset by providing resources that encourage thoughtful, structured, and adaptable percussion learning.
Additionally, the name reflects a bit of playfulness and creativity—two qualities essential to percussion. Just like a great groove, rudiment, or phrase, sometimes the best ideas come from looking at things from a different perspective.
At Backwerd Rhythm Shop, we believe in learning rhythm inside and out, forwards and backwards—because true percussionists don’t just play beats, they understand them.
Who’s Behind It?
Backwerd Rhythm Shop is run by Taylor Dwyer — a percussion educator, arranger, and designer based in Fort Worth. With experience spanning marching percussion, concert percussion, drum set, and percussion curriculum design, the goal of Backwerd Rhythm Shop is simple: create practical, high-quality resources that actually work in real rehearsal rooms.
From assessment systems and classroom materials to visual guides and instructional frameworks, every resource is built through the lens of day-to-day teaching experience. The focus is on clarity, usability, and research-backed percussion pedagogy that supports both student growth and ensemble culture.