Unfortunately it seems as though fewer programs are focusing on the development of the rudiments in the beginning year(s). I have even heard some directors say that the rudiments are essentially useless. One director told me that only 6 rudiments are used in most band music, therefore one really needs to only teach the 6 rudiments at most. "and we wonder why music education is spiralling downward".
So my question is which rudiments are more important than others, or are all equally important? Is there a list of the top 10 or 15 rudiments that you would teach over the others?
