Re: In your opinion, what makes the difference between intermediate and advanced drum
In my mind, three categories just isn't enough. Beginner is obvious...it's a beginner, someone who is just starting the journey...maybe through (if you think in terms of school systems) middle school jazz band, or in some of the less-forward music programs, high school jazz band, although I know mine was pretty swinging.
That leaves only two categories...intermediate, and advanced, to include every drummer in. Woah. I mean, I can play in a wide variety of styles, record with various artists with or without click, come up with original, creative parts to songs, can push or pull a band, tend to drive my band from behind the kit (when needed), and make a living playing the drums...all of which I would think puts me over the term "intermediate." But that means that I put myself in the same group as Gadd, Rich, Blakey, Beauford, etc...which I clearly do not.
Whatever the highest category is, though, I think a lot of it has to do with a micro-understanding of the instrument. Not just being able to play broad styles, or play really well, but really "knowing" drumming. It should be instinctive. You can watch another drummer up close, and be able to see little things he is doing right or wrong, at full speed. You should be able to look back a performance you had and realize how many little hand motions you made (little things, like slight stick adjustments, etc), and what effect they had, and why you did them. You should know the history of your instrument. You should be able to see past the label "style," and always play something that fits. You should be playing with no extra, unnecessary movements (unless done for showmanship, obviously). Have an intimate relationship with your wrists, your fingers, your arms. It's the little stuff.