An apparatus and method to assist a drummer playing a bass drum. The apparatus enables a drummer to combine force applied to a foot plate, frequency applied to a foot plate, and a selected algorithm to output a mechanical force to a bass drum beater. The apparatus provides drummers the ability to produce a variety of desired rhythmic patterns, to change the intensity of the stroke, to vary the tempi so that patterns will be consistent with the music being performed, and to produce a metronomic beat (tempo) when desired. Hence, drummer fatigue is reduced, the drummer can produce more complicated and varying patterns on the fly, and the drummer has the ability to change the stroke to accent beats.