education
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Episode 240: How to Play Polyrhythms, Who’s the Greatest?, Evans UV2 Drumheads, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss how to understand three-against-four and six-against-four polyrhythms. They also discuss who should be in contention for the unofficial title of the world’s greatest drummer. Next up, shares his experience comparing the new Evans…
MD Podcast Episode 239: Clave Variations, Hi-Hat Mic Shootout, Contest Announcement, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss ways to create new rhythm motifs based on the son and rumba clave. They also introduce how to enter a new giveaway of a 22" Dream Gorilla ride. Next up, Mike and Mike…
MD Podcast Episode 238: Bottom Head Tuning, More Current Influences, Doc Sweeney Classic Series snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss more of their current influences and inspirations. The education segment focuses on how bottom head tuning affects the sound of toms and snare drums. In the gear section, Mike and Mike review a…
Video Lesson! A New Perspective On 2 Over 3 with Aaron Edgar
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the January 2017 issue, which is available here. Rock Perspectives A New Perspective On 2 Over 3 Displacing Two-Over-Three Polyrhythms by Aaron Edgar This month we’re going to vary…
Video Lesson! Advanced Overlapping Phrases with Aaron Edgar
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2016 issue, which is available here. Rock Perspectives Advanced Overlapping Phrases Superimposing Groupings by Aaron Edgar I’ve always been inspired by phrasing that seems to dance its…
Video Lesson! Groove Construction, Part 8: Three-Note Variations with Jost Nickel
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2016 issue, which is available here. Rock 'N' Jazz Clinic Groove Construction Part 8: Three-Note Variations by Jost Nickel In this lesson we’ll use a three-note grouping…
Video Lesson! Fundamental Fills, Part 5: Six-Stroke Stickings
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2016 issue, which is available here. Basics Fundamental Fills Part 5: Six-Stroke Fills by Donny Gruendler During the 1960s, Motown drummers such as Benny Benjamin, Richard “Pistol”…
Video Lesson! Hearing the Click on the "E"
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the September 2016 issue, which is available here. Strictly Technique Hearing the Click on the "E" Shifting the Metronome to Improve Time by Powell Randoph In this lesson, we’ll…
Video Demo! Falling Rocks: A Primer on One of Drumming’s Most Powerful Fills
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the November 2015 issue, which is available here. Basics Falling Rocks A Primer on One of Drumming’s Most Powerful Fills by Rich Redmond The term “falling rocks” refers to…
VIDEO LESSON! Attack of the Juh-Ba: The Flat Flam Followed by a Kick Drum
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Basics Attack of the Juh-Ba Harness the Power of the Flat Flam Followed by a Kick Drum by Rich Redmond…
Rock & Jazz Clinic: Grooving in Form, Part 1: AABA Beats (VIDEO)
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Rock & Jazz Clinic Grooving in Form Part 1: AABA Beats by Mike Johnston One of the first things you learn…
Strictly Technique: Flowing Groupings and Fill-Ins Exercises for Increased Single-Stroke Control
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Strictly Technique Flowing Groupings and Fill-Ins Exercises for Increased Single-Stroke Control by Bill Bachman This month we’re going to work…
VIDEO LESSON! Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills, Part 3
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills Part 3: More Two-Bar Patterns by John Xepoleas Welcome to the third and…
VIDEO LESSON! Dynamics Mechanics: Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between
This excerpt is taken from the complete review that appears in the June 2015 issue, which can be purchased here. Strictly Technique Dynamics Mechanics Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between by Bill Bachman I believe that a drummer should be able…