Concepts
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.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Thoughts on Developing Your Own Musical Voice One of the things I mentioned in last month’s column was how I feel there are way too many drummers who sound alike in the field today. Of course, this is…
Be Prepared! Long-Term and Short-Term Skills for Success
I thought I would use this month’s column to elaborate on the details of developing your product. Last month we discussed balancing artistry and commerce. We broke that down into the four parts of these vital components. First, make a…
Mind Matters - The Power of “No”
Q: My lead guitarist is finding fault with the drum parts I write. When we first attempt a new tune, he often rolls his eyes, makes a face, and stops the song. He’ll either start offering suggestions or ask to…
Artistry Versus Commerce Balance Is Everything
For this month’s column I’ve chosen to discuss the most-asked question I receive at shows, at clinics, and on the Web: “How do you balance finance and drumming?” The quote by the great Irish playwright Oscar Wilde sums up the…
“Nothing Endures but Change” — An Introduction
When the editors of Modern Drummer invited me to write a few Concepts pieces, my first reaction was, “Me? That’s Roy Burns and Billy Ward’s column, right?” I always loved reading Roy’s articles. He was the first drum clinician I…
The 45-Minute Practice Routine
Get Organized to Optimize Your Time Behind the Kit When I sit back and think about the thousands of questions I’ve been asked by students in my eighteen-year career as a drum teacher and clinician, I would have to say…
Do Big Name Drummers Really Play Better?
I have heard people say, when speaking of another drummer, “He is as good as any big name drummer. He just never got a break.” I have also heard this comment, “The only difference between one drummer and another is…
Drumming and Discouragement
Most of us get frustrated and discouraged at one time or another. It is difficult to keep your spirits up when there are no jobs in sight. Furthermore, it is difficult to keep practicing and rehearsing when your career is…
Practicing And Boredom
One problem that all drummers face sooner or later is being bored while practicing. In the early years there are several reasons for being bored. First of all, the exercises for beginning drummers require dedication because they are so elementary.…
Trying Easy
Some years ago in New York, during my studies with RUDI (Swami Rudrananda), one of the students made the following comment: “I am really trying hard, but I am not improving.” RUDI replied, “You must learn to try easy.” We…
Rumors
Rumors abound in the music business. They seem to spring from everywhere, adding confusion to an already confusing business. These rumors must come from someplace, although individuals rarely admit to starting them. One way rumors get started is when a…
Concentration
The ability to concentrate and not be distracted from the music by fear or pressure is extremely important for every professional drummer. For example, if you become nervous at a recording session or an audition you may lose your concentration.…
