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.
Concepts - Where's the Art?
I thought I would throw myself right into the fire for the New Year with a heated topic. I’ve experienced a lot of discussion regarding the artistry in music and drumming in recent years. I think every generation goes through…
Creating Opportunity - Five Key Components for the Working Drummer
This month’s column is about creating opportunity for yourself. Our quotation by the American author H. Jackson Brown Jr. describes the idea beautifully. Many drummers ask me about opportunity. Sometimes the question is “How do you get gigs?” Or it’s…
Time Keeps You Humble
You’ve probably seen this month’s quote by the English novelist Thomas Hardy, which is sometimes shortened to “time changes everything.” I have a slight adjustment to it: Time changes approach. Your approach to all aspects of life changes with time.…
Concepts - Building, Not Burning, Bridges
I was recently asked to do an oral-history interview for the Percussive Arts Society. During the interview, we talked about developing business relationships and how that relates to continuing to work in the long term. As an exercise, they asked…
Concepts - Defining Your Role
Music is a team effort, and figuring out our position on the team is key. This will help us better communicate in any scenario, which leads to more contentment on the job. This month we’re going to look at the…
Concepts: Overcoming the “Horribles???
Imagine yourself playing in a club and having a really good time. It's one of those nights when the group is clicking and the audience is really with you. Suddenly, you notice a very famous drummer in the audience, watching…
Concepts - Stanley Spector: Challenging the Rudimental System
Stanley Spector studied percussion with Ralph Eames, George L. Stone and Simon Sternberg. He was a scholarship student at Tanglewood from 1942-46 and received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Boston University in 1950. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Concepts: Drumming and Breathing
The concepts and methods presented in this column represent my own personal experiences. They are not intended to be the last word on the subject, nor should they be construed as the only way. All I can say for certain…
Concepts - Showing Up: The Key to Success
A young drummer asked me the following question while I was conducting a clinic. "What is the most important thing I have to do to become a successful musician?" I answered, "Show Up!" He smiled and said, "There must be…
Concepts: When To Lead And When To Follow
There are three ways to keep time when you play with an ensemble. One is to lead, another to follow, and the third is something often referred to as “band time.??? Let’s take a look at each of these and…
Focus on Elimination - The Key to Success
Concepts Focus on Elimination The Key to Success by Russ Miller Here’s one of the topics I get asked about frequently by other players. It probably stems from my work in pressure situations. From sight-reading live on TV on American…
Concepts - The Endorsement Game
A lot of people think having an endorsement means a company is endorsing you as a player, but it’s actually the opposite. The idea is that the company is increasing its exposure and brand recognition by aligning itself with you.…
Portraits - Arturo Stable
More than most, this percussionist understands that necessity is the mother of invention—and you never want to leave Mom hanging. So whether he’s collaborating with heavyweight jazzers or leading his own unique ensembles, he always answers the call to create…
Don't Make It Harder Than It Has to Be by Russ Miller
Leave Your Attitude at the Door by Russ Miller Strife happens in life. It’s almost a guarantee. It happens in every business, like when somebody gets a new position in a company and brings his or her own agenda. And…
