Departments
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.
Strictly Technique - A Musical Approach To The Single Stroke Roll
The single stroke roll has always presented some interesting points for discussion. The most common method for teaching and practicing this rudiment has basically been alternating sticking, tarting slowly and gradually accelerating to top speed, with no inherent regard for…
Complete Percussionist: The Beginning Timpanist: Part 2
Complete Percussionist The Beginning Timpanist: Part 2 by George Frock ROLLS. One of the more difficult techniques to develop is that of producing a sustained sound. Much practice must be done to ensure a feel for the proper roll speed.…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Understanding Time
by Alan S. Kinsey A drummer’s time is probably the single most important factor in deciding whether a group is pushed apart or pulled together. It is necessary to understand that time is a musical feeling. This feeling can be…
Strictly Technique: Towards More Musical Practice Routines
Many drummers and teachers seem to feel that a mechanical exercise, repeated an ungodly number of times, is the cure-all for a particular technical problem (weak left hand, sloppy doubles, whatever.) TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
Shop Talk: Tuning Your Snare Drum
A common complaint among many drummers is excessive snare drum rattling and buzzing when striking another drum in the set. Another familiar complaint is, "my snare drum just never sounds crisp enough." Bear in mind that there will always be…
Drum Soloist: Elvin Jones
Elvin Jones needs no introduction to drummers. He reached prominence in the early sixties by way of his pioneering rhythmic concepts behind the late, revered tenor saxophonist John Coltrane. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Basic Brush Technique
Brushes, like sticks, are instruments of motion in time. It is motion in time which produces sounds and rhythms in time. Smooth, relaxed motions produce smooth, flowing rhythms. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
South Of The Border: Calypso
Along with reggae, calypso is one of the most popular rhythms of the West Indies. Although its roots are African, calypso originated in the plantations of Trinidad. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Rock Perspectives - Coordination Development
How many of you like a challenge? In this Rock Perspectives series, I'm going to challenge not only your ability to play, but your ability to think as well. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Feet First
We have all heard drummers with terrific hands but with a bass drum foot that could best be described as concrete. We look at the problem. The hands are playing off of the drums using rebound and the control of…
Driver's Seat - Big Band Basics
In my last article, I gave nine rules for better big band drumming. As you may recall, they were: (1) Support, (2) Don't get in the way, (3) Cue (or Direct) the band, (4) Don't overplay (simplify), (5) Keep the…
South Of The Border - Afro-Cuban
The African influence in Latin music is evident to the point where certain rhythms and instruments, including those from the Caribbean and Brazil, can be directly traced to a specific African region or tribe. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Drummer/Percussionist - Larry Bunker: L.A. Studio Pro
Drummer/Percussionist Larry Bunker: L.A. Studio Pro by David Levine Larry Bunker is one of those Los Angeles studio musicians whose playing is constantly heard on TV, movies, and records. Though his name is seldom mentioned, Bunker’s experience, knowledge and musicianship…
Rock Perspectives - Theme And Variations
People ask me how I keep my ideas flowing and how I keep from getting stale and bored. This is a problem many drummers seem to have in common; a lack of ideas or concepts to use in their everyday…
