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.
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 6: Exploring 11/8
While 9/8 often feels like a “gateway” into odd meters, 11/8 takes rhythmic exploration a step further. At first glance, it can seem awkward—an uneven collection of pulses that resists symmetry. Yet for drummers, 11/8 offers an opportunity to explore…
The New Breed: More Melodies
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems, Grooves, and Applications are…
Master Studies II: Joe Fingers
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises, many of Joe’s exercises…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: The Ambidextrous Coordination Circuit
Progressive Drumming Essentials is a collection of articles originally written for Modern Drummer magazine. They are exactly what the title says, PROGRESSIVE drumming essentials. This series of articles, and the book that contains them all, represent a great deal of material that Aaron…
Are You Ready?
“The classical mess is just a bundle of routine, ideas, and tradition. When he acts, he is translating every living moment in terms of the old.” Bruce Lee Bruce Lee’s method of Jeet Kune Do is the spirit of readiness…
John Coltrane "The Inchworm," drummer Elvin Jones
When I was younger, I had the incredible opportunity to study with the great Gary Chaffee. Of the many invaluable lessons he shared, there was one that always stuck with me, and relates directly to this month’s transcription. When teaching…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 6: Navigating 9/8
While often considered an “odd” meter due to its asymmetrical structure, 9/8 offers a fertile ground for rhythmic exploration and creative expression. Commonly encountered in Balkan folk traditions, progressive rock, and contemporary jazz, 9/8 provides both predictable symmetry and the…
The New Breed: Reading, Melodies
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
Master Studies II: Endurance Exercise
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises,…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Syncopated Double Bass the Easy Way
Progressive Drumming Essentials is a collection of articles originally written for Modern Drummer magazine. They are exactly what the title says, PROGRESSIVE drumming essentials. This series of articles, and the book that contains them all, represent a great deal of…
James Brown, Afrobeat and EDM: The Power of Rhythm
James Brown changed the face of music by turning his band into one giant drum. His concept was like the ancient African drum circle brought into the modern day, with everybody in the band locked into their own perpetual patterns.…
"Regatta de Blanc" by The Police, drummer Stewart Copeland
There are certain drummers whose sound is so distinct; you only need to hear a few bars to know exactly who it is. Stewart Copeland is one of those players. His snare tone, phrasing, and high-energy feel are instantly recognizable—…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 5: Playing in 7/8
In our last installment, we explored 5/8—how asymmetrical subdivisions and maximizing intentional “space” can unlock phrasing that is both musical and conversational. Now let’s push further into odd-time territory with 7/8. 7/8 might seem even more challenging at first. But…
The New Breed: 39 Systems Part 2
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
