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 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,…
Master Studies II: Triplet Variations
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: Switching Gears with Double Bass Drums
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…
Your Drumming PERSONA
“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.” Cary Grant What core traits and attributes do you choose to bring to the kit? Your drumming persona takes shape the…
Yes, "Heart of the Sunrise," from the recording Fragile, drummer Bill Bruford
This month’s transcription comes from the classic 1971 Yes album Fragile. Featuring the legendary Bill Bruford, “Heart of the Sunrise” closes the album—and in my opinion, stands as one of the greatest Yes tracks ever recorded. Rhythmically it’s a fantastic…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 4: Playing in 5/8
In the last installment of this series, we explored the concept of “filling the spaces” in 6/8—how understanding rhythm as spatial awareness can give your vocabulary new dimension and depth. This time, we’re venturing into slightly more angular territory with…
Master Studies II: Variations of the Triple Paradiddle
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: Double Bass Boot Camp
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…
The 5th Limb: SING YOUR DRUMS
Singing anything we can hear or imagine births it into the world by giving it shape and substance. Now we’re no longer just drummers, but sound-crafters. Singing rhythms taps into the soul of the drummer, awakening consciousness of a deeper…
Billy Cobham "Quadrant 4" from the Billy Cobham recording Spectrum
Let’s rewind to October 3rd, 1973—the day Spectrum by the legendary Billy Cobham hit the world. Recorded in just three days, the album captures a raw, live energy, with most tracks laid down in only one or two takes. That urgency and…
The New Breed: Concepts
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is influential and legendary. The book, Gary’s teaching methods, and his Concepts are deeply intertwined. They are a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Before we start practicing Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 3: Filling in the Spaces in 6/8
Rhythm as Space: In our last installment, we explored how rhythmic vocabulary can be expanded by understanding rhythm as space—a concept that becomes even more powerful in odd time signatures like 7/4. This month, we shift our focus to a…
