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.

Advertisement

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…

by Roy Burns
Jan 18, 2018

Alan Schwartzberg

BB: Where and when did you first hear drums? AS: I was ten years old and on my way home from school in the Bronx. I passed a house and heard a drummer playing a Gene Krupa/Cozy Cole-like solo. I…

by Bobby Bank
Jan 18, 2018

Mel Lewis "Tiptoe"

From Consummation, by the Thad Jones & Mel Lewis Orchestra. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Chuck Kerrigan
Jan 18, 2018

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.…

by Roy Burns
Jan 15, 2018

Triplets With Buzz Rolls

Going from single strokes to buzz (multiple rebound) strokes requires a different pressure, which is controlled primarily with the fingers. The important thing to remember here is that “pressure” does not mean “rigidity” or “tension.” So these exercises, then, will…

by Joe Morello
Jan 15, 2018
Advertisement

"Lowdown In The Street"

“Lowdown In The Street” From the album Deguello (Warner Brothers HS-3361) Since the late ’60s, ZZ Top has amassed a huge following, with their Texas-style blend of blues, boogie, and heavy metal. This power trio is featured here with “Lowdown…

Transcribed by James Morton
Jan 15, 2018

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…

by Roy Burns
Jan 10, 2018

Steve Mitchell

Steve Mitchell is one of the San Francisco Bay Area's busiest studio drummers. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

By Charles M. Bernstein
Jan 10, 2018

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…

By Roy Burns
Jan 5, 2018

Carl Palmer: "Sole Survivor"

From the album Asia on Geffen Records. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

Transcribed by Frank Spicer, Jr.
Jan 5, 2018

Understanding and Utilizing Fear

Tips for Turning Anxiety Into Achievement

by Mark Schulman
Dec 28, 2017

Exploring Five-Over-Three

Mastering a Difficult Grouping, Step by Step

by Aaron Edgar
Dec 28, 2017
Advertisement

Bebop Syncopation

Part 2: Philly Joe Jones

Article by Mike Alfieri | Photo by Saulmon C. Addison
Dec 28, 2017

Two-Limb Patterns

Grooving Over Linear Ostinatos

by Joel Popelsky
Dec 28, 2017
Advertisement