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.
Teachers Forum - Forming An Approach
A crucial point is the bridge between the subject matter, the student, and the method. The link between the three must be strong if the method and the subject matter are to serve the essential needs of the student. TO…
Strictly Technique Paradiddles For Three Drums
This article is intended to give jazz and rock drummers a means of exploiting to the fullest degree the application of paradiddles around the standard 3 drum outfit: snare, small tom-tom and large tom-tom. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
South Of The Border - Reggae
The Caribbean Islands have long been a source of diverse and interesting music coupled with exciting rhythms. Although the Latin sounds of Cuba and Puerto Rico have been recognized for some time, the music of the English-speaking island of Jamaica…
On The Job - Organ And Drum: Making It Work - Making It Swing
For approximately a ten-year period (about 1957-67) bands comprised of tenor sax/organ/drums, guitar/tenor sax/organ/drums, organ/drums, etc. abounded both in the night club and recording arenas. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
From The Past: Big Sid Catlett
Sid Catlett, to those unfamiliar with the name, was considered one of the greatest jazz drummers of the 30's and early 40's, and is still recognized as one of the most significant forces in the evolution of the art of…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop Metric Modulation
Among the many lessons to be learned from the playing of Max Roach is the concept of musicality in drumming. This is shown no more clearly than in his solo work, particularly in the fact that Max has almost always…
Rock Perspectives: Ride Rhythm Independence
Traditionally, drummers have used the bass and snare drum to execute independent yet interacting rhythms. The ride rhythm, whether played on the ride cymbal or hi-hat, usually was a repetitive steady rhythm, filling in holes and making everything jell. TO…
Complete Percussionist The Beginning Timpanist
Because the timpani are among the "musical" percussion instruments they present special problems for both the beginner and his teacher. The intent of this article is to offer some practical suggestions which will render the teaching of this instrument less…
Drum Soloist - Steve Gadd: Aja-Steely Dan
Steely Dan's Aja TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
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…
Show And Studio Backing Singers
Singers (particularly those with longstanding reputations) are very important to every practical musician in that they have the power to provide jobs for us. And the jobs can be plentiful and pleasant if we take the time to understand our…
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…
