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.
Rudimental Symposium: Back-sticking
Years ago, back-sticking was almost unknown in most drumming circles and when it was used, it was usually done in a rather simple way. Since that time, back-sticking has become more widely used and with this use has come some…
Strictly Technique: Understanding Flams
The ability to freely and easily embellish rhythmic figures with single grace notes and create "flams," is to me one of the earmarks of an accomplished snare drummer. Such accomplishment does not always come easily, but the following observations may…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Foundational Studies For Ride Cymbal Technique
Before be-bop, jazz rhythm was characterized by equal emphasis on all four beats of the measure. With bop came the accentuation of the second and fourth beats. This accentuation is clearly heard in the ride cymbal pattern with reinforcement on…
Rock Perspectives - Developing Hand/Foot Coordination
For a drummer, one of the most important areas of study and consideration is developing hand and foot coordination. Frequently, I am asked how I develop independence. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Drivers Seat: More On Phrasing
In my last article, I discussed the various methods used to learn the chart and the importance of phrasing. I'd like to go into phrasing with the band further. Let's check some recorded works of the same charts by different…
Complete Percussionist: Interpreting Marches
Is it possible to "kick" a march in much the same way you kick a dance band? As long as we're not talking about dance band rhythms, but are talking about support (supporting the brass and reeds in a march…
South Of The Border: Brazilian Percussion
Brazil has been a rich source of music and rhythm for many years. Virtually every percussionist has a few Brazilian percussion instruments in his "toy" collection. It is important for drummers to he familiar with these fascinating instruments, since by…
Rock Perspectives: It’s an Open and Shut Case
When playing consecutive sixteenth notes on the H.H., with eighth note and/or sixteenth note "swishes" in the pattern, the tendency upon closing the H.H. (at the end of the swish) with the L.F., is to double that note with the…
South of the Border: Mambo on the Drum Set
The Mambo, along with its close relative the Son Montuno, makes up a significant share of the music played at Latin dances. It is too bad that the Mambo is not played more often at American dance jobs. It is…
Strictly Technique: Extending Stick Control
Stick Control by George L. Stone is perhaps the most widely accepted text on "pure" technique for snare drum. However, many drum set players of very high caliber have also mentioned this book as a constant study source. TO READ…
Concepts: Overcoming the “Horribles???
Imagine yourself playing in a club and having a really good time. It's one of those nights when the group is clicking and the audience is really with you. Suddenly, you notice a very famous drummer in the audience, watching…
Drum Soloist: Steve Gadd “Samba Song???
Steve Gadd "Samba Song" TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Rock Perspectives: More Rock Studies
In these examples, you'll notice a distinct difference in the sound of the hi-hat being closed with the foot as opposed to striking it with the stick. These two distinct sounds used with accented and unaccented snare drum/bass drum strokes…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Developing A Musical Approach
In my article "Reading and Jazz Interpretation," in the August-September issue of Modern Drummer, I mentioned the necessity of practicing musically. One way we may do this is by actually playing tunes on the drums. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
