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.
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:…
Show And Studio: Victor Feldman Up-Close
Victor Feldman is a distinguished veteran of the recording industry. His unique abilities as a keyboard player and percussionist are sought by such artists as Hubert Laws and Joni Mitchell, plus groups like Steely Dan and the LA Express. His…
Drum Soloist - Tony Williams: Solo on "Seven Steps to Heaven"
Tony Williams: Solo on "Seven Steps to Heaven TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Driver's Seat: Being Equipped For Big Band
In this article, I'll touch on equipment, various big-band drummers' set-ups, muffling the set for live and recording situations, and some hints on cymbal technique. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
South Of The Border - New Directions In Latin Drumming
Much of contemporary popular music draws greatly from the rhythms of Latin America. The contagious excitement generated by these rhythms is partly responsible for the success which disco has enjoyed over the past few years, and fills an important place…
Concepts - Stanley Spector: Challenging the Rudimental System
Stanley Spector studied percussion with Ralph Eames, George L. Stone and Simon Sternberg. He was a scholarship student at Tanglewood from 1942-46 and received a Bachelor of Music Degree from Boston University in 1950. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Rock Perspectives - Odd Rock
Experimentation with new ideas and concepts brings growth. There is always a way to incorporate new ideas into your personal musical situation. Many times it has taken me months or even years to successfully incorporate new concepts into my playing…
