Jazz Drummer's Workshop
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.
The Jon Christensen Approach
Developing a Modern Straight-8th Concept In this article we’re going to explore the broken, straight-8th feel that the late, great Norwegian drummer Jon Christensen utilized to majestic effect on many classic albums for German jazz label ECM. The exercises included…
Improvising with Flams
Improvising is a spontaneous compositional process. As drummers, we can rely on conceptual techniques like theme and variation to change and develop what we play in the moment. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Metric Modulation Magic
This month we’ll take a look at playing triplets in groupings of four.
Advanced Techniques for Jazz Soloing
For four years I’d been studying intensely with Dom Famularo, who suddenly said during one of my lessons, “Steph, you’re now ready for Jim.”
Funkify Your Swing
As mentioned previously, combining funk rhythms into a swing style can be helpful for players looking for new accompaniment language.
Seven-Note Groupings
We’ll take a seven-note pattern, split it into groupings of three-, two-, and two-note clusters, and play it between our limbs within a swing context.
Latin Jazz Drumming Part 3: Mambo Bell Ideas in 3/2 Time
Welcome to the third installment in our series on Latin jazz drumming. In this lesson we’ll focus on mambo bell variations in a 3/2 time signature. The inspiration for this month’s column comes from an audition experience I had several…
Funkify Your Swing Feel
Fusing rhythms from one style of music to another can help a player develop new ideas and fresh rhythmic approaches that might not have yet been previously explored.
Creative Triplets For The Advanced Player: Part 2
Syncopated figures could be used within an underlying framework of 8th-note triplets.
Creative Triplets For The Advanced Player: Part 1
The following two-part article has been designed to help you improve your ability to fill or solo using syncopated jazz figures amidst an underlying pulse of 8th-note triplets.
Contemporary Coordination Exercises
The exercises in this month’s lesson are meant to challenge your concentration, coordination, and independence. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
