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Concepts

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.

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Concepts - Developing Good Time

Many drummers are capable of playing good time even though they may not know exactly how they developed this ability.

by Roy Burns
May 10, 2017

Concepts - Rudiments: For or Against?

Talking to drummers about the rudiments is much like talking to the average person about politics.

by Roy Burns
Apr 24, 2017

Concepts - The World's Greatest Drummer—And Other Hang-Ups

I've been asked many times, while presenting clinics,

by Roy Burns
Apr 12, 2017

Concepts - Drum Solos

Most people, including most drummers, like a good drum solo. By good, I mean a solo that is rhythmical, musical, well constructed, well executed, in tempo and relates to the musical context in which it is played. TO READ THE…

Modern Drummer
Mar 30, 2017

Concepts - Heroes

All young musicians have heroes or people they admire. Musicians learn from and often emulate their heroes. This is an important part of the learning process, especially in the early stages. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…

Modern Drummer
Mar 23, 2017
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Concepts - Teachers, Studying and Learning

There are many opinions and points of view (pro and con) about studying with a private drum teacher. Drummers who have never taken a lesson frequently criticize drum teachers. Drum teachers criticize each other, sometimes privately, sometimes publicly. Young drummers…

Modern Drummer
Mar 20, 2017

Concepts - Are You Playing the Drums?

This month’s quote represents a classic sentiment that seasoned drummers often feel necessary to share with younger players. By this stage in my career, I’ve witnessed many occasions when it would have been useful to repeat—at a clinic, for instance,…

Modern Drummer
Mar 8, 2017

Concepts - Building, Not Burning, Bridges

I was recently asked to do an oral-history interview for the Percussive Arts Society. During the interview, we talked about developing business relationships and how that relates to continuing to work in the long term. As an exercise, they asked…

Russ Miller
Feb 23, 2017

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…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

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…

by Stanley Spector
Feb 23, 2017

Concepts: Drumming and Breathing

The concepts and methods presented in this column represent my own personal experiences. They are not intended to be the last word on the subject, nor should they be construed as the only way. All I can say for certain…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Concepts - Showing Up: The Key to Success

A young drummer asked me the following question while I was conducting a clinic. "What is the most important thing I have to do to become a successful musician?" I answered, "Show Up!" He smiled and said, "There must be…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017
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Concepts - The Endorsement Game

A lot of people think having an endorsement means a company is endorsing you as a player, but it’s actually the opposite. The idea is that the company is increasing its exposure and brand recognition by aligning itself with you.…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Don't Make It Harder Than It Has to Be by Russ Miller

Leave Your Attitude at the Door by Russ Miller Strife happens in life. It’s almost a guarantee. It happens in every business, like when somebody gets a new position in a company and brings his or her own agenda. And…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017
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