Michael Packer

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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Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 5: Playing in 7/8

In our last installment, we explored 5/8—how asymmetrical subdivisions and maximizing intentional “space” can unlock phrasing that is both musical and conversational. Now let’s push further into odd-time territory with 7/8. 7/8 might seem even more challenging at first. But…

By Michael Packer
Aug 1, 2025

Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 4: Playing in 5/8

In the last installment of this series, we explored the concept of “filling the spaces” in 6/8—how understanding rhythm as spatial awareness can give your vocabulary new dimension and depth. This time, we’re venturing into slightly more angular territory with…

By Michael Packer
Jul 1, 2025

Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 3: Filling in the Spaces in 6/8

Rhythm as Space: In our last installment, we explored how rhythmic vocabulary can be expanded by understanding rhythm as space—a concept that becomes even more powerful in odd time signatures like 7/4. This month, we shift our focus to a…

By Michael Packer
Jun 1, 2025

Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 2: Filling in the Spaces in 7/4

Rhythm as Space: Unlocking Your Creative Flow in 7/4 In our last installment, we explored how rhythmic vocabulary can be expanded by understanding rhythm not just as notes, but as space—a concept that becomes even more powerful in odd time…

By Michael Packer
May 1, 2025

Rhythm Vocabulary Development: Filling in the Spaces in 5/4

A useful way to conceptualize rhythm is to think of it as space. In the context of drumming, each note fills a specific space within the time signature. For instance, a quarter note in 4/4 fills the space of one…

By Michael Packer
Apr 1, 2025
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Vocabulary Development Essentials Part 5 -Putting it All Together!

Welcome to the final installment of our “Vocabulary Development Essentials” series, where we’ve explored adding embellishments to hand and foot combinations to expand your rhythmic language. In this part, we focus on integrating all the embellishments you’ve learned into a…

By Michael Packer
Jan 1, 2025

Vocabulary Development Essentials Part 4 - Hand and Foot Combinations with Flams

In last month’s edition, we explored the concept of enhancing your vocabulary through musical hand and foot combinations with diddles. This month, we’re diving into the world of flams, a powerful embellishment that will significantly elevate your drumming vocabulary and…

By Michael Packer
Dec 1, 2024

Vocabulary Development Essentials Part 3 - Hand and Foot Combinations with Diddles

In last month’s edition, we explored the concept of enhancing your vocabulary through musical hand and foot combinations with accents. This month, we’re diving into the world of diddles, an embellishment that will significantly increase your drumming vocabulary. Incorporating diddles…

By Michael Packer
Nov 1, 2024

Vocabulary Development Essentials Part 2:Embellishing Hand & Foot Combinations

Building on last month’s article titled “Vocabulary Development Essentials – Hand & Foot Combinations,” this time we’re diving deeper into how you can elevate your playing by transforming basic hand and foot combinations into more musical phrases. One effective way…

By Michael Packer
Oct 1, 2024

Vocabulary Development Essentials - Hand & Foot Combinations Part 1

As drummers, our ultimate goal is to effortlessly articulate our musical ideas on the drum set. To help achieve this, I am excited to introduce a new series of articles designed to present concepts and exercises aimed at enhancing your…

Michael Packer
Sep 1, 2024

Sound Quality Essentials: The Mechanics of Hitting a Drum

Years ago, I was sitting alongside my teacher, Ralph Humphrey, in a private lesson. We were at the drums, and he was demonstrating a stroke. When he played it, it sounded as big as the wall. When I played it,…

Michael Packer
Aug 1, 2024

The Bass Drum Owners Manual

Mastering the Art of Weight Distribution Part Two: Achieving Ultimate Control on the Bass Drum As drummers, our ultimate goal is to effortlessly translate our musical ideas into clear, concise rhythms on the drum set. This goal is a perpetual…

By Michael Packer
Jul 1, 2024
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The Bass Drum Owners Manual: Mastering the Art of Weight Distribution Part Two: Springless Practice

Welcome to the second installment on the topic of Mastering Weight Distribution, The Power of Springless Practice. What if I told you that you could enhance your bass drum technique by practicing without the spring on your pedal, or what…

Michael Packer
Jun 1, 2024

The Bass Drum Owners Manual: Mastering the Art of Weight Distribution

Has this ever happened to you? You are listening back to the audio of a track or video you just recorded. You are sure that the performance is clean and exactly what you intended to play. But as you listen,…

Michael Packer
May 1, 2024
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