modern drummer
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.
Rock Perspectives - Coordination Development
How many of you like a challenge? In this Rock Perspectives series, I'm going to challenge not only your ability to play, but your ability to think as well. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Feet First
We have all heard drummers with terrific hands but with a bass drum foot that could best be described as concrete. We look at the problem. The hands are playing off of the drums using rebound and the control of…
Driver's Seat - Big Band Basics
In my last article, I gave nine rules for better big band drumming. As you may recall, they were: (1) Support, (2) Don't get in the way, (3) Cue (or Direct) the band, (4) Don't overplay (simplify), (5) Keep the…
South Of The Border - Afro-Cuban
The African influence in Latin music is evident to the point where certain rhythms and instruments, including those from the Caribbean and Brazil, can be directly traced to a specific African region or tribe. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Drummer/Percussionist - Larry Bunker: L.A. Studio Pro
Drummer/Percussionist Larry Bunker: L.A. Studio Pro by David Levine Larry Bunker is one of those Los Angeles studio musicians whose playing is constantly heard on TV, movies, and records. Though his name is seldom mentioned, Bunker’s experience, knowledge and musicianship…
Rock Perspectives - Theme And Variations
People ask me how I keep my ideas flowing and how I keep from getting stale and bored. This is a problem many drummers seem to have in common; a lack of ideas or concepts to use in their everyday…
South of the Border - The Cha-Cha
Today's drummer must be prepared to handle diverse musical situations. Knowing many different rhythms, and having the ability to play them musically, is one prerequisite to a successful career. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Solving Technical Problems
All instruments have several approaches to a foundational technique. These techniques are determined by the physical nature of the instrument, the styles of music to be played on that instrument, and the physical limitations and advantages of the musician. TO…
Driver's Seat - Energy and the Ensemble
In my last article I talked about supporting the big band, not getting in the way, and cueing or directing the band. In this article, I’ll be explaining the value of underplaying and the extreme importance of energy levels. For…
Billy Cobham
Billy Cobham is one of the strongest innovative forces on the drumming scene today. Both his technique, and drum set-up are awesome.We met at Starr Recording Studios where Billy was to record an instructional tape for the Tama Drum Company.…
Reflections: Don Lamond
"I was fascinated by the drums. I was always banging on things but I couldn't figure out how people rolled on drums. How could they play fast enough to produce a continuous sound?" TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
Jimmy Cobb: Seasoned Sideman
After talking to Jimmy Cobb and hearing him play, I was impressed both by the man, and the musician. His musical credentials are extensive. From 1958-1962 he was a member of the Miles Davis group, which included John Coltrane and…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Reading And Jazz Interpretation
A drummer's interpretive powers grow once he has established the foundational techniques of hands and feet. Coordination, which means hearing something and spontaneously reacting to it in a musical manner, develops. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
South Of The Border: The Mambo
Ranking among the most popular Latin rhythms is the mambo. This rhythm, which originated in Cuba, has had much success on the dance floors of the world because of its exciting, driving qualities. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
