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.
Talking Drums With Joe Cocuzzo
Having worked professionally since the age of 19, Joe Cocuzzo has an abundance of musical knowledge. His respect for and understanding of the drummer's position within the music has prepared him for affiliations with Buddy DeFranco, Gary McFarland, Don Ellis,…
Ed Greene: L.A. Studio Heavyweight
Ed Greene has the distinction of being one of Los Angeles' hottest studio drummers. Greene explains what it's like to work in the studios while trying to keep your personal musical goals alive, and what the responsibilities of a studio…
Morris Lang: N.Y. Philharmonic Veteran
We often think of orchestral musicians us stuffy and snobbish individuals who look down upon the rest of the musical world. If there is anyone to disprove this stereotype, it's Morris "Arnie" Lang, percussionist with the New York Philharmon TO…
Rock Perspectives - A Practical Application of the 5 Stroke Roll
The possibilities offered to us by the 5 stroke roll are limitless. In this article, we'll look at a few possible ideas for applying the 5 stroke roll in today's contemporary music. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Coordinating Accents Independently
by Ed Soph Independence may mean playing two or more rhythmic patterns simultaneously. It may also mean playing two or more rhythmic patterns simultaneously and coordinating different accent patterns within those rhythmic patterns.Here are some basic exercises in accent coordination…
Driver's Seat - Avoiding Common Pitfalls
CONTROLLING THE BASS DRUM One very common pitfall of many young big band drummers is the manner in which they play their bass drum. Too many novice drummers seem to feel a need to pound the bass drum when this…
Louie Bellson
Louie Bellson At the root of Louie Bellson's talent lies a wealth of knowledge, perseverance and the hunger for constant improvement. His consistent quest to remain abreast of the times and changes is rewarding to him and his audiences…
Mick Fleetwood - The Power Of Fleetwood Mac
At the helm of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood is one of rock's most popular musicians. Fleetwood discusses his drums, the requirements of the recording studio and the importance of playing within your limitations to retain tension within the music. According…
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…
Driver's Seat: Listening and Learning
If you're interested in becoming a competent big band drummer, it's very important you do some research. When I say research, I don't mean back ten years or so. You've got to dig back further than that, preferably before the…
Rudimental Symposium: Alex Duthart: Close Up
Alex Duthart, renowned drum major from the Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band of Shotts, Scotland, is a leader in the field of pipe band drumming. Since 1953, he has led his drum carp to victory in the World Pipe Band…
Buddy Rich: Revisited
It was four years ago, the January, 1977 premier issue of Modern Drummer, that Buddy Rich graced our cover. Rich is back again, with comments that are inspiring and honest. This exclusive interview is filled with anecdotes tracing Rich's early…
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…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Unison Exercises
Unison practice is an excellent way to determine the rhythmic precision of the four appendages. The weaker the particular hand or foot, the less precision. Right-handed drummers will find that unison practice will help overcome the dependency of right hand…
