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.
Cliff Almond
San Diego native Cliff Almond had special advantages as a young drummer banging his way through the business. Surrounded by a family of professional musicians, Almond learned early the value of sight-reading, good time, and showing up to the gig…
BASICS - Backstage Warm-Ups
In this lesson, I’m sharing some of the warm-ups I use before hitting the stage with Jason Aldean each night. I improvise with rudimental figures that isolate both sides of my body, which helps me focus on my weaker hand.…
STRICTLY TECHNIQUE - A Twist on the Buzz
A drummer once approached me after a show and said, “Your rolls sound as smooth as running water.” This statement gave me a new sonic goal, and that’s now what I think about when playing a closed roll. This lesson…
ROCK ’N’ JAZZ CLINIC - Squashed Stickings
Finding creative ways to apply rudiments to the drumset can be a great way to discover new vocabulary. In this lesson, we’ll discuss what I call “squashed stickings.” A squashed sticking applies a specific roll to a steady subdivision but…
JAZZ DRUMMER'S WORKSHOP - Crossovers
This month’s lesson focuses on the crossover, a technique that legendary drummers such as Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Louie Bellson, Jo Jones, and Sonny Payne popularized in their extended solos. Employing crossovers can help maintain the continuity and flow of…
CONCEPTS - Trolling
I have to admit that I’m not very excited about the whole social network thing. I realize that I didn’t grow up with it, and accepting something new is not always easy. But being involved online has become a necessity…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Bucks County Drum Company
Bucks County is a custom shop located thirty-five miles north of Philadelphia in the small borough of Perkasie. The company offers drums with just about any type and size of ply shell in any lacquer, satin, stain, or wrap finish.…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Zildjian Low Volume Cymbal Pack
Many drummers have had to go to extremes to tamp down the volume of their drumsets to make practicing less disturbing for neighbors, family members, and roommates, whether that’s simply draping t-shirts or blankets over the kit or going all-in…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Ahead Switch Kick Quick-Release Bass Drum Beater System
One of the highlights of the 2015 Winter NAMM Show was an accessory item by Ahead, the Switch Kick, which allows you to adjust beater height to nine different positions without having to use any tools other than your hand.…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Chicago Drum
Chicago has a long history in American drum manufacturing, with two of the most prominent companies, Ludwig and Slingerland, getting their start in the Windy City. Newcomer Chicago Drum has a direct tie to the latter. TO READ THE FULL…
Hamilton’s Andrés Forero
Andrés Forero is booked. And it’s not just any old steady gig that’s keeping him working. It happens to be the hottest ticket in town, the critically acclaimed Broadway hit musical Hamilton. And by “booked” we mean for the foreseeable…
CATCHING UP WITH - Jack DeJohnette
Jazz supergroups don’t come along often, but when they do—and especially when they include this legendary drummer—kaboom! TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
CATCHING UP WITH - Aric Improta
The Night Verses drummer has masterminded a multi-player video whose variety of styles, setups, and sounds make it one of the most compelling percussive productions in recent memory. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
The Charlie Daniels Band’s Pat McDonald
The devil may have gone down to Georgia, but he hasn’t gotten in Pat McDonald’s way. The drummer’s journey began in the small town of St. Simons Island, Georgia, but for the past seventeen years McDonald has been the backbone…
