Roy Burns

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.

Advertisement

Developing Speed Naturally

Almost all young drummers attempt to see how fast they can play at some point. This is a natural stage of development. It is sort of like flexing your muscles just to see how strong you are. Technique is needed…

By Roy Burns, February 1984
May 17, 2021

Son Of The One-Handed Roll

What has happened is that semantics have created a communication problem. What these teachers refer to as a

by Roy Burns
May 14, 2019

Professionalism

Being a truly professional drummer involves more than just making all or part of your living playing the drums. It is an attitude that is developed through experience and self-discipline.

by Roy Burns
Apr 4, 2019

Drumming And The Practice Pad

Some drummers hate practice pads; others are never without them. Some teachers recommend practice pads; others say that you should practice on the drums.

by Roy Burns
Mar 26, 2019

Teaching By Intimidation

Imagine how you would feel if, on your first drum lesson with a new teacher, the teacher said,

by Roy Burns
Mar 20, 2019
Advertisement

More Questions And Some Answers

I find that there are young drummers today asking some of the same questions, as well as some new ones. So I thought it was about time to address a few of those questions. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…

by Roy Burns
Feb 5, 2019

Perseverance

When successful people in all walks of life are asked how they achieved their success, they almost always attribute it to perseverance. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Roy Burns
Jan 25, 2019

Getting Unstuck

I have a few students who are accomplished, professional drummers. I always ask them, “Why are you here? You play well, and you’re working. How can I help you?” In almost every case, the response is, “I just feel stuck.…

by Roy Burns
Dec 12, 2018

Mousey Alexander — Drumming And Courage

In 1957, I was scheduled for an audition with Benny Goodman's band at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

by Roy Burns
Nov 14, 2018

Drummers And Drum Shops

The drum shop is a special place.

by Roy Burns
Nov 8, 2018

Breathing And Energy

Energy is, and always has been, very important to drummers.

by Roy Burns
Nov 5, 2018

Tempo Problems

A good friend of mine recently went through a tempo crisis.

by Roy Burns
Nov 1, 2018
Advertisement

Drumming And Burnout

A number of years ago, I had a student who was determined to become the world's greatest drummer.

by Roy Burns
Oct 26, 2018

Careers In Drumming

Virtually every young drummer dreams of being a star at one time or another. We would all like to see ourselves on stage whipping out a dazzling drum solo for thousands of adoring and screaming fans. We can imagine what…

by Roy Burns
Oct 22, 2018
Advertisement