The drumset is unique among contemporary instruments. It’s a truly global invention, with most of its individual parts originating many thousands of years ago, in the far corners of the globe.Yet its current familiar form didn’t really exist until well into the twentieth century, making it the youngest major acoustic instrument in existence. In this special MD report, we trace the drumset’s origins back through antiquity and show how its disparate roots came together. Then we speak with performer/educator Daniel Glass, who shares the rare insight he’s gained through years of investigation into the development of the modern kit.   Source Materials You have to travel pretty far through time and space to identify the roots of the modern drumset. Author Matt Dean sifts through 7,000 years of history and dozens of world cultures, revealing the instrument’s complex origins. Advertisement   The drum is the most powerful instrument in existence. […]

January 2013 Issue