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.
Are You Ready?
“The classical mess is just a bundle of routine, ideas, and tradition. When he acts, he is translating every living moment in terms of the old.” Bruce Lee Bruce Lee’s method of Jeet Kune Do is the spirit of readiness…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: The Ambidextrous Coordination Circuit
Progressive Drumming Essentials is a collection of articles originally written for Modern Drummer magazine. They are exactly what the title says, PROGRESSIVE drumming essentials. This series of articles, and the book that contains them all, represent a great deal of material that Aaron…
Master Studies II: Joe Fingers
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises, many of Joe’s exercises…
The New Breed: More Melodies
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems, Grooves, and Applications are…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 6: Exploring 11/8
While 9/8 often feels like a “gateway” into odd meters, 11/8 takes rhythmic exploration a step further. At first glance, it can seem awkward—an uneven collection of pulses that resists symmetry. Yet for drummers, 11/8 offers an opportunity to explore…
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chad Smith Launches Foundation to Champion Music Education, Access, and Opportunity for Aspiring Artists
Chad Smith, the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, today announced the official launch of the Chad Smith Foundation (CSF). Dedicated to amplifying young talent, the foundation aims to inspire, empower, and…
Drum Workshop and Guitar Center Factory Day
DW Drums and Guitar Center hosted their annual DW Factory Day in Oxnard, CA on August 23. The day started with a drum off hosted by Guitar Center’s drum buyer Glenn Noyes and Roland VP of Sales Jim DeStefano. The…
Derek Pellicci's, Little River Band, 1994 Yamaha Recording Custom Set with Sabian Cymbals
Derek Allan “Beeb” Pellicci was the founding drummer of Little River Band in 1975. He anchored the band’s rhythm section during their most successful years, driving hits like “Reminiscing,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Cool Change,” and “Help Is on the Way” to…
Out Now October 2025
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…
THE DRUMMER WALLET 2.0
I’m not sure why drummers often double as inventors. Maybe it’s because, unlike guitarists or keyboard players, we can pretty much hit anything to make music. That type of freedom tends to spark some wild ideas and endless experimentation. One…
Stan Lynch Part 2: Drummer, Songwriter, Producer
Last month we talked to Stan Lynch about his new (breath of fresh air) band The Speaker Wars and their wonderful new self-titled record. But Stan Lynch has had a very special and wide-ranging career in music. There was the…
The Drum Community
In a world where community and actual personal connection is being devalued, Modern Drummer is proud to spotlight several drum community events in this (and last month’s) issues. Nashville’s Music City Drum Show was a rousing success where drummers from…
Satin Flame Memories and Inspiration
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Justin Ryan. It is a heartwarming story in which every drummer can relate. Here are Justin’s thoughts on this very special instrument, “My Mother died when I was two years…
New Products from Latin Percussion, Waves, Sensaphonics, and News from Porter & Davies, Sonique Drums, and Headhunter Drumsticks
Latin Percussion Announces New World Beat Instruments Latin Percussion (LP®) is excited to announce LP® World Beat, a curated collection of family friendly recreational rhythm-making products. LP World Beat instruments have been developed in collaboration with effervescent artist, Mona Tavakoli with the lively aesthetic…
