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.
The Art of Transcribing Jazz Drums, The Myth of the “Correct” Transcription
Ask ten experienced drummers to transcribe the same 16 bars from a jazz recording made in the 1940s, ‘50s, or early ‘60s, and chances are you won’t get ten identical results. It’s not because nine of them are wrong, or…
Master Studies II: Adventure in Time
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,…
The New Breed: Concepts
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,…
Buddy Rich Memorabilia from the Northup Drums Museum
Buddy Rich is considered by many to be the greatest drummer of all time. Here at the Northup Drums Museum, we share that view and celebrate the influence he had on so many drummers not only during his life, but…
Out Now August 2026
Modern Drummer enjoys spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or musicians in the…
ReLoad, ReListened: Lars in the Vault
Metallica — ReLoad (Remastered Super Deluxe Box Set) — Blackened Recordings, June 26, 2026. 5 LPs + 1 7”, 15 CDs, 4 DVDs, 128-page hardcover book, 236 previously unreleased tracks, nearly 29 hours of audio. By David Frangioni, CEO/Publisher, Modern…
Zendé Murdock’s Runarounds Touring Kit
Drums — Tama: Starclassic Maple in Turquoise Pearl finish with black nickel hardware: 8×10 rack tom, 9×12 rack tom, 16×16 floor tom, 16×18 floor tom, 16×24 kick drum. Snare — Tama: 6.5×14 main snare, 6.5×14 backup snare. Heads — Remo: Powerstroke P77 Coated (snare…
Kenn’s Custom Designs
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes to us from drummer Kenn Youngar. Kenn hand built his own drums. The custom drum riser and cymbal stands were created by a friend, and Kenn’s cymbals were made by Centent…
The Light Stuff
This month’s column will focus on practical playing devices that should serve you well when the music gets soft and simmering. A low dynamic “floor” invites the listeners in the audience to lean into the music. You might be surprised…
JC Drumsticks: Celebrating the USA’s 250th Anniversary
John Crocken, the mastermind behind JC Drumsticks, recently sent Modern Drummer a set of the newly minted, handmade, commemorative America 250th Anniversary Drumsticks. The sticks are made of solid ebony wood measuring at 17” in length. They have a shaft…
Yamaha Recording Custom Drums: Redefining the Classic, Signature Sound!
Yamaha drums have made a huge impact on the drumming world since its inception about 60 years ago. From the get-go, the Recording Custom kits were always a top pick for recording drummers and performers alike. But for a period,…
OCDP ADRIAN YOUNG SIGNATURE SNARE, SABIAN STRATUS DRY COLLECTION, DW HARDWARE, BEYERDYNAMIC PROFESSIONAL IN-EAR MONITORS, AKAI STANDALONE MPC SYSTEMS
Limited Edition Adrian Young Signature Snare Launching exclusively at Guitar Center, the Adrian Young Signature OCDP Snare is a limited-edition, USA-made collaboration designed from scratch with the No Doubt drummer. Inspired by Adrian’s Tragic Kingdom-era touring kit, the snare features…
Nate Smith: Looking for the Dance in the Rhythm
Nate Smith is one of the most influential drummers and musicians of today! Stylistically, his music, his drumming, his collaborators, and his influences go everywhere. Talking about and finding the musical connections between Betty Carter, Michael Jackson, Dave Holland, Bill…
