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 2025 NEIL PEART SPIRIT OF DRUMMING SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: STEVEN MALEK
The Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship, presented by Modern Drummer, is a tribute to the monumental legacy of Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the iconic band Rush. Renowned for his technical precision, creative expression, profound lyrics, and long-lasting impact…
History of the Early 20th Century East Coast Drum Companies
When we think of popular vintage drum makers, most of us think of Ludwig, Slingerland, Leedy, and Gretsch. The mid-western cities of Chicago, Illinois, Elkhart and Indianapolis, Indiana were the original homes of Ludwig, Slingerland, and Leedy. C.G Conn acquired…
Scott Phillips’ Creed Tour Kit
Drums: DW Jazz Series Kit with Gold Hardware: 8×10 Rack Tom, 9×12 Rack Tom, 16×16 Floor Tom, 18×18 Floor Tom, 18×22 Kick Drum, 6.5×14 Brass/Nickel Snare, (2) spare 6.5×14 Brass Snares (not pictured.) Evans Drumheads: Snare Batter- Heavyweight, Snare Reso – Hazy 300 w/ 20 strand Blaster snare wires, Toms Batter – G2 Clear, Toms Resonant – G1 Clear,…
New Releases Featuring the Drumming of: Mike Buck and Fran Christina, Makaya McCraven, Billy Hart, Luther Rix, Carl Allen, Joe Farnsworth, Rudy Royston, Jeff McAllister, Kendrick Scott, Brandon Sanders, and Eric McPherson. And books by Rob Bowman, and Angel Bartolotta
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 a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or musicians in the…
Master Studies II: Control Studies with Fill-Ins
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,…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Implied Metric Modulation Madness
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…
Jenna’s Drums with Some Southern Charm
After meeting drummer Jenna Kopitske at the Music City Drum Show in Nashville, we were excited that Jenna reached out to us to show off her kit. Jenna’s Prizm Blue finish Pearl Export EXR Series Kit is beautiful. Her toms…
Thanks to Jack and Chick: One of the Best Days of My Life
In 2009, I interviewed Jack DeJohnette for the Percussive Notes and Modern Drummer. Jack and I met in the afternoon before a trio concert he was playing with Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin. I arrived to find Jack’s black Sonor…
Joe’s Offset Kits
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes to us from Joe Bellia, drummer for The Weeklings and Southside Johnny. This is Joe’s offset bass drum set up which allows him to use the left pedal from his double…
Touring and Remembering Jack DeJohnette
Touring can be glamorous and exciting. It is also hard work. Taking a music show on the road is always a challenge and a chore. When one is fronting one’s own band, “the road” is especially daunting. How we respond…
Words of Wisdom, Quotes of the Year
Modern Drummer is proud to be talking to all the notable drummers making a joyful noise in 2025. We are happy to put a spotlight on the drummers from Slipknot to Shakira, and from Neil Young to NOFX. It’s great…
NEW EVANS ACCESSORIES, PROMARK 4 PACKS, LUTEFISH UPDATES, JK HOOVES, YAMAHA ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRONIC DRUMS, ROLAND V-DRUMS 3 AND 5 SERIES, MORGENSTEIN TOOL’S WING THING PRO, ALESIS UNVEILS THE NITRO ULTIMATE.
Evans Pull Cord Drum Key and ProMark 4-Packs Tired of struggling with drumhead changes? Swapping them out has never been easier, thanks to the all-new Evans Pull Cord Drum Key. This latest innovation from EVANS is quick, easy-to-use, transportable, and built to last through countless gigs and…
A Year In Reviews
As the year 2025 begins to become just another memory, my mind reflects on all the really cool products that came across my desk for review. I’m often asked why I don’t do negative reviews. The answer is simple: I…
A Year In Reviews
Surrounded by innovation (and more than a few cardboard boxes), I’m reminded of just how busy 2025 has been for drum gear. From tools that simplify, software that repairs, instruments that spark creativity, and accessories that have earned a permanent…
