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.
Composing on the Drumset
Simple Ways to Bring More Intention to Your Grooves I believe that as drummers we have the ability to create music and compose on our instrument in more ways than in the conventional manner. We learn good technique through the…
Burning on Double Bass — Basic Hand/Foot Patterns
There are no shortcuts in gaining control in drumming. Just as it takes time to develop speed and accuracy with your hands, the same applies to your double bass playing. The important things are to be focused in your practice…
Inner Drumming Listening With All Four Limbs, Part 2
In my previous article (April 2012), I explained the concept of listening—or sounding—with each individual limb and the importance of practicing increased internal awareness of the energy flow from limb to limb. The exercises started by focusing on one limb…
Vinny Appice Leaving His Mark
Even appearing on national television with an ex-Beatle—as a teenager, no less—couldn’t have prepared him for the rock ’n’ roll glory that lay just around the corner. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Paul Motian 1931-2011
He showed us new ways to think about jazz drumming. There will never be another like him. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
BILL COBHAM: The Power Player
Billy Cobham is widely regarded as the premier drummer of jazz-rock fusion’s golden era—and he remains a dynamic and revered player to this day. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Get Up! Strategies for Playing Fast and Staying Relaxed
It’s widely understood that the faster the tempo, the more relaxed your body needs to be. In some cases, however, players psych themselves out when playing fast, which in turn affects their confidence in the ability to compose beat and…
The Spivack/Wilson Approach to Technique Part 4: Advanced Concepts
As you’ve seen throughout this series of articles, technique is built on learning a series of small, progressive steps that become more and more complex. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Brush Workshop Part 4: Rudiments
Almost every drummer practices the rudiments—with sticks. If you’re serious about learning how to use brushes, why not also practice the rudiments with them? TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
The CRASH Course to Success Part 2: Relationships
This article focuses on the second portion of my CRASH (“commitment, relationships, attitude, skill, and hunger”) concept. We’re going to look at how relationships apply to our drumming, our onstage interactions, and our overall musical career. TO READ THE FULL…
Michael Sarin
Texture shifts, quiet drive, and a finely honed melodic sense are the subtle tools this drummer uses to facilitate some of today’s most intriguing new jazz. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Glenn Kotche
The lengths some people will go… Wilco’s compositionally minded drummer prepares his kit with a glorious array of mechanical and digital devices, each with a specific, meaningful effect—and its own set of performance demands. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
TONY ESCAPA: In Constant Motion
Exemplifying the power of versatility and the perseverance of tradition, Ricky Martin’s main rhythm man is a juggernaut of sheer drumming muscle. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Carlton "Santa" Davis
His influential approach, which permeates the landscape of classic reggae, can still be felt today with superstar Ziggy Marley. Santa’s secret? The perfect blend of tradition and experimentation. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
