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.
Rick Allen: "Rock of Ages
This month we feature “Rock of Ages” from Def Leppard’s Pyromania album. Rick Allen keeps the beat solid and tight on this. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Foundation Studies for Big Band Fills
Before dealing with specifics, it is important to have some general ideas about what a fill should be and what a fill should do. The fill must be in time. It should not rush or drag. The fill should maintain…
Francis Clay
Francis Clay is one of a handful of drummers who helped to create and define blues drumming. Many rhythm section players get very little recognition for their contributions to the blues and other forms of American music. In the evolution…
Kwaku Dadey
Kwaku Dadey is the quintessential African master drummer. He comes from a family in Africa that has a rich musical background. There have been master drummers in Kwaku’s family for well over five generations. Kwaku is a musician who not…
Appreciation and Gratitude
Happy New Year! It’s that time again, when we reflect back on the past year and appreciate all the wonderful opportunities we’ve been blessed with. Time has always fascinated me. Maybe being a drummer has something to do with that.…
Adam Nussbaum's Leadbelly Project, Matt Cameron solo album featuring Mark Guiliana, and more!
Adam Nussbaum's Leadbelly Project, Matt Cameron solo album featuring Mark Guiliana, and more! TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Former Hole and Current Upset Drummer Patty Schemel
MD spoke with the former Hole and current Upset drummer just before the release of her new memoir, Hit So Hard, which recounts her early life, her rise through the Seattle music scene of the ’80s and ’90s, and her struggles with addiction.
Drum Wisdom: Legendary Educator Michael Carvin
Carvin is not a musician whose feel and phrasing can be reduced to any single style. Rather, he’s shaped a distinct sound from the diverse musical and geographic surroundings he’s encountered over his six-plus decades as a professional drummer. TO…
Modern Drummer 2018 Readers Poll Winners
We are excited to present the Modern Drummer 2018 Readers Poll winners! TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Steve Nisbett of the Iconic Reggae Band Steel Pulse
He barely knew what to do with a reggae groove when he started his climb to the top of the pops with Steel Pulse. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Syncopation Revisited Part 1: Basic Applications
This month’s Jazz Drummer’s Workshop features some of my favorite applications of the classic Ted Reed book Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer. Syncopation has been a staple since it was first published in 1958 and is regarded…
Leon “Ndugu” Chancler
Ndugu. The name in Swahili means "Earth Brother." In drumming, Ndugu Leon Chancler's aura is that of a powerhouse, with his head in the stars and his feet planted firmly in the groove—the pulse of the earth. TO READ THE…
Joe LaBarbera — Goal Achiever
Sometimes, jazz just seems to run in the family. There are the Joneses (Hank, Thad and Elvin), Chuck and Gap Mangione, Tootie, Percy and Jimmy Heath, the Brecker Brothers, the Brubecks (Dave, Darius, Chris and Danny), and the LaBarberas—saxophonist Pat,…
