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.
IN THE POCKET - The Collapsing Concept in 6/8
The legendary drummer and long-time member of Tower of Power, David Garibaldi, emailed me last year with variations on a lesson I wrote for Modern Drummer’s March 2015 issue. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
CONCEPTS - Drum Clinics
I had a conversation with an employee of one of the drum companies the other day. In this conversation, he said, “Drum clinics are a waste of time and money, and they don’t work anymore.” This struck me as very…
Remo Belli - How Time and Circumstance Gave Rise to the King of the Mylar Drumhead
Remo is one of the most well-known brands in the music industry. Its logo can be found in concert halls, school band rooms, recording studios, late-night venues, and even therapy sessions and hospital rooms. Remo Belli, founder of Remo, Inc.,…
Closed Roll Studies - Exercises for Developing Control of Multiple Rebounds
The closed roll, aka buzz roll, is a mystery to many drummers, and for good reason. This type of roll attempts to imitate the long tone that other instruments, like trumpet or violin, create by sustaining a single pitch. TO…
Bass Drum Development - 4 Focused Exercises for Building Raw Speed
One of the most common questions I get asked in clinics is, “How did you develop your foot speed?” And that is often followed by, “What pedal do you use?” I can promise you this: Bass drum speed has almost…
Swing Style 101 - Part 3: The Most Common Song Forms
To finish out the series, we’re going to prepare you for when it comes time to play some jazz tunes on the bandstand, by discussing the most standard forms used in this style. Understanding these forms is the key to…
Endorsements - Part 1: Let's Get Real
Endorsement contracts with instrument companies is a hot topic. Covering the subject has been requested so much, and I’ve been asked about it so often, that I decided to do a two-part column. To get the truth out, I enlisted…
Progressive Drumming Essentials - Part 5: Incorporating Odd Groups Into Grooves and Fills
One of my favorite things to do with quintuplets and septuplets is to create syncopated, angular-sounding grooves. Exploring this unusual territory can lend itself to establishing unique feels with a lot of rhythmic tension. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Pearl - Wood Fiberglass Drumset
The innovative hybrid shell that defined the company forty-plus years ago is back…and better than ever. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Soultone - Noa Cymbal Pack
A beginner’s pre-pack with potential for professionals. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Vater - New Nude Sticks, Player’s Design Models, and Sound-Enhancing Accessories
Unobtrusive dampeners, clever percussion attachments, and thoughtful drumstick additions for two alt-rock heavy hitters and everyday hand sweaters. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Rock Perspectives - The Notes We Don't Play
Adding rests to complicated subdivisions can be an intimidating endeavor. But just like when you’re learning how to play a 16th-note rest on beat 1, or an accent on the middle partial of a triplet, it’s only tricky at first.…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - DW Collector’s Series Pure Oak Drumset
With all of DW’s experiments in drum shell construction, you may be surprised to learn that it wasn’t until recently that the company began to explore the bright, clean timbre of hard oak. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Paiste
Swiss cymbal maker Paiste does a commendable job of balancing its catalog of creative, specialty products with more general offerings for all types of drummers. This month we have a small collection of cymbals to review, two of which were…
