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.
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Unison Exercises
Unison practice is an excellent way to determine the rhythmic precision of the four appendages. The weaker the particular hand or foot, the less precision. Right-handed drummers will find that unison practice will help overcome the dependency of right hand…
Rock Perspectives: Odd Rock, Part II
This is an idea that came from playing the 4/4 bar, and as the bar repeated, I subtracted an eighth note. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Little River Band's Derek Pellicci
Derek Pellicci of the successful Little River Band, speaks candidly about his responsibilities with the band versus his other love, session work. Pellicci is happiest creating under studio session pressure. The drummer also discusses the importance of sound in regards…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Approaching Standards
Jazz musicians spend a considerable amount of practice time learning standard tunes in a variety of keys. By doing so, they become versed in the tradition, while developing a repertoire of music to be played with other musicians. Many choose…
Drum Soloist: Elvin Jones Solo "Effendi"
Elvin Jones Solo "Effendi", from Inception transcription. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Paul Motian - Drawing From Tradition
Jazz modernist Paul Motian has had a varied career, from his days with the Bill Evans Trio to Arlo Guthrie. Motian asserts that to fully appreciate the art of drumming, one must study the great masters of the past and…
Fred Begun: Timpani Virtuoso
Another facet of drumming is explored in this interview with Fred Begun, timpanist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C. Begun discusses his approach to classical music and the influences of his mentor, Saul Goodman. TO READ THE FULL…
Rock Perspectives - Odd Rock
Experimentation with new ideas and concepts brings growth. There is always a way to incorporate new ideas into your personal musical situation. Many times it has taken me months or even years to successfully incorporate new concepts into my playing…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Beier 15" Steel Snare Drums
There’s been a bit of buzz building around the snares coming from Jim Beier’s shop in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Blue Öyster Cult’s Jules Radino, Olivia Newton-John’s Mark Beckett, and Charlie Daniels’ Pat McDonald have been using them live, and Nashville session…
Colloquium III
Horacee Arnold. Billy Hart and Freddie Waits comprise the group Colloquium III. The three musicians are as devoted to each other as they are to the music they play. Each one discusses the foundation of the drummer's role today and…
It's Questionable: E-Drums and Apartment Dwellers
E-Drums and Apartment Dwellers I live in a very old three-story apartment building with hardwood floors. I bought a Roland TD-20 drumkit for my son, but apparently the impact from the pads is finding its way into the apartment below,…
Alan White - Yes-Man
As the drummer for the popular British rock group Yes, Alan White has many definite ideas concerning the position of the drummer within a rock band. White talks about the importance of the bass drum, the studios and writing for…
Dave Mattacks - Working The Studies
British session drummer Dave Mattacks has recorded with many of today's popular recording artists. Rejecting a technoflash style, Mattacks is happy complementing the styles of the performers he works with. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Roberta Crain - Navy Drummer
Roberta Crain is a rock drummer, currently employed by the United States Navy. Crain explains the competition she faced entering the Navy's music program and the prejudice encountered because she is a drummer. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
