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.
Rock Perspectives - Developing Hand/Foot Coordination
For a drummer, one of the most important areas of study and consideration is developing hand and foot coordination. Frequently, I am asked how I develop independence. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Aaron Sterling
In an era when the concept of the studio drummer is constantly being redefined—and even questioned—the player who’s tracked for artists including Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles, the Civil Wars, and John Mayer has made no bones about embracing the role…
Rock 'N' Jazz Clinic - Samba Coordination Builder
I remember first hearing Chick Corea’s 1978 recording Friends at my music teacher’s house. This was when my ears got hooked on jazz. I was coming from a background in rock and punk, and I was amazed by the high…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Developing A Musical Approach
In my article "Reading and Jazz Interpretation," in the August-September issue of Modern Drummer, I mentioned the necessity of practicing musically. One way we may do this is by actually playing tunes on the drums. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
On The Road With Gene Krupa
The best way for a musician to really get to know another musician is to work on the same band together. The following four musicians all worked on the Gene Krupa band for various periods between 1938 and 1942. They…
Drivers Seat: More On Phrasing
In my last article, I discussed the various methods used to learn the chart and the importance of phrasing. I'd like to go into phrasing with the band further. Let's check some recorded works of the same charts by different…
Complete Percussionist: Interpreting Marches
Is it possible to "kick" a march in much the same way you kick a dance band? As long as we're not talking about dance band rhythms, but are talking about support (supporting the brass and reeds in a march…
South Of The Border: Brazilian Percussion
Brazil has been a rich source of music and rhythm for many years. Virtually every percussionist has a few Brazilian percussion instruments in his "toy" collection. It is important for drummers to he familiar with these fascinating instruments, since by…
Billy Cobham
Billy Cobham is one of the strongest innovative forces on the drumming scene today. Both his technique, and drum set-up are awesome.We met at Starr Recording Studios where Billy was to record an instructional tape for the Tama Drum Company.…
Reflections: Don Lamond
"I was fascinated by the drums. I was always banging on things but I couldn't figure out how people rolled on drums. How could they play fast enough to produce a continuous sound?" TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
Zildjian 21" K Custom Organic and 20" K Constantinople Renaissance Rides (Video)
Zildjian recently teamed up with two of its artists, drummer/educator Pat Petrillo and jazz great Adam Nussbaum, to create specialized signature rides designed to offer varying degrees of “crashability” and pinpoint articulation. Let’s take a look at each. TO READ…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Coordinating Accents Independently
by Ed Soph Independence may mean playing two or more rhythmic patterns simultaneously. It may also mean playing two or more rhythmic patterns simultaneously and coordinating different accent patterns within those rhythmic patterns.Here are some basic exercises in accent coordination…
Jimmy Cobb: Seasoned Sideman
After talking to Jimmy Cobb and hearing him play, I was impressed both by the man, and the musician. His musical credentials are extensive. From 1958-1962 he was a member of the Miles Davis group, which included John Coltrane and…
Mr. Big's Pat Torpey - Breaking Down the Quasi-Linear Beat to "Take Cover"
by Matt Starr This month we’re going to look at a unique beat performed by Mr. Big drummer Pat Torpey for the song “Take Cover,” which appears on the band’s 1996 studio album, Hey Man.When I first heard this groove,…
