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.
Master Studies II: Endurance Exercise
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises,…
The New Breed: Reading, Melodies
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 6: Navigating 9/8
While often considered an “odd” meter due to its asymmetrical structure, 9/8 offers a fertile ground for rhythmic exploration and creative expression. Commonly encountered in Balkan folk traditions, progressive rock, and contemporary jazz, 9/8 provides both predictable symmetry and the…
November 2025 – Volume 49 • Number 11
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The History of the Bass Drum Pedal and Sock Pedals
As a drum collector I quickly became fascinated with early bass drum pedals and how they evolved over time to what we know today as the modern-day bass drum pedal. The bass drum is the driving force of our musical…
Out Now September 2025
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…
Tif (Teddy) Lamson's Shania Twain Touring Kit
Drums: Gretsch USA Custom in Black Glass finish — 8×12 Rack Tom, 9×13 Rack Tom, 16×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 18×22 Kick Drum. Snare: Gretsch Custom 6.5×14 Ridgeland Snare in Red Glass finish. Heads: Toms Batter: Remo Emperor Clear; Toms Reso: Remo Ambassador…
James Brown, Afrobeat and EDM: The Power of Rhythm
James Brown changed the face of music by turning his band into one giant drum. His concept was like the ancient African drum circle brought into the modern day, with everybody in the band locked into their own perpetual patterns.…
Abe Cunningham talks about Private Music… and much more!
After five (long) years, the Deftones are back with a new record called Private Music, and Abe Cunningham is back with more groove than ever, and even more cool snare drum sounds to make us drummers drool. We sat down…
Drum Baffles: Out of the Cage with Less Bleeding
For any drummer who has had the experience of the clear, three-sided drum cage, Drum Baffles are here! No more cages! Matthew Schallmo of Drum Baffles has identified one of the main reasons why people need drum cages: The CYMBALS!…
Drum Fantasy Camp in DTLA
Now in its 17th year, Drum Fantasy Camp is owned and managed by Steven Orkin of Orkin Marketing & Management. Among other artists, Steven manages marketing for my buddies Dave Weckl and Steve Smith. The idea originated when Orkin started working…
Drums is Life, Life is Drums.
As a musician and a drummer, I feel that drumming (and music) can help improve the world. Yes, I truly believe that!!! I believe that if more people were taught to enjoy music (and play drums) the world would be…
Small But Mighty
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Marco Segoviano. His drums are Pearl Midtown Series with a 10” rack tom and a 13” floor tom. His bass drum is 16” and his snare is a Mapex MPX…
Recognizing Your Muse
I’ve been keeping notes regarding this very column and what I should write about for my readers. Out of the myriad of disparate thoughts I jotted down, a common theme seems to be revealing itself to me, let’s call it,…
