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.
PASIC50 Celebration
The Percussive Arts Society (PAS) is the world’s largest non-profit, music-service organization whose mission is to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world. Each year, they host an amazing event known as Percussive Arts Society International Convention…
UNBREAKABLE RHYTHM: My Journey through Music, Wellness, & Mental Strength
Tommy Lee, drummer for Mötley Crüe and solo artist, says: “The older I get, the more I actually realize, feel, and (sort of) digest, my sense of legacy and inspiration. To have inspired somebody this much, to have them achieve…
Evans Accessories: Gels, Rings, Patches, and Keys
Our friends over at Evans (by D’Addario) sent us a box full of fun to check out that included their Overtone Damping E-Ring Pack; Damping Gel EQ and Mini EQ Pods; Bass Drum EQ Patch; and an assortment of Drum…
Keyner Drum Key
How many drum keys do you own? After more than 40 years behind the kit, I’ve accumulated more than I can count. Across the endless variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, they all seem to share one common superpower: the ability to vanish precisely when needed most. The Keyner from DrumKeep seeks to change the odds when it comes to lost drum…
Yamaha Recording Custom Snares: Birch and Brass, Wood and Metal
Yamaha Recording Custom Snares are considered by many to be some of the finest drums made for recording or live use. The attention to detail in any of Yamaha’s Recording Custom drums is second to none! The folks at Yamaha…
John Otto: Feeling Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
There aren’t a lot of drummers who bring aspects of rap and hip hop, rock and metal, and strong doses of jazz and swing to their drumming, but John Otto does. His time feel is the special sauce that makes…
Allan Mednard: Always Looking Forward
Queens native Allan Mednard is one of a new breed of New York jazz drummers, but he talks and thinks like one of the old guard. He has studied, paid his dues, and is building a reputation of responsibility and…
Bowling For Soup’s Gary Wiseman
After 30 years together, Bowling For Soup is going strong. Last year included an anniversary tour playing all the songs from A Hangover You Don’t Deserve and several appearances on the Warped Tour. This year includes a new tour with…
Gregg Bissonette, “Mars” from Gregg’s album Warning Will Robinson
This month, I have the great honor of shining the transcription spotlight on a fantastic drummer and an even better human being: Gregg Bissonette. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to see Gregg perform live and to watch him teach a full…
The Martial Arts of Drumming
The drum set covers a whole lot of physical space, more than most instruments. We must dance through it, like a painter’s brushstrokes. A fascinating fact is that our sound isn’t created by the tip of a stick hitting a…
The New Breed: A Couple of More 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,…
THE 2025 NEIL PEART SPIRIT OF DRUMMING SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: STEVEN MALEK
The Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship, presented by Modern Drummer, is a tribute to the monumental legacy of Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the iconic band Rush. Renowned for his technical precision, creative expression, profound lyrics, and long-lasting impact…
History of the Early 20th Century East Coast Drum Companies
When we think of popular vintage drum makers, most of us think of Ludwig, Slingerland, Leedy, and Gretsch. The mid-western cities of Chicago, Illinois, Elkhart and Indianapolis, Indiana were the original homes of Ludwig, Slingerland, and Leedy. C.G Conn acquired…
