Jazz Drummers’ Workshop
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.
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Syncopation Revisited, Part 2: 3/4 Applications (From the July 2014 Issue)
by Steve Fidyk We continue this month with more of my favorite ways of interpreting the classic Ted Reed book Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer. This time we explore ways of converting the written manuscript from its…
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Syncopation Revisited, Part 1: Basic Applications (From the June 2014 Issue)
http://youtu.be/lNuUOdR2z5I by Steve Fidyk This month’s Jazz Drummer’s Workshop features some of my favorite applications of the classic Ted Reed book Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer. Syncopation has been a staple since it was first published in…
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Shifting Sands (From the May 2014 Issue)
http://youtu.be/IVXHAhRfxb0 by Steve Fidyk Transitioning from one time signature, tempo, or musical style to another is a very common technique in modern jazz. These shifts are often referred to as metric modulations, where a specific note value from the current…
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Stick Control Revisited, Part 4 (March 2014 Issue)
by Steve Fidyk Welcome to the fourth and final installment in our series on Stick Control drumset applications. This month we’ll explore ways of interpreting author George Lawrence Stone’s exercises while playing up-tempo swing rhythms. As you practice the applications,…
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Approaching Standards, Part 3: Language and Vernacular (February 2014 Issue)
by Steve Fidyk Welcome to the final installment of our series on applying the rhythmic phrasing of jazz standards to the drumset. This time we’re exploring ways to extract themes from the Thelonious Monk tune “Straight No Chaser” to…
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Stick Control Revisited, Part 3 (December 2013 Issue)
by Steve Fidyk Welcome to the third installment in our series on drumset applications of George Lawrence Stone’s classic book Stick Control. The variations in the article utilize the “72 Single Beat Combinations” found on pages 5–7. In this…
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Approaching Standards, Part 2: Melody and Form (November 2013 Issue)
A Framework for Musical Practice, Part 2: Melody and Form by Steve Fidyk Welcome to the second installment in our series on approaching jazz standards. This article reveals ways of using the melodic rhythm as the source for creating…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: Stick Control Revisited, Part 2: 3/4 and 6/8 Drumset Applications (October 2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TAqAjMoVWE Welcome to the second installment in our series on drumset applications of George Lawrence Stone’s famous book Stick Control. The variations in this lesson utilize the “72 Single Beat Combinations” found on pages 5–7. Be sure to check…
Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Approaching Standards, Part 1 (September 2013 issue)
September 2013 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Approaching Standards A Framework for Musical Practice, Part 1: Phrasing by Steve Fidyk Jazz musicians spend a considerable amount of practice time learning standard tunes in a variety of keys. By doing so, they become…
Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Stick Control Revisited, Drumset Applications
August 2013 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Stick Control Revisited Drumset Applications by Steve Fidyk The August issue of Modern Drummer’s Jazz Drummer’s Workshop features some of my favorite applications of the classic George Lawrence Stone book Stick Control. The exercises…
Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Focus on Brushes
June 2013 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Focus on Brushes From Basic Patterns to Advanced Techniques by Steve Fidyk Practicing brushes is excellent for building strength in your wrists and fingers. It can help develop muscles and reflexes and also improves…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop: The Stick Shot
July 2013 Jazz Drummer's Workshop The Stick Shot A Unique Technique for Ultimate Articulation by Steve Fidyk This month we’re spotlighting the stick shot, a technique that’s fairly specific to the jazz lexicon. To obtain this alternate sound, press one…
Improve Your Bottom Line, Part 3: Bass Drum Comping in 5/4
November 2012 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Improve Your Bottom Line Part 3: Bass Drum Comping in 5/4 by Steve Fidyk Welcome to the third and final installment in this series on bass drum comping. This time we’ll be working in 5/4.…
Improve Your Bottom Line, Part 2: Bass Drum Comping in 3/4 (VIDEO)
https://vimeo.com/117308577 October 2012 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Improve Your Bottom Line Part 2: Bass Drum Comping in 3/4 by Steve Fidyk Continuing with the concept introduced in the last issue, this article explores bass drum comping ideas in 3/4. The phrases…
