December 2024 – Volume 48 • Number 12
On 01st Dec 2024
Articles in December 2024
Master Studies: Ostinato Studies
This month we will conclude our exploration of Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book. We started a few years ago with his application of the Stone Killer, and have traversed all his Master Studies concepts and excercises to develop control…
Out Now: Books
In Modern Drummer’s monthly Out Now column we review the best and latest drumming instructional books. Most recently we have also been reviewing the many books written about drummers’ lives. So many drummers have interesting stories to tell, and Modern…
Understanding the Language of Music : Chord Alterations
Modern Drummer founder Ron Spagnardi wrote an excellent book called Understanding the Language of Music, a Drummer’s Guide to Theory and Harmony. This book spells out the basics of theory and harmony in a very easy to understand way. It…
Frank Zummo’s Sum 41 Touring Kit
Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: SJC Custom Design: Sum 41 Heaven/Hell Maple Shells; 6.5x14 Mahogany Black on Black Snare w/Maple Re-rings, 6.5x14 SJC Goliath Bell Brass (backup,) 8x12 Rack Tom, 13x16, 14x18 Floor Toms, 4x20 UFO/Gong: Drum, 18x22, 18x22 Bass…
Out Now: Recordings
Modern Drummer always enjoys spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings in all styles might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer…
Vocabulary Development Essentials Part 4 - Hand and Foot Combinations with Flams
In last month’s edition, we explored the concept of enhancing your vocabulary through musical hand and foot combinations with diddles. This month, we’re diving into the world of flams, a powerful embellishment that will significantly elevate your drumming vocabulary and…
A Year in Reviews
2024 was a great year for new drum gear, in this year alone I have reviewed new drum sets, new snare drums, some new cymbals, and some new thrones. As always, when I review a product, I really review the…
ROLAND VQD106
The Quietest Electronic Set I’ve Ever Played In October of 2024, Roland announced an all-new addition to their V-Drum product line. The VQD106 Quiet Design kit claims to be the lowest playing noise set in V-Drum history. It comes ready…
The Year’s Best of the Northup Drums Museum
Here at the Northup Drums Museum in Oneonta, NY, we specialize in vintage drums from the 1920s-70s, as well as collectible drums from today. All the drums are on display so you can actually play them! Our collection is always…
2024 Modern Drummer Hall of Fame: Bill Ward
Bill Ward created a style of drumming within the music of Black Sabbath. We’re not going to get into the musical differences between heavy metal and hard rock in this article. Call it what you want… but that slow, sludgy,…
A Year in Podcasts
The Modern Drummer Podcast has featured many of the best drummers and artists in the game. Don’t sleep on it in 2025—subscribe on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!
Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship Recipient Announcement
The Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship, presented by Modern Drummer, is a tribute to the extraordinary 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…
Hand-Picked Vinyl December 2024
As the music world continues to see a resurgence in Vinyl (LP’s,) Vinyl Me Please (VMP) is curating and producing some of the best vinyl remasters and pressings around. They are scouring the history of recorded music for forgotten gems…
A Year in Concerts
Photos taken by Alex Kluft who photographed over 250 concerts in 2024. Thank you Alex! Gojira, BMO Stadium, 10.5.24 Dan Wojciechowski, Peter Frampton,Greek, 4.13.24 Hannes Van Dahl, Sabaton,YouTube Theater, 10.15.24 Steve Jordan, Rolling StonesSoFi Stadium-7.13.24 Charlie Benante, PanteraMSG, 2.22.24 Scott…
2024: In Memoriam
The drumming community is a close one, our many shared experiences in drumming, our sacrifices for our artform, and our love of drumming establishes a bond that unites us all. When we lose a beloved member of our community, we…
A Year In Rundowns
2024 featured 47 episodes of Modern Drummer’s popular “Tour Kit Rundown” YouTube series, highlighting some of the best professional drummers in the game and the gear they use on the road, performing for thousands of fans. Pictured throughout this gallery…
The 12 Week Year
There’s one problem with setting annual goals, a year is too long. How many people get fired up over their New Year’s resolutions, only to forget about them a couple weeks later? Have you ever set a goal and thought,…
Mighty Bright NuFlex, BrightFlex, DuoFlex, and Encore Musician’s Lights.
Mighty Bright Lights have been around for a while, and any musician or performer that works in a darker environment has probably used them, I have had one in my stick bag for years (just in case.) But Mighty Bright…
A Year in Reviews
2024 was a wild ride for gear reviews! From acoustic and electronic drum products and accessories to pro audio and software, I’ve learned a ton, and hopefully managed to share my insights in a way that was equal parts fun,…
