October 2012 Issue – Volume 37 • Number 10

Exploring The New Frontier — Moving Beyond Pattern-Based Thinking

Practice materials laid out in any given method book are often validated by the possibilities for musical application that await those who work through the pages patiently of diligently. This article is designed to give you a glimpse of the…

October 2012 Issue – Volume 37 • Number 10

Dave King

As he blazes the trail of a true artist, he proves that a personal voice on the instrument trumps any sense of stylistic borders. MD associate editor Michael Parillo joins the Bad Plus drummer for a few steps of his…

Fours and Sevens in 7/8 — Part 1: Single Strokes

This month we’re going to work on a couple of shortburst single-stroke rudiments: the single four and single seven. The key to executing these rudiments effectively is using finger control to play rapid free strokes. Single fours and sevens are…

BERNARD PURDIE: The Hitmaker

Bernard “Pretty” Purdie has played on enough tracks to overstuff an iPod. His drumming is, in fact, pretty. And nasty too. Somehow his groove dances nimbly while simultaneously being anchored, deep fried, and stone solid. How can a beat be…

Maximize Your Practicing — Get the Most From Whatever Time You Have

It seems that now more than ever we live in a world where it’s a challenge to find the time to do anything outside our daily responsibilities. Whether we’re a student, a parent, a businessperson, or even a professional musician,…

Improve Your Bottom Line — Part 2: Bass Drum Comping in 3/4

Continuing with the concept introduced in the last issue, this article explores bass drum comping ideas in 3/4. The phrases included here are intended to help you develop dynamic balance with your right foot in conjunction with your three remaining…