educational
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.
Episode 240: How to Play Polyrhythms, Who’s the Greatest?, Evans UV2 Drumheads, and More
Episode 240: How to Play Polyrhythms, Who’s the Greatest?, Evans UV2 Drumheads, and More In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss how to understand three-against-four and six-against-four polyrhythms. They also discuss who should be in contention for the unofficial…
MD Podcast Episode 238: Bottom Head Tuning, More Current Influences, Doc Sweeney Classic Series snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss more of their current influences and inspirations. The education segment focuses on how bottom head tuning affects the sound of toms and snare drums. In the gear section, Mike and Mike review a…
Video Lesson! A New Perspective On 2 Over 3 with Aaron Edgar
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the January 2017 issue, which is available here. Rock Perspectives A New Perspective On 2 Over 3 Displacing Two-Over-Three Polyrhythms by Aaron Edgar This month we’re going to vary…
Video Lesson! Advanced Overlapping Phrases with Aaron Edgar
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2016 issue, which is available here. Rock Perspectives Advanced Overlapping Phrases Superimposing Groupings by Aaron Edgar I’ve always been inspired by phrasing that seems to dance its…
VIDEO LESSON! Samba Independence Tips With Jazz Great Antonio Sanchez
In this short video lesson, supplied by Drum Guru and Hudson Music, August 2015 cover artist, Antonio Sanchez, shares his favorite exercise for developing complete creative freedom with the left hand in a Brazilian samba style. The right hand and…
News: Slammin’ Simon’s Guide to Mastering Your First Rock & Roll Drum Beats Now Available!
To teach young aspiring rock stars all the rudiments, grooves, and fills they need to get drumming in no time, educator Mark Powers has launched a series of kid-friendly drum guides. Students are led through the fun, focused books (available…
VIDEO LESSON! Attack of the Juh-Ba: The Flat Flam Followed by a Kick Drum
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Basics Attack of the Juh-Ba Harness the Power of the Flat Flam Followed by a Kick Drum by Rich Redmond…
Rock & Jazz Clinic: Grooving in Form, Part 1: AABA Beats (VIDEO)
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Rock & Jazz Clinic Grooving in Form Part 1: AABA Beats by Mike Johnston One of the first things you learn…
Strictly Technique: Flowing Groupings and Fill-Ins Exercises for Increased Single-Stroke Control
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Strictly Technique Flowing Groupings and Fill-Ins Exercises for Increased Single-Stroke Control by Bill Bachman This month we’re going to work…
VIDEO LESSON! Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills, Part 3
The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills Part 3: More Two-Bar Patterns by John Xepoleas Welcome to the third and…
Modern Drummer Education Team Weighs In On: Learning Other Instruments
We asked the members of the Modern Drummer Education Team if they felt that it’s important for drummers to learn to play other instruments (piano, bass, guitar, etc.), or should they focus on honing their craft at the kit exclusively?…
VIDEO LESSON! Dynamics Mechanics: Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between
This excerpt is taken from the complete review that appears in the June 2015 issue, which can be purchased here. Strictly Technique Dynamics Mechanics Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between by Bill Bachman I believe that a drummer should be able…
VIDEO LESSON! John Bonham–Style Foot Pattern: Getting Creative With the “Four Sticks??? Ostinato
This excerpt is taken from the complete review that appears in the June 2015 issue, which can be purchased here. Rock Perspectives John Bonham–Style Foot Pattern Creative Ideas Based on the “Four Sticks” Ostinato by Powell Randolph Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham…
News: KoSA Cuba’s Percussion Workshop and Havana’s Drum Festival Fiesta del Tambor Celebrate Another Sizzling Hot Edition
KoSA Cuba held the thirteenth edition of its annual workshop and festival this past March 1–8. Participants came from the USA, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and Argentina. The program’s itinerary included informative classes, hands-on lessons, and musical performances by the talented…
In the Pocket: “Rock Steady??? Demystified (VIDEO)
This article is an excerpt from the April 2015 issue, which can be purchased here. In the Pocket “Rock Steady” Demystified Four Steps to Mastering Advanced Funk Grooves by Jim Payne Have you ever checked out Bernard Purdie’s beat on…
