Modern Drummer
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.
Modern Drummer Exhibiting at the 2021 Chicago Drum Show May 15th & 16th
Modern Drummer is exhibiting at the 2021 Chicago Drum Show (Sat May 15th & Sun May 16th) at the Prairie Events Center, at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Illinois! This is the 30th Anniversary of the Chicago Drum Show,…
Podcast Episode 250: Highlight Show 4
In this fourth and final highlight episode, Mike and Mike cover a range of topics, including plywood shells, phrasing sextuplets with doubles, bass drum mics, the grid system, and how to practice improvisation. This episode is sponsored by Dream Cymbals…
Podcast Episode 249: Highlight Show 3
In this episode, Mike and Mike mine a handful of episodes from the end of 2017 to compile a highlight reel of main segments covering a range of topics, including linear drumming, three-note groupings, paradiddles, the Moeller technique, and backbeats…
Podcast Episode 248: Highlight Show 2
In this episode, Mike and Mike mine a handful of episodes from the second quarter of the show for a highlight reel of main segments covering a range of topics, including bass drum technique, seat height, dynamics, how to use…
Podcast Episode 247: Highlight Show 1
In this episode, Mike and Mike throw it all the way back to the beginning of the show with a highlight reel of the main segments of the first few episodes. Topics include chops versus groove, independence, creativity, drum shells,…
Podcast Episode 246: More Listener Questions
In this episode, Mike and Mike work through a pile of listener questions, covering everything from cymbal selection to defining precision in drumming. Show Notes Modern Drummer subscription MikesLessons.com subscription Mike Dawson's Patreon page Modern Drummer Podcast With Mike…
Podcast Episode 245: Listener Questions Galore
In this episode, Mike and Mike work through a pile of listener questions, covering everything from music schools to affordable bop kit and how to practice playing quietly. As usual, the show concludes with picks of the week. This episode…
Podcast Episode 244: 5 Tips for Motivation, Jimmy Cobb Remembered, Welch Tuning Systems, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike celebrate the life and drumming of jazz great Jimmy Cobb. The education segment focuses on Johnston’s five tips to help you keep motivated during these challenging times. Up for review is an innovative new…
MD Podcast Episode 243: Favorite Studio Albums, Listener Questions, and More
Episode 243: Favorite Studio Albums, Listener Questions, and More In this episode, Mike and Mike share four classic albums they wish they could have been in the studio at the time of the recording to witness the creative process…
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 239: Clave Variations, Hi-Hat Mic Shootout, Contest Announcement, and More
Episode 239: Clave Variations, Hi-Hat Mic Shootout, Contest Announcement, and More In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss ways to create new rhythm motifs based on the son and rumba clave. They also introduce how to enter a new…
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…
MD Podcast Episode 235: Four-Stage Practice Method, Sugar Percussion Snare Comparison, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike dive deep into the four-stage practice method, which comprises a warm-up, creative exploration, main focus, and musical applications. The gear review segment compares two 6x14 Sugar Percussion snare drums, one made from mahogany and…
COVID-19 Announcement From Modern Drummer
“We are a community of dedicated artists. As drummers we are a brotherhood worldwide. Modern Drummer is our global connecting voice. Let’s unite now and be one force for each other!” Modern Drummer is here for you. To the Modern…