Education
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.
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 6: Navigating 9/8
While often considered an “odd” meter due to its asymmetrical structure, 9/8 offers a fertile ground for rhythmic exploration and creative expression. Commonly encountered in Balkan folk traditions, progressive rock, and contemporary jazz, 9/8 provides both predictable symmetry and the…
The New Breed: Reading, Melodies
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
Master Studies II: Endurance Exercise
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises,…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Syncopated Double Bass the Easy Way
Progressive Drumming Essentials is a collection of articles originally written for Modern Drummer magazine. They are exactly what the title says, PROGRESSIVE drumming essentials. This series of articles, and the book that contains them all, represent a great deal of…
James Brown, Afrobeat and EDM: The Power of Rhythm
James Brown changed the face of music by turning his band into one giant drum. His concept was like the ancient African drum circle brought into the modern day, with everybody in the band locked into their own perpetual patterns.…
"Regatta de Blanc" by The Police, drummer Stewart Copeland
There are certain drummers whose sound is so distinct; you only need to hear a few bars to know exactly who it is. Stewart Copeland is one of those players. His snare tone, phrasing, and high-energy feel are instantly recognizable—…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 5: Playing in 7/8
In our last installment, we explored 5/8—how asymmetrical subdivisions and maximizing intentional “space” can unlock phrasing that is both musical and conversational. Now let’s push further into odd-time territory with 7/8. 7/8 might seem even more challenging at first. But…
The New Breed: 39 Systems Part 2
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
Master Studies II: Triplet Variations
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises,…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Switching Gears with Double Bass Drums
Progressive Drumming Essentials is a collection of articles originally written for Modern Drummer magazine. They are exactly what the title says, PROGRESSIVE drumming essentials. This series of articles, and the book that contains them all, represent a great deal of…
Your Drumming PERSONA
“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.” Cary Grant What core traits and attributes do you choose to bring to the kit? Your drumming persona takes shape the…
Yes, "Heart of the Sunrise," from the recording Fragile, drummer Bill Bruford
This month’s transcription comes from the classic 1971 Yes album Fragile. Featuring the legendary Bill Bruford, “Heart of the Sunrise” closes the album—and in my opinion, stands as one of the greatest Yes tracks ever recorded. Rhythmically it’s a fantastic…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 4: Playing in 5/8
In the last installment of this series, we explored the concept of “filling the spaces” in 6/8—how understanding rhythm as spatial awareness can give your vocabulary new dimension and depth. This time, we’re venturing into slightly more angular territory with…
