Lessons
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.
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Traditional Grip
Is traditional grip a useful technique that drum students should learn? We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think traditional grip is relevant in today’s teachings. Here’s what they had to say. Jim Payne As…
Improve Your Bottom Line, Part 3: Bass Drum Comping in 5/4
November 2012 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Improve Your Bottom Line Part 3: Bass Drum Comping in 5/4 by Steve Fidyk Welcome to the third and final installment in this series on bass drum comping. This time we’ll be working in 5/4.…
Popular Play-Alongs, Part 2: Pop-Punk
October 2012 Jobbing Drummer Popular Play-Alongs Part 2: Pop-Punk by Donny Gruendler In our first play-along article (July 2012), we developed the proper performance technique, groove vocabulary, and sound to play a Top 40 Justin Timberlake–style tune. This month we’re…
Maximize Your Practicing: Get the Most From Whatever Time You Have
October 2012 Concepts Maximize Your Practicing Get the Most From Whatever Time You Have by Jeremy Hummel It seems that now more than ever we live in a world where it’s a challenge to find the time to do anything…
Playing With a Band, Part 1: Communication and Form (w/ VIDEO)
Modern Drummer Web Exclusive! Playing With a Band Part 1: Communication and Form by Paul Hose It’s important to make regular eye contact with the other musicians when playing in an ensemble. In particular, focus on the bass player and…
Improve Your Bottom Line, Part 2: Bass Drum Comping in 3/4 (VIDEO)
https://vimeo.com/117308577 October 2012 Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Improve Your Bottom Line Part 2: Bass Drum Comping in 3/4 by Steve Fidyk Continuing with the concept introduced in the last issue, this article explores bass drum comping ideas in 3/4. The phrases…
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Reading Music
Is it necessary and/or important for drummers to learn to read music? We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think that reading skills are crucial. Here’s what they had to say. Jeremy Hummel I believe…
Improve Your Bottom Line, Part 1: Bass Drum Comping in 4/4 (VIDEO)
https://vimeo.com/117308578 Jazz Drummer's Workshop Improve Your Bottom Line Part 1: Bass Drum Comping in 4/4 by Steve Fidyk Drummers depend on the bass drum to help drive the band and provide depth to their time feel. Throughout the 1920s and…
Health & Science: Drum Aerobics, Part 2
September 2012 Health & Science Drum Athletes Part 2: V-Sit and Push-Up Catch by Billy Cuthrell Last time I outlined several ball-drop exercises designed to develop your hand/eye coordination, dexterity, and agility. The next set of exercises will continue to…
Health & Science: Drum Aerobics, Part 1 (VIDEO)
August 2012 Health & Science Drum Athletes Coordination Exercises, Part 1 by Billy Cuthrell We spend countless hours sitting behind our drumsets, working to build our independence. I’ve found, though, that some of the very best exercises for developing dexterity…
In the Studio: Jamaican Drum Sounds
Jamaican Drum Sounds Quick Tips to Achieve Authentic Reggae-Style Tones by Michael Dawson and Gil Sharone The drum sounds employed in each subgenre of reggae are just as important to the overall vibe of the music as the distinctive grooves…
Rock & Jazz Clinic: Funky Threes
Funky Threes Breaking the Mold With Broken Stickings by Jeff Salem In this article, we’re going to look at a very simple three-note sticking pattern (LLR) and apply it on the drumkit in a way that you may not have…
Of Gasoline & Groceries: Economic Survival Tips for the Working Drummer
by Bernie Schallehn The following article originally ran in the April 2009 issue of Modern Drummer magazine, which is available as a back issue. To find out what issues are currently available in digital form, go to the…
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Teaching Feel
Can feel be taught? We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think that feel can be taught. Here’s what they had to say. Jeremy Hummel Potentially, yes. But rather than saying feel can be taught,…
