Developing the skill to play accents helps to strengthen your hands in order to build technique. Moreover, accents are an essential part of playing breaks and solos. Whether it’s rock, jazz, latin, marching or classical music, accents have an important role to play. The following etude is named , ACCENTUATION. It’s from my book, DUET YOURSELF BOOK TWO. The rhythmic makeup couldn’t be simpler since the etude is all with eighth notes. At first glance it’s deceptively easy, but working up the etude to speed without making mistakes might prove a little tricky for some readers.
Read moreJOEL ROTHMAN; The Jazz Cymbal Beat
cartoon by Joel Rothman
Joel explains how the swing ride pattern is played differently at different tempos.
Read moreDrum Education Live Podcast Live - Joel Rothman
Great podcast episode with Joel Rothman who, at 84, is still kickin’ and sharing his experiences as a life long drummer.
Read moreDrumming is in the ear of the beholder
Dynamics is the key to a musical performance.
Read moreThe Jazz Cymbal Beat
Joel Rothman goes deep into time signatures and note values when explaining the jazz cymbal pattern.
Read moreA Conversation Between a Drummer And An Unwanted Visitor
A storm was brewing for hours. It finally broke with an ear splitting bolt of lightning that flashed across the sky, followed by a thunderous roar. All of a sudden there was a loud single paradiddle knock at the door. I called to my wife, “Honey, please see who it is."
Read moreEnlightment! Ruffs and Drags - 16ths, 32nds, or 64ths?
Joel Rothman, our newest columnist, explains the different rhythmic values of ruffs and drags.
Read moreNSMD welcomes columnist and advertiser Joel Rothman
Not So Modern Drummer proudly welcomes new columnist and new advertiser, Joel Rothman. Joel is the author of almost 100 drum instruction books, most notably the best selling “Basic Drumming”, a very thick all-in-one method book for beginning and intermediate students. I started using this big red book in 1996 when I encountered it at Fork’s Drum Closet In Nashville where I taught for a number of years.
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