moderndrummer.com

A Modern Drummer subscription gives you the magazine plus access to the site's subscriber content: exclusive artist interviews, gear reviews, drum lessons, VIP/backstage material, and community features like the Readers Poll and Drummer Hall of Fame. The site currently advertises a new-member offer of two months free with an annual plan, and a promo code (HOLIDAY10) for 10% off subscriptions plus a free Mike Portnoy Artist Pack. Whether it's worth it depends on how much you use the magazine versus the free portions of the site.

What the subscription includes

Modern Drummer describes the subscription as joining "the greatest community in drumming," with these benefits listed on its subscribe page:

• The magazine — issues delivered as part of the subscription
• Gear reviews — equipment coverage from the magazine
• Exclusive interviews — artist features and conversations
• VIP access / backstage — backstage content and meet-and-greet entry
• Drum lessons — educational content
• Community features — Readers Poll, Neil Peart Scholarship, Drummer Hall of Fame

The site's navigation also points to sections like MD Planet, Cover Archive, Videos, Metal Sticks, Rig Rundowns, and the Shop (back issues, books, bundles, apparel), so a subscription sits alongside a broader content and merchandise operation rather than being the only way to engage.

What the free site already offers

Some of what the magazine covers is visible without subscribing. The homepage currently surfaces full feature articles, including:

• Godsmack's Sully Erna and the "Battle of the Drums"
• Mike Mangini: In Perpetual Motion
• Cindy Blackman-Santana on her record Coherence
• The Warped Tour Then and Now with Joe Sirois and Chris Hesse

If your main interest is reading occasional artist features, the free articles may cover much of that need. The subscription's distinct value is in the magazine itself, the VIP/backstage access, and the member-facing community programs.

Current offers and how to evaluate them

Pricing amounts and payment options aren't specified in the available site information, so check the subscribe page for current rates before deciding. The offers above are promotional and may change.

Who should subscribe

• Subscribe if you want the print/digital magazine, plan to use the lessons and gear reviews regularly, and value backstage or meet-and-greet access.
• Skip it for now if free feature articles and videos satisfy your interest, or if you mainly want gear information you can find in reviews elsewhere.
• Consider the annual plan if you're confident you'll stay engaged for a year, since that's the plan carrying the two-months-free offer.

To start, visit the subscribe page, choose a plan, and apply the promo code if it's still active; you'll see the final price and terms at checkout.

Modern Drummer publishes drum and percussion gear reviews as one of the core sections of its site, alongside artist interviews, lessons, and news. The reviews are aimed at players researching equipment before they buy, and they sit in the same editorial environment as rig rundowns and artist features, so you can often read a product review next to a working drummer's account of the same gear. Access to the full range of content is tied to a subscription, which the site promotes with an annual plan offer and a discount code; the site does not state that reviews are free to read without an account.

What the Gear Reviews Section Covers

The site's navigation lists Gear Reviews as a standing section, separate from Magazine, Videos, Drum Lessons, and Artist Interviews. That placement tells you the reviews are treated as ongoing editorial coverage rather than one-off posts. The site description confirms the scope: "The latest news, podcasts, lessons and gear reviews from the best online and print drumming magazine."

Because the site organizes content by instrument and format, gear coverage is not limited to one product type. The navigation includes Metal Sticks and Rig Rundowns as distinct entries, which suggests reviews and gear-adjacent content extend to sticks, setups, and full artist rigs rather than drums and cymbals alone.

Reviews Alongside Rig Rundowns

Rig Rundowns are a useful complement to standard reviews. A review tells you what a piece of gear is and how it performs; a rig rundown shows what a specific drummer actually uses on stage. Reading the two together gives you a product assessment plus a real-world configuration. For example, if you are researching a snare or a pedal, a rig rundown of a drummer whose sound you like can show the surrounding choices—heads, hardware, cymbals—that make that sound work.

Reviews in the Context of Artist Features

Artist features on the site frequently discuss equipment as part of the story. The Sully Erna feature on Godsmack's "Battle of the Drums" describes a second drumset rolling onstage mid-show, which is exactly the kind of detail that puts gear in context. The Mike Mangini feature covers his move to a new kit situation, and the Cindy Blackman-Santana piece on Coherence involves a record with a large cast of guest musicians. These are not reviews, but they are where players often first encounter a piece of gear before searching for a formal assessment.

How to Use the Reviews When Researching Equipment

1. Start with the Gear Reviews section to see what has been covered recently. The section is listed in the main navigation, so it is reachable from any page.
2. Check Rig Rundowns for the same or related gear. If a review covers a drum or pedal, a rig rundown may show it in a working setup.
3. Cross-reference artist features. Search the artist's name if you want to know why a particular piece of gear is associated with a sound.
4. Confirm access. The site promotes subscriptions with an annual plan that includes two free months and a discount code for a percentage off plus an artist pack. If you need full access, check the subscribe page for current terms rather than assuming content is open.

What the Reviews Are Good For—and What They Are Not

The main limitation is that the site presents reviews as part of a subscription magazine. The pricing signals show subscription links and a promotional code, but no per-article pricing, so treat the reviews as subscriber-oriented content and verify access on the subscribe page before planning around them.

A Practical Example

Suppose you are considering a new snare and want more than a spec sheet. You open the Gear Reviews section to see whether the model has been covered. If it has, read the review for the assessment. Then check Rig Rundowns for a drummer whose snare sound you admire—the rundown shows the drum in a full setup, including heads and tuning context that a review may not cover. Finally, search artist features for that drummer to understand the musical situation the gear serves. That three-step path—review, rig, artist context—is the most efficient way to use the site for equipment research, and it matches how the site itself organizes its content.

Modern Drummer's site is organized around four content pillars—news, features/interviews, education, and gear reviews—plus a community layer that includes the Readers Poll, Drummer Hall of Fame, and the Neil Peart Scholarship, and a shop selling back issues, books, bundles, apparel, and artist packs. Most editorial content is browsable without an account; a subscription is tied to the magazine and member benefits rather than to reading the site. The sections below describe what each area contains so you can decide where to start.

Editorial Sections

The navigation groups the magazine's journalism into clearly labeled channels:

The current issue's features give a sense of the mix: a piece on Godsmack's Sully Erna and the "Battle of the Drums," a profile of Mike Mangini ("In Perpetual Motion"), an interview with Cindy Blackman-Santana about her record Coherence, and a Warped Tour retrospective with Joe Sirois (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) and Chris Hesse (Hoobastank). The cover archive and back-issue shop together make the site useful as a historical reference, not just a news feed.

Community Features

The community area is where the site goes beyond publishing articles:

• Readers Poll — an annual vote in which readers pick their favorite drummers.
• Drummer Hall of Fame — an archive honoring inducted drummers.
• Neil Peart Scholarship — a scholarship program named for the late Rush drummer.
• VIP Backstage / Meet & Greet Entry — listed among the benefits tied to subscribing.

These are the pages to check if you want to participate rather than just read. The scholarship and Hall of Fame pages are reference material; the Readers Poll is the main participatory feature.

Shop and Subscription

The Shop sells back issues, books, bundles, apparel, branded merchandise, and artist packs, with a "Bundle & Save" option and a Legends Collection. Subscriptions are sold separately through the Subscribe page, which currently advertises a new-member offer of two months free with an annual plan, and a promo code (HOLIDAY10) for 10% off subscriptions plus a free Mike Portnoy artist pack. Subscription benefits are listed as gear reviews, exclusive interviews, VIP access, and meet-and-greet entry. Pricing and login requirements aren't specified on the pages reviewed, so check the Subscribe page directly before committing.

Where to Start

• News and new interviews: the News and Features sections.
• Lessons and technique: Education / Drum Lessons.
• Buying advice: Gear Reviews.
• Historical browsing: Cover Archive and back issues in the Shop.
• Participating: Readers Poll, plus the Hall of Fame and scholarship pages for context.

Modern Drummer offers drum education through three main channels: a dedicated Drum Lessons section, broader Education content, and Artist Interviews that reveal technique and approach from working drummers. These resources sit alongside the magazine's news, gear reviews, podcasts, and video content. The site is aimed at drummers who want to improve their playing and learn from professionals, and it covers both online and print material. Access to some content may require a subscription, so check individual pages before assuming everything is free.

The Drum Lessons Section

The Drum Lessons section is the most direct route for players looking to build skills. It is listed in the site's main navigation alongside Education, so you can reach it from any page. This section is intended for players at different levels who want structured instructional material rather than general news.

When you open the section, expect lesson-style content focused on playing. The site does not publish a single fixed curriculum; instead, lessons appear as individual pieces. To use it effectively:

1. Go to the Drum Lessons link in the navigation.
2. Browse the available lessons and pick one that matches your current focus.
3. Read or watch the lesson, then practice the specific technique or pattern it covers.
4. Return to the section for the next lesson as you progress.

The expected result is a growing set of techniques and concepts you can apply behind the kit. A common sticking point is treating lessons as one-off reads; the value comes from practicing each one before moving on.

Education Content and Instructional Material

The Education section broadens the instructional scope beyond single lessons. It sits in the same navigation group as Drum Lessons and is part of the site's core offering, alongside Gear Reviews, Videos, and Artist Interviews. This is where you find content that supports learning in a wider sense—context, approach, and background that complement hands-on lessons.

Use Education when you want to understand the "why" behind playing decisions, not just the "how." For example, if you are working on a specific style, reading education content about that style's conventions gives you context that makes the lesson stick. The site describes its overall offering as including "podcasts, lessons and gear reviews," so Education and Drum Lessons together form the instructional backbone.

Artist Interviews as Learning Resources

Artist interviews are one of the most underrated educational resources on the site. The homepage features interviews with drummers discussing their records, tours, and creative process—content that often includes insights into technique and approach. Examples from the site include:

• Mike Mangini discussing his next chapter after Dream Theater, covered in a feature on his current work.
• Cindy Blackman-Santana talking about her record Coherence and her approach.
• Sully Erna of Godsmack on the "Battle of the Drums" segment of their live shows.
• Joe Sirois (Mighty Mighty Bosstones) and Chris Hesse (Hoobastank) on the Warped Tour then and now.

These interviews are not formatted as lessons, but they show how accomplished drummers think about their craft. Read them with a specific question in mind—for example, how a drummer builds a solo, or how they prepare for a tour—and you will extract practical ideas you can test in your own playing.

Video and Podcast Content

The site's navigation includes Videos and Podcasts, both of which support learning. Videos can demonstrate techniques and performances in a way text cannot, and podcasts offer long-form conversation with artists. The site describes its podcast content as part of its core offering, so these are worth checking when you want learning material in a different format. Use videos when you need to see a technique; use podcasts when you want background and perspective during practice breaks or commutes.

Gear Reviews and Their Educational Value

Gear Reviews are listed as a main section and are relevant to learning in a practical way. Understanding how equipment affects sound and feel helps you make informed choices as you develop. Reviews are not lessons, but they answer questions like which kit or cymbal suits a style you are studying. Treat them as decision-support content rather than instruction.

Community and Recognition Programs

The site also lists community features that support development:

• Readers Poll — a way to see which drummers the community rates highly, useful for finding players to study.
• Neil Peart Scholarship — a recognition program tied to the magazine's educational mission.
• Drummer Hall of Fame — a reference for the players who shaped the instrument, useful for building a listening list.

These are not lessons, but they help you decide who to listen to and study, which is part of learning.

Subscription and Access

The site promotes subscriptions with the message "Join the Greatest Community in Drumming" and lists benefits including gear reviews, exclusive interviews, VIP access, and backstage meet-and-greet entry. A promotional offer advertises "Get 2 Months Free w/ Annual Plan" for new members, and a holiday code (HOLIDAY10) offers 10% off subscriptions plus a free Mike Portnoy Artist Pack. Because some content may be tied to subscription access, check the specific lesson or article page to confirm what is available before committing. The site does not state that all content is free, so plan on verifying access for the material you want.

A Practical Way to Start

If you want to improve your drumming using this site, a sensible sequence is:

1. Open Drum Lessons and pick one lesson tied to a skill you want now.
2. Practice it until you can play it cleanly, then move to the next.
3. Read one Artist Interview per week with a specific question in mind.
4. Use Education content to fill in context for the styles you are studying.
5. Check Gear Reviews only when you are actually choosing equipment.

The expected result is steady, self-directed progress backed by professional insight. The main pitfall is consuming content without practicing it—treat every lesson and interview as something to test behind the kit.

Modern Drummer is a drumming magazine published both online and in print, aimed at drummers and the broader percussion community. It covers drummer news, artist interviews, podcasts, lessons, and gear reviews, alongside community features such as a readers poll, a drummer hall of fame, and a Neil Peart scholarship. If you want drumming journalism, artist insight, or educational material in one place, it is built for that purpose; if you need something narrower, such as a single product's technical specs, you will need to check whether a specific review or article covers it.

What the Site Offers

The publication describes itself as "the best online and print drumming magazine" and frames its audience around joining "the greatest community in drumming." Its content areas, as listed on the site, include:

• Features and artist interviews — long-form profiles and conversations with working drummers
• Gear reviews — equipment coverage
• Drum lessons and education — instructional content
• Videos — including cover features, metal content, stick work, and rig rundowns
• Podcasts — listed among the site's core offerings
• News — drummer and industry updates
• Community programs — Readers Poll, Drummer Hall of Fame, and the Neil Peart Scholarship
• VIP Backstage — described as exclusive access, including meet-and-greet entry

There is also a shop carrying back issues, books, bundles, apparel, and branded merchandise, plus artist packs.

Who It's For

The site suits readers who follow drumming as a craft and a community: players looking for lessons and gear guidance, fans interested in interviews with well-known drummers, and anyone who wants industry news in one publication. The mix of instruction and journalism means it works as a general destination rather than a single-purpose tool.

What the Current Coverage Looks Like

Recent features shown on the site give a sense of the editorial range:

These are artist- and event-driven pieces rather than straight product listings, which reflects the magazine's feature-oriented approach.

Subscriptions and Access

The site promotes subscription plans and currently displays a new-member offer of two months free with an annual plan. A promotional code, HOLIDAY10, is advertised for 10% off subscriptions plus a free Mike Portnoy Artist Pack. A login option exists on the site, and subscription links appear in the main navigation.

The available material does not state prices, full plan tiers, or whether any content is accessible without an account, so check the subscribe page directly for current terms before committing.

How to Use It

1. For news and interviews — browse the features and news sections; the homepage surfaces current cover stories and artist pieces.
2. For learning — go to the education and drum lessons sections for instructional material.
3. For gear decisions — read the reviews section, keeping in mind that a review reflects the reviewer's assessment rather than a specification sheet.
4. For community participation — the Readers Poll, Hall of Fame, and scholarship pages are the entry points.
5. For merchandise or back issues — the shop carries bundles, books, and apparel.

If your goal is to follow a specific drummer or a specific piece of gear, use the site search rather than browsing sections, since coverage is spread across features, reviews, and news.