Review of Learn and Master Drums by Dan Sherill
Legacy Learning Systems is the company that produces Learn and Master Drums by Dan Sherrill (affiliate link). This company has an incredible reputation for creating high-quality music instructional courses. A former student of mine told me that he had ordered this course to brush up on basics and absolutely LOVED it. I ordered a copy the next day. After watching the videos, reading the workbook, and... [Read more]
How to Build Drum Speed, Part 1: Hand Speed
Building drum speed is one of the top priorities of most drummers in the world. Playing faster is part of the fun in developing yourself as a drummer. Check out an impressive demonstration of hand speed and some great exercises to build it in the Mike Michalkow’s Complete Drumming System (affiliate link). Here are some tips: Even out your hands. We all have a stronger hand. Whatever you can... [Read more]
The Top 2 Professional Drum Set Courses on DVD
If you type the words “drum course” or into your favorite search engine, numerous results will come up. Learn and Master Drums with Dan Sherrill (affiliate link) and Mike Michalkow’s Complete Drumming System (affiliate link) are the Top 2 Drum Courses Available. So which one is the best? Watch My Video Comparison Course Comparison Chart Drum Course Learn and Master Drums (affiliate... [Read more]
Review of Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System, Part 1
After days of viewing the Drumming System (affiliate link) videos, analyzing what Mike Michalkow was teaching, and trying most of the exercises, I had a lot to say about it. Overall, it’s extremely thorough drum course. The drum course is incredibly detailed. My biggest complaints were that it’s not widely available at local musical stores and it’s not meant for certain types of... [Read more]
Moeller Method Secrets Drum DVD Review
I will admit it publicly: I am addicted to drum pad work. For the past few years, I have been obsessively working on the Moeller technique. This technique has been the secret to speed, power, control, and endurance for many top professional drummers. The Moeller Method Secrets Drum DVD (affiliate link) is a great place to start learning about this technique or refresh yourself on the basics. The instructor,... [Read more]
Drum Rudiment System 2.0. with Lionel Duperron Review
As a drummer with a rudimental background, rudiments come out in everything that I play. Despite years of marching band, drum corps, private lessons, and practice, applying the rudiments to the drum set is a constant creative challenge for me. I’ll never forget that rainy day. I decided to stay home all day and watch the entire Drum Rudiment System (affiliate link). One of the great aspects... [Read more]
Rock Drumming System with Jared Falk
After watching the Rock Drumming System (affiliate link) and working out of the workbooks, I was a bit disappointed. It’s not a bad professional drum course, but it pales in comparison to Mike Michalkow’s Complete Drumming System (affiliate link). Ironically, the same company produces both courses. The course came out many years ago, when video drum lessons were new. In fact, it was the... [Read more]
How to Build Drum Speed, Part 4: Bass Drum Speed
When it comes to improving your drum speed, especially bass drum speed, you’re going to have good days and bad days. Be patient as your leg muscles grow and stretch. Keep it mind that the legs and feet have more muscles and larger muscles than the hands and arms. One thing that I always have to remind my own students is that your feet will never go as fast as your hands. It’s just how we’re... [Read more]
How to Build Drum Speed, Part 3: Hand Speed
According to the Drumming System (affiliate link), a drum pad is only one surface with one feel. It’s a bouncy type feel that’s great for practicing. On the other hand, a drum set has many surfaces with many types of feels. Speed will allow to move your ideas around the drums with much more ease. Your drums and cymbals should be within easy reach so that you can get to where you need to... [Read more]
How to Build Drum Speed, Part 2: Hand Speed
Here are some more tips to get your hands flying around the drums: Practice on a pillow. Dennis Chambers recommends pillows over practice pads. Dennis has said on many occasions that Buddy Rich used to this to develop wrists, fingers, and forearms. A good pillow will have very little rebound. The purpose of this is that you have to do all the work. Practice single stroke rolls at different volumes,... [Read more]
Review of Mike Michalkow’s Drumming System, Part 5
To my knowledge, there is one drumming course out their that is similar to the Drumming System (affiliate link). It is called Learn and Master Drums (affiliate link). After trying both courses, I believe that the Drumming System (affiliate link) is a far better product. This course goes into much more detail than Learn and Master Drums (affiliate link). Click here to read my review of Learn and Master... [Read more]
