Mike Michalkow has been performing, recording, and teaching drums for over 20 years. He has taken private lessons with Jim Chapin, Dom Famularo, John Fisher, Chuck Silverman, Peter Magadini, Mitch Dorge, and Virgil Donati.
During the summer of 1993, Mike spent his time in New York City where he took private lessons on the drumset and conga at the "Drummers Collective". During the evenings he hung out at local jazz clubs where he could learn and see many of his favorite artists perform, such as: Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Max Roach , Tony Williams and many other greats.
Mike’s passion for drums and percussion has earned him a name in the business and his summers consist of heading the drum department for the West Coast in the USA for the "National Guitar Workshop" which he has been doing since the year 2000.
As well as keeping a busy teaching and performance schedule, Mike spends many of his days and nights in the recording studio with song writers and bands with styles ranging from Progressive Rock, Latin, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Folk, Celtic, Country, Metal, and R&B.
He has also performed at the "Vancouver International Drum Festival" in October 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 , 2005, 2006, 2007, & 2008 by invitation of Yamaha Drums and has shared the stage with drummers such as Dom Famularo, Chad Smith, John “JR” Robinson, Virgil Donati, Cindy Blackman, Kirk Covington, Robby Ameen, Matt Frenette and Mitch Dorge.
He currently plays and, is endorsed by, Yamaha Drums, Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth drum sticks, Hansenfutz accessory pedals, & LP Percussion. He is also a clinician for Yamaha Drums on the full acoustic & electronic line.
"...he is one of the most energetic and positive educators I have worked with to date...Mikes approach is dynamic and easily understood by beginners and pros..."
Mike Michalkow has worked as a clinician with Yamaha for the past 5 years. I am pleased to say he is one of the most energetic and positive educators I have worked with to date. When called upon Mike steps up and performs his clinics as though it was his first. Mikes approach is dynamic and easily understood by beginners and pros. What never seizes to amaze me is each of Mike’s clinics are new and if this can be possible - better than the last.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Mike perform in one of his many bands you are also missing something very special. He has a great understanding for all styles of music and continually looks for new ways to improve on his art. It’s easy to see why he is so successful as a music instructor and why he is well respected in the professional community.
Mike is truly a student of His craft with a sincere desire to improve as an educator and a professional drummer.
We at Yamaha are very proud to have Mike on our team.
Ken Infanti
Sales Consultant
Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
"...he has captured great values to pass on for our drumming community."
I am so impressed with Mike as not only a player, but also as a teacher. I
respect both talents immensely. As a player he wants to continue to learn
and as a teacher he wants to continue to share. I have seen Mike in both situations
and believe he has captured great values to pass on for our drumming community. Mike, keep the spirit going!
Dom Famularo
World Renowned Drumming Ambassador
and Advocate of the Moeller Method
"His teaching and performance techniques are innovative and inspiring..."
Mike Michalkow is a great musician who understands the needs of today's drummers. His teaching and performance techniques are innovative and inspiring. He is a true professional.
John "JR" Robinson
The Most Recorded Drummer In the World! Performed
with: Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton,
Frank Sinatra, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, and more!
"...hearing them perform, Mike definitely knows the How and What of teaching."
I'm proud to have Mike as a friend. It's been a pleasure being able to share our love for drumming and music together. As a drummer and percussionist, I've enjoyed Mike's playing ever since we met. As a teacher, comments from his students, and hearing them perform, tell me that Mike definitely knows the How and What of teaching.
Chuck Silverman
World Renowned Drum Instructor and
Modern Drummer Best Selling Author
"...A fine drummer - a well respected teacher."
Mike Michalkow: A fine drummer - a well
respected teacher.
Peter Magadini
World Renowned Drum
Educator and Author
"Mike has made the trek to where most drummers wish to be..."
Mike has made the trek to where most drummers wish to be, always
riding the peak! He has pushed himself, with humility, to contribute
a level of greatness to our drumming community. I beam when he says
to me that I've contributed something to his learning.
Mitch Dorge
Crash Test Dummies
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