Here Is What Students Are Saying About
Mike Michalkow And The Drumming System!
The Drumming System was first launched at the beginning of Summer 2009. In just a very short period of time after that, success stories have been flooding in from students all around the world. Here is what a few of them had to say about Mike Michalkow and the Drumming System!
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- New Jersey
"My drumming is transformed. With all of the new patterns I am learning the band I am in are blown away... Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!"
I have to say that Mike is an awesome teacher. His manner of teaching is straight forward, and to the point. You get that he really loves the instrument (I know - with 20 DVD's in the package I'd be surprised if he didn't love drums), and cares about sharing the knowledge.
My drumming is transformed. With all of the new patterns I am learning the band I am in are blown away. My time, my technique and my whole approach has changed. I feel more in command of the kit. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!
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- Peurto Rico
"...all it took was to play the Drumming System DVD #1, and boy did I improve in less than 1 hour. I only wish this system was available sooner."
I'm a super basic beginner drummer, and all I can say is that this system got me playing my drums as quick as I was able to unwrap the DVDs. Michael is that good at teaching. Great System!!!
I've been teaching myself for 3 months now, and all it took was to play the Drumming System DVD #1, and boy did I improve in less than 1 hour. I only wish this system was available sooner.
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- Indiana
"Mike teaching style is very patient and detailed. I am a veteran drummer of 30+ yrs and I am learning new techniques and things that I never knew"
Mike teaching style is very patient and detailed. I am a veteran drummer of 30+ yrs and I am learning new techniques and things that I never knew and I never took lessons. So this is a huge help to me. All the lessons have been great. I have learned more in a week from The Drumming System than I ever knew.
The biggest improvement I have noticed is the fact that now I'm not just playing, but I know what I'm playing. Not only do I read music but I know how to count and feel the structure of it also. The experience with this system has been great!!!
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- Nebraska
"Mike made it so simple. Learning the fills has been great and after I get them down pat, I'm looking forward to demonstrating what I've learned."
I appreciate being able to see what Mike is doing from several different angles. You are able to see the sticking and the footwork at the same time. Video quality is first rate and the menus on each dvd make it easy to navigate to the lesson you want.
Believe it or not, I enjoyed drum theory and notation. After taking years of piano and organ lessons, I never really understood what 4/4 or 6/8 meant and how it is relevent to what you play. Mike made it so simple. Alot of people will chuckle when they hear you are learning something from dvd's but how could there be a better way to learn to play the drums? You can watch Mike demonstrate it as many times as you want from several different angles.
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- Michigan
"...Mike keeps it real, you never feel like you are being talked down to. Most importantly, the teaching style makes it easy to learn..."
I appreciate the detail very much. The drum rudiments section is very well done. I like the blue line going across the measure as the bar is being played. That was an EXCELLENT idea that I haven't seen anywhere else. I also like the fact that Mike keeps it real, you never feel like you are being talked down to.
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- New York
"The Drumming System's four camera angels and on screen notation clearly illustrate Mike's lessons and make learning fun."
Mikes is an excellent instructor, his explanations and demonstrations are easy to understand. The Drumming System's four camera angels and on screen notation clearly illustrate Mikes lessons and make learning fun.
The Drumming System has helped me further develop my chops, independence and most of all my creativity on the set. Mike has taught me some great tips to pass on to my drum students. Most of all the Drumming System motivates me to practice, learn new groves and develop my skills. Thanks for a Great Drumming System.
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- Kentucky
"He is very patient, and explains each step of the beat in a slow pace so the beginner is able to grasp the full concept. ...makes you come back for more!"
Mike does an excellent job teaching the beginner how to "feel" the drum beats. He is very patient, and explains each step of the beat in a slow pace so the beginner is able to grasp the full concept of drumming. His teaching style makes you come back for more!
Overall, Drumming System has improved my ability to keep time. Mike does and great job explaining the importance of timing in the lessons. I have noticed more precise hits while doing so in time, during beats and fills thanks to Mike's patient teaching style. Thanks Mike!
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- Toronto
"I am by far still in the beginner stage, but I can see how this system will help me to quickly excel to new heights."
I love the fact that this system is complete from beginner to pro. I am by far still in the beginner stage, but I can see how this system will help me to quickly excel to new heights. I also really like the way it's laid out making it easier to learn by being able to see different camera angles.
One of the biggest improvements that I personally have noticed is how much more comfortable I am when sitting at my kit. I picked up a lot of great tips from Mike about setting up my drums to fit my body, and NOT necessarily the way you see them in the music store.
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- Louisiana
"I think Mike's approach to teaching is clear and understandable, with a certain humility that makes him easy to learn from."
I think Mike's approach to teaching is clear and understandable, with a certain humility that makes him easy to learn from.
Having my laptop right next to my drums pluged into an amplified system makes it fun to follow along with. As I have only been playing for a few months, the rudiments lessons have been of most benefit to me so far.
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- Illinois
"Very comprehensive with extensive training for beginner, intermediate and advanced. ...this well-designed system will improve all drummers."
Very comprehensive with extensive training for beginner, intermediate and advanced. Mike is an excellent teacher, with great enthusiasm,and he tells it like it is. I am also a long-time advanced drummer and drum teacher.
With about 35 disks, I have only played some of the advanced lessons so far. I am learning much more about finger control drumming, Moeller stick control and getting many new solos and grooves to work on and to adapt to my large set and my style. Looking toward many other lessons.
The finger drumming exercises have already improved my speed; and I was very fast to start; having played the drums over 50 years so far. Working steady with this well-designed system will improve all drummers.
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- Georgia
"He doesn't assume what you know or don't know; he lays it all out very simply, and lets the viewer determine how to proceed..."
I like the fact that he's patient and detailed! He doesn't assume what you know or don't know; he lays it all out very simply, and lets the viewer determine how to proceed based on their current level of knowledge/expertise, not on what they're 'supposed' to know.
I very much enjoyed the lessons regarding drum setup and tuning, hand exercises, foot techniques, and speed building. I was a proponent of using a tom mount on my bass drum, but Mike convinced me otherwise! I also loved that Mike stressed to have things to do outside drumming, and that that will make you a better, well-rounded drummer. I 100% agree!
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- Michigan
"He explains it simply, and completely. In fact, I use the lessons with my instuctor and he liked how he (Mike) explained and demontrated the flam."
He explains it simply, and completely. In fact, I use the lessons with my instuctor and he liked how he explained and demontrated the flam. He said "Mike is really good."
The highlight was the cost, it was very reasonable for all that you get. I just got the system, but I really like the rudiment section. I hope to be just half as fast as Mike.
The Drumming System has helped to improve my practice routine with the Generator. I am getting faster with my left hand, and better with the rudiments everyday.
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- Ohio
"...instead of going to my drumset with nothing really to do... I now have a boat load of beats, fills, and anything else you can imagine."
I love the fact that it teaches so many different styles of drumming. I also love that there is a beginner, intermediate and advanced. Also the fact that I don't even have to play to get better, I can pop in a dvd about tuning that just helps me gain more knowledge about drumming.
It has been huge for my improvement because instead of going to my drumset with nothing really to do but stuff I already knew, I now have a boat load of beats, fills, and anything else you can imagine.
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- California
"I wish I had done this years ago... I'm having the time of my life, no rockstar dreams, but just a sense of personal fullfillment..."
I have to say I am pleasantly suprised by how effective both Mike's teaching approach is. I am confident that given the time and effort I will achieve my goals. Way to go!!
My best experience with the Drumming System was my first play along song on the DVD "Playing by Ear". I was surprised and smiling ear to ear as I found the groove and was rewarded for the work done so far.
I decided at 47 to revisit a dream I had in my younger days to play drums; I bought some drums 3 months ago (Roland TD-4S) and decided to learn the right way. Now I am learning to read and play along with sheet music and enjoy the challenges that come with learning the "right way". I wish I had done this years ago.... I'm having the time of my life, no rockstar dreams, but just a sense of personal fullfillment that someday I will be jamming for fun with friends and enjoying all that drumming has to offer life.
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- United Kingdom
"It is almost like having your own drum tutor in the same room with you... I am delighted with all aspects of the system."
I thought that the way the lessons were coordinated with notation and 4 way screen shots shows you how to perform the practice and what it sounds like. It is almost like having your own drum tutor in the same room with you.
As a drummer interested in all styles and improving my techniques I am delighted with all aspects of the system.
On one level it has re-ignited my desire to practice in a coordinated way and this has improved my accuracy and dexterity with sticking. It has also added dimension to my playing allowing me to consider different ways to play and not just be satisfied with the easiest route to rhythms and fills.
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- Ohio
"I have already noticed improvement in my sticking techniques. I am experiencing better coordination in the independence of my four limbs."
Mike's teaching style, in supplying his instruction in very easily understandable steps, made following him very easy. I also appreciated his friendly, helpful, and sometimes light-hearted attitude - not condescending in any way.
I have already noticed improvement in my sticking techniques. The method to speed up single strokes by just a slight change in hand position added much welcomed improvement on my sixteenth notes. Also, I am experiencing better coordination in the independence of my four limbs. And, my drum fills are becoming more creative.
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- Missouri
"I've always been able to play by ear, but reading music was so intimidating. Mike's video's take the 'fear' and intimidation out of learning to read music."
I really enjoyed the measure that was present as each lesson is taught. I've always been able to play by ear, but reading music was so intimidating. Mike's video's take the 'fear' and intimidation out of learning to read music.
I've been playing by ear for about 15 years and never had a lesson. It was quite humbling to hear Mike talk about proper stick grip in the first lesson. I've used the technique and have experienced the benefits from it.
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- New Brunswick
"...being a beginner, it has already helped me keep better time, and taught me how to properly go from the beat to the fills and back to the beat again."
I love the split screen. You can see Mike from every angle, so you're sure of how he is playing a beat, fill, play along etc. He has a very detailed teaching style, but also manages to make it fun as well.
Just getting into the course and being a beginner, it has already helped me keep better time, and taught me how to properly go from the beat to the fills and back to the beat again.
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- England
"...it makes it very easy to see what's going on... because I had no teacher some important things were never told to me. I'm filling in the blanks!"
I definately have enjoyed the 4 window education view, it makes it very easy to see what's going on, visual as well as auido stimulus.
I can't say I've completed them all in fact only just begun. But I really like how he has gone through learning the note values. This wouldn't have been a problem as I am a uni music student, but as american names for them are different to english ones, this was very useful.
My basics have really started to firm up. I'm self taught and am actually at a high intermediate level but because I had no teacher some important things were never told to me. Now I'm filling in the blanks!
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- Switzerland
"He (Mike) is able to reach students of every level. I feel as I am having a private lesson. The system is geared to take you to your maximum potential..."
I like Mike's communication skills. He is able to reach students of every level. I feel as I am having a private lesson. The system is geared to take you to your maximum potential, even for a beginner like me.
My timing and overall hand technique has improved dramatically. And finally I am enjoying the Play Alongs. But the most important thing is the Practice Routine Generator as it gets you the discipline without killing the fun.
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- North Carolina
"Love how it is set up. Things are explained in simple terms. And with all the camera angles it makes easy to see exactly what is going on."
Love how it is set up. Things are explained in simple terms. And with all the camera angles it makes easy to see exactly what is going on.
Being a beginner at a late age I love the lesson context and how its explained and demonstrated. I just started using the system so I don't have a favorite lesson yet. But I enjoy being able to learn at my pace without expensive lessons..
Being a beginner drummer the lessons have helped to enjoy learning. Some folks that hear me say I am a good drummer. I laugh saying I'm just starting to learn. I am sure by following the lessons my drumming will improve in all areas.
- California
"My chops have expanded and I still have a lot more to watch and learn. Overall the best instructional drumming video set I have ever seen."
I really like Mike's attention to detail and how he explains the concepts very clearly. He then follows up with excellent demonstrations made even better by the multiple camera angles and the moving chart. Being able to watch segments over is a huge benefit. I can really work on a specific subject and make sure I have it down before moving on.
So far the highlight of the system for me is the numerous musical generes that Mike includes in the lessons. Learning Latin, Fusion, Jazz, and Swing beats has really helped improve my rock drumming. With a little improvisation I can alter those beats to fit into the rock style I typically play. My favorite lessons so far are the ones on improving my hand and foot speed and independance.
My overall drumming has improved a lot. With just a small time to watch and absorb the mountain of material in the lessons, I already see my motions becoming more fluid and focused. My chops have expanded and I still have a lot more to watch and learn. Overall the best instructional drumming video set I have ever seen.
- South Carolina
"I can play more naturally and freely, add new fiils and beats to the pieces, and can understand more songs that before were too hard for me."
There is enough detail, you can't get lost with the videos, they explain every little thing you need to learn clearly, good quality video and Mike has the word to teach, he really knows how to explain to beginners and advanced so that everybody can understand.
I can play more naturally and freely, add new fiils and beats to the pieces, and can understand more songs that before were too hard for me.
- Australia
"I've got a much more comprehensive list of techniques and styles that I can use... my drumming is improving exponentially."
So far I'm enjoying the quantity as well as the quality of the DVD's. There is a broad range of techniques covered, and many styles addressed that interest me. As well as this, the follow-along lessons make life easier for me.
Mike steps through and talks about grip techniques, highlights excellent drummers in each of the areas, and moves you on at a pace you can choose to follow. So far, the Punk section is the part that has interested me the most.
I've noticed that I've got a much more comprehensive list of techniques and styles that I can use, especially while jamming with my friends. And I can explore each of these individually and expand and make improvements as I go along. I have more material then I have time for, and my drumming is improving exponentially.
- Maryland
"...my wife even interrupted one of my recent practice sessions to comment on how much she thought I had improved."
So far I've delved into the first five DVDs: How To Play Drums By Ear, Hand Techniques, How To Practice Efficiently, Drum Rudiments, and Drum Theory & Notation. I love the overall DVD presentation style, and Mike's down to earth speaking style. He lays out some background for the reason and method behind what he's about to teach, and then references the workbooks and outside sources for further study.
So far, my favorite lesson thus far is the Drum Theory & Notation. I've been playing for a little while (picking it up after not playing for a long while), and the drum theory is a big part of being able to play effectively. I'm already a better drummer just for having practiced these lessons for the past week.
Not only have I noticed that I'm playing better, but my wife even interrupted one of my recent practice sessions to comment on how much she thought I had improved. My beats, sight reading, and drum fills have improved by leaps and bounds.
- England
"Mike's friendly and patient style makes every lesson seem personal to you... has inspired me to practise more for my own technique and fun."
There are many highlights with the Drumming System! The whole package is great to work with and teach from. My favourite lesson is the hands and feet exercises for my pupils and for me, it has to be the double bass drum exercises.
I love the split screen shots where you can analyze every aspect of Mike's playing and hone in on particular areas when you practise. Mike's friendly and patient style makes every lesson seem personal to you.
The Drumming System has inspired me to practise more for my own technique and fun. My double bass drum has improved beyond comparison to how it was!! I love it and my pupils love it.
- Alberta
"I have jam session opportunities here every week to use what I am learning with live bands - there just can't be more fun then this!"
Mike's way of explaining, then demonstrating each part encourages the student (me) to not be afraid to get in there and try to follow his moves. I am not young anymore (72) and have always played by ear, so this is really stepping out for me. I may get a little exasperated trying to play what is written, but that is me, and no one is watching me make mistakes so I never feel embarrassed.
I have been playing drums for more than 40 years but never tried to read the music that I play. I now have an amazing amount of information that will help me in all phases of drumming. I am already improving much of what I have been playing for years, as now I am playing it correctly
Watching Mike on the DVDs, and then practising all those beats and fills, I have enough for me to keep learning the rest of my life and I doubt I will ever learn it all, but you can bet I will improve my playing week by week. I have jam session opportunities here every week to use what I am learning with live bands - there just can't be more fun then this!
- Australia
"Mike has a great, easy to listen to style of teaching. He keeps his dialogue brief and gets straight to the nuts and bolts of want he wants to show you."
Mike has a great easy to listen to style of teaching. He keeps his dialogue brief and gets straight to the nuts and bolts of want he wants to show you. Great work mate!
I love the way he makes sure you enjoy and have fun with what you are learning by reminding you to keep an open mind and experiment with the basics. My favorite so far is the essential rudiments especially taking the paradiddle out around all the skins. I was already doing this in a fasion but Mike has definately lifted the bar for me now!
So far I've only got through a few of the DVD's because I've gone straight to the ones that I needed to work on first. What I've done so far has been of a great help especially in bringing my left hand up to it's full potential. Mike's style is not boring and I am looking forward to gradually working through the whole package.
- Oregon
"I have been teaching myself with on line and DVD type lessons only. Mikes system has been by far the best I have seen."
The workbooks along with the multi-view camera shots really work well together. Even though Mike explains things very completely and clearly, you can always go back and re-study things you are having problems with. Something you might not do with a teacher.
I am still working on the rudiments and basic beats, but will open up some of the more advanced lessons to keep it interesting. I started my drumming at 46 years of age after my daughters were raised and out of the house. I have been teaching myself with on line and DVD type lessons only. Mikes system has been by far the best I have seen.
- California
"I've been playing forever, but it's a new game! Without question I am a better player because of the Drumming System."
Mike breaks every area down into the nuts and bolts, very comprehensive and coherent teaching style. I haven't finished the whole system, but the highlight so far is a new insight into drumming and where I am going with it. I've been playing forever, but it's a new game!
Without question I am a better player because of the Drumming System. I'm no longer an illiterate drummer, and with reading comes a much more in depth understanding of the micro details of what really good drummers are doing.
- Georgia
"The tips Mike showed about hand technique have really built up my speed to where I can hit those super fast solos in the Play Alongs."
It is very easy to learn the material. I love how the DVD's refer you to the specific pages in the workbooks as they go together.
The Drumming System has improved my fluidity around the kit. The tips Mike showed about hand technique have really built up my speed to where I can hit those super fast solos in the Play Alongs.
- Florida
"I am 43 years old and play for a hobby. I hardly touched my kit. Now I play everyday again. Great system, I would recommend this to any drummer."
I really appreciate the angle Mike takes from the very beginning from how to hold the sticks and setting up a kit. I really like all the differnt styles of playing. Great system, I would recommend this to any drummer.
I am 43 years old and play for a hobby. I hardly touched my kit. Now I play everyday again. I really got back into playing, I even brought out my old Rush cds. Everyday I improve on speed and control of my left hand. I can't thank Mike enough for his approach to teaching drums. You can really see how much he loves this instrument and it is very infectious!
- Ireland
"The Drumming System is amazing. ...it is laid out in such a simple, easy-to-understand way. It contains everything anyone would ever need for drumming."
The Drumming System is amazing. I love the way it is laid out in such a simple, easy-to-understand way. It contains everything anyone would ever need for drumming. Mike is such a great teacher too, he is really calm and funny and is very clear.
So far, the highlight of the Drumming System has been the theory lessons. I never understood anything about drum theory before and now I even know what dotted notation is! I had never even heard of it before. I have enjoyed everything about the system so far and I'm only getting started.
I have greatly improved my groove and learned tons of new fills. I also learned new hand and foot techniques that I use every time I play. I learned lots of theory too which I knew nothing about before and I plan to start learning progressive rock beats and drum rudiments next.
- Australia
"My hand speed has increased substantially. A big thank you to Mike. The Drumming System sure beats a half hour drum session at a clinic weekly."
I am an intermediate drummer and I love Mikes teaching in laymans terms. Being able to repeat going over lessons until I feel my results are satisfactory is fantastic.
I've learnt new rudiments and am developing more independence to the bass and the hi-hat pedal. My hand speed has increased substantially. A big thank you to Mike. The Drumming System sure beats a half hour drum session at a clinic weekly.
- New Hampshire
"Mike is a very good teacher ...he makes you want to keep learning more. ...besides my drum set, it's one of the best investments I've made."
I've been playing drums for around 20 years...but never took lessons ..so this is all new to me ..but in just a weeks time I've learned alot. Mike is a very good teacher and is easy to understand, he makes you want to keep learning more .
I'm just getting started but so far my biggest improvement seems to be the counting. I've always played by ear, so this will help alot and add to what I already know. All and all besides my drum set, it's one of the best investments I've made.
Boost your drumming progress with Mike's free Practice Routine Generator! Simply fill out the short form below to get instant access. It will help make the most of your valuable practice time!
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