Mike Johnston
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Video Lesson: World Groove Independence Mash-Up with Mike Johnston
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the January 2016 issue, which is available here. Rock 'N' Jazz Clinic World Groove Independence Mash-Up Improving Facility With Afro-Cuban Inspiration When I began writing my latest book, Groove…
Episode 17: PASIC 2015, London Drum Show, Drum Depth, Frankie Banali, Tru Tuner, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike catch up after a crazy week of traveling. Dawson is just back from PASIC in San Antonio, Texas, and Johnston is calling in from his hotel in London as he wraps up a European clinic…
Episode 16: Bass Drum Mic Positioning, Bill Bachman’s Quintuplets Article, Gerry Gibbs, Meinl’s Benny Greb signature Sand Ride, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss different ways to position a bass drum mic, and then they dig deeper into Bill Bachman’s article on quintuplets from the December 2015 issue of Modern Drummer. Next, they give some additional background…
Episode 15: Jim Riley’s Ghost Notes, Dom Famularo, Zildjian’s new K Custom Dark Crashes, Drum Muffling, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike dig into a few of the stories in the December 2015 issue of Modern Drummer, including Jim Riley’s educational article on ghost notes, the cover story with global drumming ambassador Dom Famularo, and the…
Video Lesson! Raw Speed Bass Drum Workout with Mike Johnston
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2015 issue, which is available here. Rock 'n' Jazz Clinic Raw Speed Bass Drum Workout Increase Your BPM With a Focused 12-Minute Routine This bass drum workout…
Episode 14: Drumming Apps, Russ Miller’s Latest Concepts Column, Myths of Soundproofing, Audio-Technica Condenser Mics, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike highlight a few of their favorite drumming apps, and they talk a bit about session great Russ Miller’s latest Concepts column in Modern Drummer before doing their best to dispel some of the myths…
Episode 13: Groupings and Subdivisions, Robert “Sput??? Searight's GhostNote, Pearl’s Wood Fiberglass Drumset, Matt Chamberlain’s Endorsement Changes, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about studio great Matt Chamberlain’s recent drum and cymbal endorsement changes, the difference between groupings and subdivisions, Snarky Puppy drummer Robert “Sput” Searight’s new project GhostNote, Pearl’s reissued Wood Fiberglass drumset, and some…
MD Podcast Episode 12: Bass Drum Speed, Brian Frasier-Moore, Coated and Clear Drumheads, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of the things included in the November 2015 issue of Modern Drummer, including Johnston’s Rock & Jazz Clinic article on developing bass drum speed. They also talk about cover artist Brian Frasier-Moore,…
Episode 11: It’s Questionable, Chrome- vs Nickel-Plated Brass Snares, Ilan Rubin, Angel Drums, V-Classic Cymbals, and More
This week Mike and Mike pour through the October 2015 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine, talking a bit about the It’s Questionable article that defines the differences between chrome- and nickel-plated brass snares, cover artist Ilan Rubin, and the custom…
Episode 10: Gil Sharone, Paiste’s PSTX Effects Cymbals, Craviotto’s Johnny C. Series Maple Snare Drums, Play-Along Products, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike focus on the September 2015 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine, discussing cover artist Gil Sharone, who’s currently touring with Marilyn Manson, and digging deeper into Johnston’s second educational article on grooving in form. Other…
Video Lesson! Bass Drum Development with Mike Johnston
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the November 2015 issue, which is available here. Rock & Jazz Clinic Bass Drum Development 4 Focused Exercises for Building Raw Speed by Mike Johnston One of the most…
Episode 9: Antonio Sanchez, 21 Drummers Camp, Fidock 6x13 Heartbreaker Series Snare, Remo Powerstroke Heads, and More
In this episode, Johnston talks about his recent trip to Ireland to teach a drum camp with fellow drummers Mark Guiliana and Robert “Sput” Searight. Then Mike and Mike discuss August 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist, modern jazz great Antonio…
Episode 8: Daru Jones, Drum Books, Gretsch’s Renown Series Drumsets, Sugar Percussion Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about July 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist, Daru Jones, and dig into some of their favorite drum books. Then they talk a bit out the differences between Gretsch’s Renown series drumset with birch…
Episode 7: Benny Greb, The Art and Science of Groove, Paiste’s Masters Series Crashes and Hi-Hats, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about June 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist, Benny Greb, and dig into some of the concepts in Benny’s new DVD, The Art and Science of Groove. Then they share their thoughts on the…
