Mike’s Lessons
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.
MD Podcast Episode 203: Session Great Nir Z, Superimposing 4/4 in 3/4, Roland TM-1, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike crack open the September 2019 issue and discuss cover artist Nir Z, who’s been at the top of the studio scene for the past twenty years. The education segment focuses on ways to superimpose…
MD Podcast Episode 193: Luke Bryan’s Kent Slucher, Developing a Teaching Curriculum, George Way Aristocrat Drumset, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike talk about June 2019 featured artist Kent Slucher, who has been country superstar Luke Bryan’s drummer for the past twelve years. The education segment focuses on different ways to go about designing curriculum for…
Episode 139: Paramore’s Zac Farro, Breaking Up the Ride, 101 Drums Woodfiber Snare, and More
In this episode Mike and Mike discuss Zac Farro, who recently returned to his original gig with modern rock hit makers Paramore. The education segment focuses on how to break up the ride cymbal pattern in jazz and other improvisational…
Mike and Mike Podcast Episode 102: Choosing Drumheads, Clyde Stubblefield, Ludwig Acrolites Shootout, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike share their thoughts on how to choose the best drumheads for different situations. The featured artist is legendary James Brown drummer Clyde Stubblefield. Up for review is a pair of Ludwig Acrolite snares (a…
Mike and Mike Podcast Episode 95: Tom Tuning, Nir Z, RTOM Black Holes, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike conclude their discussion on drum tuning with their favorite techniques for the toms. The featured artist is studio drummer Nir Z. Up for review is the RTOM Black Hole practice mute system. After fielding…
Episode 92: Orchestrating Grooves, MMW’s Billy Martin, Bucks Co. Mahogany Kit, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of the ways they like to orchestrate groove on the drumset. The featured artist is Medeski Martin & Wood’s Billy Martin. Up for review is a Semi-Solid mahogany/poplar drumset by Bucks County.…
Episode 89: Brann Dailor, Developing Finger Control, Gibraltar Stealth G-Drive pedals, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss powerhouse drummer Brann Dailor of modern metal band Mastodon. In the education segment, the hosts share some of their favorite exercises for developing finger control. Up for review is the G Drive series…
Episode 84: Stickings That Rock, Dale Crover, Tama Stands, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss legendary alt-rock drummer Dale Crover of the Melvins, who has a new project, Crystal Fairy, featuring Mars Volta’s Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. The education segment focuses on favorite sticking patterns for creating interesting rock grooves.…
Episode 83: Matt Garstka, How to Practice Syncopation, Dixon Little Roomer, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss April 2017 cover artist Matt Garstka of the progressive band Animals as Leaders. In the education segment, the hosts discuss some fun ways to interpret the written rhythms in Ted Reed’s classic book…
VIDEO! Rock & Jazz Clinic: Give the Audience Some! (From the March 2014 Issue)
by Mike Johnston Playing songs in odd times can be challenging to you as a drummer, but one thing that doesn’t get much attention is how tough odd times can be on the audience. It’s called “odd” for a…
