OFFICIAL START-UP GUIDE

Important: Read This Booklet BeforeStarting The Drumming System

Drumming System Quick Start Guide

It is highly recommended that you review this quick start guide before starting to usethe Drumming System home-study course. It will assist you in navigating the wealth of information included in the workbooks, training DVDs, and audio CDs.

Practice Routine Generator

One of the most valuable tools in this course is the Practice Routine Generator found in Workbook 5. It will help you create a well-balanced schedule to get the most out of your time behind the drum set. It is highly recommended that you take a few moments to read the over-view provided in that book to ensure you can take advantage of it.

Don’t forget to check out the DVD Reference t as it will show you exactly where to find lessons for all the sub-categories covered in the Practice Routine Generator.

Beginner Drummers

If you are just getting started on the drums, it is recommended that you start out by watching DVD 1 - How To Play Drums By Ear. This will show you the basics of playing drum beats without the complexities of understanding sheet music.

From there, you can jump to the Practice Routine Generator. You’ll want to focus on sub-categories like: Drum Theory, Hand Techniques, Foot Techniques, Mixed Rock Beats, and Play-Along Songs. Don’t worry about mastering everything covered on the included DVDs. Just start with the basics to build a solid foundation that you can improve upon over time.

Intermediate Drummers

Advanced Drummers

Using the Play-Along CDs

A lot of students fall into the category of Intermediate Drummers, so it is difficult to specify exactly what lessons would be best for your specific situation. However, here are some general pointers to help guide you.

If you have been playing drums for years and are already familiar with reading sheet music, playing a wide variety of musical styles, and drumming with groove - it is time to challenge your creativity.

You can start by reviewing some of the more advanced beats contained within DVDs 7-12. You can skip through the beginner beats, or review them to refresh your library with some old favorites. Either way, you will also find some more challenging grooves that are sure to push your drumming to the next level.

You may also be interesting in checking out DVD 13 - How To Build Speed, DVD 15 for tips on live-gigging/studio-drumming, and DVDs 17 and 18 which include fun play-along songs.

All of the play-along songs are demonstrated on the vari-ous instructional DVDs. When you are ready to play these songs, you can refer to CDs 8-20. Each song is available in two different versions. One version includes a metronome to help you keep accurate time; and the other version has the metronome removed so you can better simulate the live-band experience.

If you are not familiar with reading sheet music or basic drumming theory, it is highly recommended that you start learning these essentials. Start with DVD 3 - Drum Theory and Notation. Understanding these core concepts of reading and writing sheet music will allow you to improve at a rapid pace.

If you understand sheet music but have never had a formal lesson on hand or pedal technique, you can watch DVDs 4-6 to review these important concepts. Using proper techniques is proven to boost speed, power, and endurance. Better still, it reduces the risk of injuries that can hamper your ability to play the drums.

When you are finished catching up on theory and techniques, jump to the simple Practice Routine Generator to put together a custom schedule that works for you.

Drumming System Course Overview

20 DVDs

5 Workbooks 21 Audio CDs

DVD 01 - How To Play Drums By Ear DVD 11 - Drum Fills

7 MP3 Discs With Exercise Loops13 Audio Play-Along CDs w/ & w/o Metronome

1 Audio CD With Metronome Click Tracks

DVD 05 - Drum Rudiments DVD 15 - Live Gig & Studio Drumming

DVD 03 - Drum Theory And Notation DVD 13 - How To Build Speed

DVD 07 - Heavy Rock Lessons DVD 17 - Drum Play-Along 1

DVD 09 - Groove Rock Lessons DVD 19 - Writing With A Band

DVD 02 - How To Practice Efficiently DVD 12 - Dynamic Drumming

DVD 06 - Foot Techniques DVD 16 - Drum Soloing

DVD 04 - Hand Techniques DVD 14 - Drum Setup, Tuning & Gear Tips

DVD 08 - Mixed Rock Lessons DVD 18 - Drum Play-Along 2

DVD 10 - Jazz & Latin DVD 20 - Hand Drumming & Percussion

Mike Michalkow’s Recommended Gear Guide

Yamaha Drums (All Woods) www.yamaha.com/drums/home.html

Yamaha Electronics & Triggers www.yamaha.com/drums/electronicdrums.html?CTID=5040569

Paiste Cymbals www.Paiste.com

Blow-It Fanswww.blowitfans.com

Pro-Mark Drumstickswww.ProMark.com

Evans Drumheadswww.EvansDrumheads.com

Hansen Futz Practice PedalsHansenFutz.com

HiShakerwww.HiShaker.com

Mike Michalkow’s Recommended Listening Guide

1. Rush 2. The Police 3. King Crimson 4. Yes 5. Supertramp

1. Johnny Cash 2. Oak Ridge Boys 3. Willie Nelson 4. Kenny Rogers 5. Dolly Parton

1. Neil Peart 2. Stewart Copeland 3. Jeff Porcaro 4. Steve Gadd 5. Bernard Purdie

1. Miles Davis 2. Dave Brubeck 3. Chick Corea 4. Michel Camilo 5. Randy Waldman

1. Tower Of Power 2. P-Funk 3. Little Feat 4. John Scofield 5. James Brown

1. Rush - Exit Stage Left 2. The Police - Message In A Bottle 3. Karizma - Document 4. Peter Gabriel - So 5. Sting - Ten Summoners Tales

1. Trilok Gurtu 2. Dafnis Prieto 3. Alex Acuna & The Unknowns 4. Afro Cuban All Stars 5. Tito Puente

1. Iron Maiden 2. Dream Theater 3. Ozzy Osbourne 4. Gojira 5. Metallica

Rock Bands

Country Bands

Favorite Drummers

Jazz Bands

Funk Bands

Favorite Albums

Latin Bands

Heavy Metal Bands

Mike Michalkow’s Drumming Resource Guide

Mike Michalkow

Drum Shops

Drum Lessons Online

Inspirational Drum Videos

Mike's Online Resources

Personal Website - www.MikeMichalkow.comFacebook - www.Facebook.com/mikemichalkow

Youtube - www.Youtube.com/mikemichalkowdrumsMySpace www.MySpace.com/mikemichalkow

Mike's Books & DVDs

Moeller Method Secrets - www.MoellerMethod.comJazz Drumming System - www.JazzDrummingSystem.comLatin Drumming System - www.LatinDrummingSystem.com

Drum Tuning System - www.Drum-Tuning.comDrum Play Along System - www.DrumPlayAlongSystem.comDrum Gear Buyers Guide - www.DrumGearBuyersGuide.com

The Total Rock Drummer - Published By Alfred Music Publishing

Online

Musicians Friend - www.MusiciansFriend.comGuitar Center - www.GuitarCenter.com

Interstate Music - www.InterstateMusic.comSam Ash - www.Samash.com

Ebay - www.Ebay.com

Drumeo - www.Drumeo.comFree Drum Lessons - www.FreeDrumLessons.com

Drum Lessons - www.DrumLessons.com

Mike’s Youtube - www.Youtube.com/mikemichalkowdrumsDrummerWorld - www.DrummerWorld.comDrum Channel - www.DrumChannel.com

Physical Shops

Guitar CenterSamash Music

Long & McquadeTom Lee Music