Moeller DVD Disc #1: Technique Instruction

View or download your 1st free excerpt from the Moeller Method
DVD Training System!

Note: Video quality has been reduced to improve download time. Save videos to your computer by right
clicking and selecting the "save target as..." option.

Here's Just A Small Sample of Topics
Covered In Detail On The First DVD Disc...

• Mike's early experiences with poor technique, and how he was able to overcome them to advance his drumming abilities.
• An introduction to correct stick grip, and an overview of how stick grip can make a big difference in how you play the drums.
• The unique "gun system" for discovering correct hand position for holding the drumstick. This creative approach is extremely easy to follow along with. Every part of the grip is explained in detail.
• How to find the balance point of your drumsticks to allow them to get the most natural rebound (vital for virtually all techniques associated with speed drumming).
• Tips and suggestions for removing tension from your hands and wrists (which helps reduce the risk of serious injury, and extends drumming endurance).
• A breakdown of matched grip, and how both hands are mirrored for this style of playing (the most commonly used grip today).
• An in-depth look at traditional grip, including close-up shots and detailed explanations of exactly how to play this technique (and an overview of the pros and cons of using it).
• How to perform the German or Germanic grip with the correct hand positioning, and "relaxed feel" (includes video of the grip being used in a short mini-solo).
• How to perform the American grip, and how it relates to the German grip previously covered. This section includes special multi-angle viewing to show the exact differences of this grip in detail (also includes video of the grip being used in a mini-solo).
• How to perform the French grip, and how it relates to the German and American grips (includes a mini-solo with the grip being used).
• A unique exercise that combines the three grip types (German, American, and French) in one complete stick grip warm-up.
• An in-depth look at the free stroke with detailed explanation of how it makes full use of the natural rebound of the drumstick (includes slow motion video). The lesson also features a special exercise to assist in fully understanding the principles behind the free stroke.
• A detailed break-down of the Finger Control Technique, what grip works best, and exactly how to perform it for maximum speed (includes two excellent exercises for developing the method while you watch TV or relax on the couch). Also covers tips for conserving energy, and improving overall control. This method is an absolute must for speed drumming!
• Applications for using the Finger Control Technique around the drum set (excellent for coming up with unique drum beat and fill ideas). Great for speed drumming and faster solos.
• Mike's blazing fast "Flurry Fills" based on Finger Control
• An explanation of "the motions", and how they will benefit you.
• A complete look at the tap stroke motion, and how it can improve your speed, dynamic drumming, and more. This section also includes important practice tips, and simple exercises.
• An in-depth look at the full stroke motion, and tips on what to focus on when first developing it. Includes examples of common mistakes many drummers make).
• Complete training for the medium full stroke (aka half stroke) with simple examples and exercises.
• A detailed breakdown of the down-stroke, and an explanation of how it ties in with other strokes to create dynamics (including exercises that tie in with the tap stroke).
• Finally, an in-depth look at the up-stroke to round out the section and provide you with a complete set of motions for continuous dynamic drumming. This is one of most important motions, and can be used with the down-stroke in a wide variety of ways (including the moeller method).
• Seven powerful exercises that combine all the strokes/motions in unique accented patterns to assist you in developing each motion correctly (including additional related exercises, and tips to save valuable practice time).
• Ten beats that utilize the motions and demonstrate how they completely change the dynamic feel of a groove. These examples are excellent for drummers interested in applying the motions in their everyday drumming right away.
• Ten unique drum fills with the motions being applied in both simple and complex forms to help you with creative fills.
• An introduction to the Moeller Method (aka Moeller Technique), where it came from, and an overview of Mike's experiences while learning it. This section is incredibly revealing, and breaks through many of the misconceptions drummers have of this method.
• A complete breakdown of the low Moeller. This includes multi-angle shots, slow motion footage, and very detailed explanations.
• A detailed explanation of the half Moeller, some important exercises to ensure it is developed correctly, and warnings about common mistakes seen in drummers first learning this method. Also included are multi-angle shots, and a slow-motion demonstration.
• Finally, the king of the power strokes, the full Moeller! This section includes advanced tips rarely taught, multi-angle shots, and once again - slow motion footage breaking everything down.
• A powerful exercise for incorporating the three Moeller types. This is a great way to begin applying them on your kit right away.
• A full-length drum solo titled "Solo for Sanford" in which Mike Michalkow pays tribute to Sanford Augustus Moeller.
• Advanced applications based around the single paradiddle, including a breakdown of this important drum rudiment, and how it can be played with the motions and the moeller method for truly amazing speed (an exciting section for speed drumming enthusiasts).
• A full-length drum solo titled "Paradiddle Madness" which is played entirely with this valuable drum rudiment. An excellent example of the speed, power, control, and endurance that can be achieved.
• Bonus slow-motion video loops that are perfect for practice sessions in front of the TV. You can watch and imitate the material along with Mike for complete method mastery!

Moeller DVD Disc #2:Musical Inspiration

View or download your 2nd free excerpt from the Moeller Method
DVD Training System!

Note: Video quality has been reduced to improve download time. Save videos to your computer by right
clicking and selecting the "save target as..." option.

Here's Just A Small Sample of Topics
Covered In Detail On The Second DVD Disc...

• Seven unique full-length Drum Solos performed by Mike Michalkow on his massive Yamaha drum set. An excellent source of ideas and inspiration for drummers of all skill levels.
• Three professional Jam Tracks that Mike Michalkow performs along with (two used with permission from Yamaha, and the last with permission from Chuck Silverman).
• Five complete Band Tracks performed by superstar musicians Mike Michalkow (drums), Cameron Peace (guitar), and Damian Erskine (bass). These tracks are both entertaining and educational!
• Five Drum Gear Demos showing off some of Mike's favorite drum gear with detailed descriptions of the kits, cymbals, sticks, practice pedals, and tuning accessories that he prefers.
• DVD Extras - Including digital copies of all the sheet music exercises covered in the entire training pack, slow motion video examples of drum techniques, and a free eBook!

"...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

"Canadian drummer/educator Mike Michalkow heads the drum department in the US for the National Guitar Workshop..."

Canadian drummer/educator Mike Michalkow heads the drum department in the US for the National Guitar Workshop, and appeared at the Vancouver International Drum Festival every year from 2001 through 2005. In this instructional double DVD package, Mike covers all aspects of the Moeller Method, along with other topics of interest including finger control, stick grip, and efficient motion. One disc is dedicated to instruction, the other to inspirational demonstration in a band format.

Modern Drummer Magazine
Pg. 47 of the February 2007 Issue

I can play faster tempos more comfortably...

Michael is very direct and his explanations are clear and easy to follow. He backs up what he says with excellent illustrations.

I find in the short time I've worked with these DVDs that my uptempo time playing is less of a strain. I can play faster tempos more comfortably. Thanks Michael for a great program of study!

- Bob Lasprogato Westport, CT

The DVD is very informative and a never ending source of tips and tricks...

Mike Michalkow did an A++++ job with his DVD - The Moeller Method! I love every part of it. The DVD is very informative and a never ending source of tips and tricks. A MUST HAVE for every drummer!

The DVD helped me from the first minute I watched it. There is so much information on it... I don't know how long I will take to get through it. I can see most of my improvement in my speed ... I am faster and more relaxed and this is just the beginning. Can't wait to learn more from Mike.

Thanks for such a great DVD!!

- Elke Langley, BC

My speed and control has improved dramatically...

I like the various camera angles and overall quality of the videos. The methods were explained clear and concise. No Guessing on my part -- how nice!

My speed and control has improved dramatically. I've actually learned to play quieter and faster... something I haven't been able to do.

- Brian Powley Bloomingdale, OH

Simply put my technique has improved 100%. This DVD has given me new found confidence...

In my opinion Mike Michalkow has a special quality as an educator . The ability to empathise with his students. If a particular rudiment is difficult to master he tells you straight. By admitting that he himself had sometimes certain difficulties in mastering certain techniques and how with patience you can improve your skill level.

I am a mature drummer but have suddenly found a vast improvement in my ease of playing and my confidence and ability in soloing and much of that is due to Mikes DVD and style of educating. He takes the time to reply to you with any queries that you may have. Moeller Method Secrets is quite simply an excellent product presented in a professional way.

Simply put my technique has improved 100%. This DVD has given me new found confidence and abilty. Finally I can play paradiddles properly !!!

- Harvey Benson Israel

I was most impressed by the detailed teachings...

Mike brings everything down to the basics. His enthusiasm and excitment is a hugh bonus.

THE BAND ROCKS. Solos are awesome. I was most impressed by the detailed teachings. if it was rudiments, or finger control, it was bang on. I also enjoyed the the homework that was given.

- Vic Tavares Surrey, Canada

I have only hade the DVD's sence christmas and my speed and persision has improved almost 50%.

I enjoyed his explanations about the little things that are so easy to over look. Mike has such a positive out look that he makes everyone believe that they can make it to the next level in drumming. Thanks a lot.

I have only hade the DVD's sence christmas and my speed and persision has improved almost 50%.

- Robert E Jackson Clarksville, TN

The Moeller Method DVD covered every conceivable grip and each technique extensively...

The Moeller Method DVD covered every conceivable grip and each technique extensively. The DVD is presented in an orderly fashion that can be watched from start to finish without having to skip around. The exercises are simple and effective and can be utilized by any drummer at any level.

- Robert Duvall Lawton, OK

It has been helpful for me to understand how the techniques fit together so I can work on refining them within the full technique package...

The different camera angles and smooth edits showed the forethought that went into the production of this video. The exercises and application of the techniques and exercises to the drum kit were also cool. I also really like the fact that Mike emphasizes relaxation to achieve fluidity, speed and power.

The highlight for me was discovering what the Moeller technique actually is. I had heard about it for a long time, but didn't know anything about it. Plus, it was great to hear someone else spreading the John Fisher word!

Moeller Method Secrets improved my understanding of the distinction between the full stroke, motions and Moeller techniques. Being a pipe band guy (and John Fisher student) I discovered that I had learned the three techniques to some degree all at the same time without knowing it. It has been helpful for me to understand how the techniques fit together so I can work on refining them within the full technique package.

- Daniel Bist Barrie, Ontario

The methods as he relates them are easy to learn.

He is clear and understandable. The methods as he relates them are easy to learn. Most impressive is the thoroughness. Also, building my strength is much easier. It has made me stronger. I have felt better after playing longer.

- John Ludwig Palatine, IL

"Mike does a super job of covering what I consider vital drumming information..."

I really enjoyed watching through all the Moeller Method Secrets video lessons. Mike does a super job of covering what I consider vital drumming information. I will be passing on the word to my students, and recommending that they use this for their home studies (over the summer when I'm not teaching of course).

Congratulations Mike!

"It really is amazing how much easier it is to learn by your training DVD's than by a drumming book."

I got the Moeller Method DVD, and it is really clear, precise and
easy to understand. It really is amazing how much easier it is to learn by
your training DVD's than by a drumming book.

"essential drum methods in this video that just plain get ignored far too often..."

The entire idea behind the Moeller Method Secrets video set impressed me a great deal. However, the fact that the entire plan was put to action and developed into a real product is what makes this so special.

Mike Michalkow teaches absolutely essential drum methods in this video that just plain get ignored far too often. It's just really too bad that something like this wasn't available when I was first learning. I can only imagine how much further along I would be.

"Mike Michalkow teaches in a friendly and thorough manner..."

I am very proud to have been on the "beta tester" team for this video training set. The folks at Railroad Media have really put together a high quality product here. I've already got my son started on a few of the techniques that I had forgotten about over the years. It's a great refresher for me as well, and gave plenty of fresh insight.

Mike Michalkow teaches in a friendly and thorough manner that I find myself trying to imitate with students in lessons.

"This is the best intsructional disc covering the fundamentals of technique I've ever seen..."

I got your new DVD yesterday and watched most of the first disc last night. Okay, the honest truth here: This is the best intsructional disc covering the fundamentals of technique I've ever seen (and I've got a lot of 'em). Thanks a lot man!

Follow-up: I think you're brilliant man! The performance disk is spectacular. Your feel for dynamics, your technique, the melodic stuff going on in your solos ... just the way you put your solos together. Well, I'll stop gushing now, but what a pleasure man.

"I received a very big compliment last night from the musicians in the church group..."

Just needed to send you another email thanking you for the great Moeller instructional DVD. I received a very big compliment last night from the musicians in the church group that I've been subbing for. They told me that when I come through the door they say to themselves, "oh, good, here comes the guy who plays in time and with feel and DYNAMICS". I thought that was a great compliment - especially given I've only been playing for about 16 months - and I really have to thank you.

The church thing has required me to play with a lot of discipline. 1-5 new songs per week, charts, different time signatures, a wide variety of tempos/feels, band director, different players every week, etc. Depending on the singer, we can go from playing at "whisper level" to full tilt with a 6 piece choir, 2 guitars, bass, keys AND percussion blazing away. The stroke technique that I've been working on from your Moeller DVD has been invaluable for this playing situation - and I haven't even really dug into the Moeller section yet!

Bonus #1 - Drum Rudiments Training Video ($29.95 value)

Jared Falk's ever-popular Drum Set Rudiments instructional video is included at absolutely no cost. A must for drummers interested in taking their drumming to the next level by mastering the four most commonly used drum rudiments! Literally hundreds of drummers have used this training video, and have reported significant improvement in their musical abilities.

Note: Yes, this video includes the popular "X-fill"!

Bonus #2 - Lock Grip Technique Video ($24.95 value)

Jared Falk's Lock Grip Technique video outlines a unique grip that can be used to improve stick-work, speed, power, and control. It's an excellent addition to the Moeller Method Secrets system, and is included at no charge.

Bonus #3 - Drummer Essentials eBook ($24.95 value)

Rick Kettner's Drummer Essentials eBook is also included in this one-of-a-kind training pack. It features 45+ pages of content that covers a wide range of drumming styles including: Rock, Jazz, Latin, Funk, Double Bass, Drum Fills, and more! This book is in PDF format, and can be downloaded instantly after purchase.

Bonus #4 - Drum Kit Lessons eBook ($24.95 value)

Jared Falk's Drum Kit Lessons eBook (a follow up to Rick's DE eBook) is also included. It features ALL-new content, and covers the following drum topics: Rock, Jazz, Latin, Funk, Shuffles, Metal, Odd Time Signatures, and more! Like the Drummer Essentials eBook, this is in PDF format and can be downloaded instantly.

Bonus #5 - Unlimited Customer Support

I want to be absolutely sure every customer is completely happy with this training solution, so I am including unlimited customer support! You can e-mail or phone our support team anytime, and we will help you work through any difficulties you may run into.