[Jared Falk]

This is the *official* discussion thread for the Jazz Drumming System.

Jazz Drumming System « click this link to learn more about the Jazz Drumming System at JazzDrummingSystem.com.

Use the "Add Reply" button above to post your questions or comments.

[Poco Askew]

First off, I'm not a huge jazz fan. I went through a phase where I listened to a lot of it – especially fusion. But I do believe, being able to play and understand jazz helps with all drumming. The independence, use of triplets and improving the shuffle, are alone worth the time and effort to learn this genera.

JDS is a big "System". The workbook is 77 pages with over 650 exercises covered by two DVDs Each comping section (I didn't really know what comping is) has over 50 exercises that take you through just about every combination possible. I even appreciate the book being spiral bound since it sits flat on my music stand. You also get a DVD and CD for play-along songs. Not only does Mike cover jazz drumming lessons but he discusses drum gear and tuning, including kit config's, heads, cymbals, etc. Also covered are grips, techniques for playing with different types of jazz bands and venues. All unexpected, but pretty cool. I think I could easily spend a year on the material in these lessons.

The JDS has the usual high quality multi-angle video so you get a good look at what's going on with each lesson. If I have any criticism, its that there aren't multiple tempos available for the exercises like in some of the other "Systems". I find the independence for this style of drumming a challenge and difficult to keep up on some exercises. I know if they get too slow, the feel of the beats go down the drain, so that may be the reason. It would be fun to hear some of them at higher tempos, too. There is no notation for the ride cymbal used in the comping exercises, which I found curious, but since it is the same for all lessons, you don't need them once you get the simple groove going.

I like Mike's style - both playing and teaching. He seems very laid back but can thrash with the best. If you want to learn jazz, this is a must have. If you play rock or other styles and want to shuffle like Bonzo, build your independence, or add some jazz, funk or even latin vibes to your playing, I think JDS will be a big help.

This post has been edited by Poco Askew: 21 December 2008 - 06:14 AM

[drumgeezer]

Great review Poco I can't add anything to it. I got this last summer and am really glad I did. Beware that with this system and a little jojo mayer you might find yourself buying a beret and growing a goatee and seeking out little smoke filled venues where you can showcase your newfound love of jazz

[Hodgey]

drumgeezer, on Dec 22 2008, 01:36 AM, said:

Great review Poco I can't add anything to it. I got this last summer and am really glad I did. Beware that with this system and a little jojo mayer you might find yourself buying a beret and growing a goatee and seeking out little smoke filled venues where you can showcase your newfound love of jazz

You just described my drum teacher in two words!

[andy carruthers]

from my point of veiw i have gained the knowledge that i needed to try to play this style ,by watching mike (who makes it look so easy).The good thing about the learning system for me is mike's teaching methods ,he makes it easy for you to understand ,as well as watching mike at the kit it gives you the inspiratin to learn this style of drumming, thanks mike!!!!!!!

This post has been edited by andy carruthers: 31 December 2008 - 04:25 AM

[DrummerJohn]

Hey guys, I'm extremely new to drumming. I have had a particular interest in Jazz and Ragtime music for some time now, so naturally I am extremely interested in Jazz drumming.

I have gone through the content on the site under the Jazz drumming drumming section, and it's all excellent stuff. I really would like to know how worth the money the Jazz Drumming System is. As in, how much of the free content does it go over again. Also, I don't take lessons; would it be as good as taking lessons in jazz if I bought the system. keep in mind I am reasonably good at self-teaching and following instructions well.

Excellent site and forums Jared!

John

[Poco Askew]

DrummerJohn, on Apr 1 2009, 10:35 AM, said:

Hey guys, I'm extremely new to drumming. I have had a particular interest in Jazz and Ragtime music for some time now, so naturally I am extremely interested in Jazz drumming.

I have gone through the content on the site under the Jazz drumming drumming section, and it's all excellent stuff. I really would like to know how worth the money the Jazz Drumming System is. As in, how much of the free content does it go over again. Also, I don't take lessons; would it be as good as taking lessons in jazz if I bought the system. keep in mind I am reasonably good at self-teaching and following instructions well.

Excellent site and forums Jared!

John

The JDS covers everything in the free lessons, but that's just the beginning. I think the free lessons cover 7 topics with a total of about 30 exercises. JDS has about 30 topics with something like 600 exercises. You not only get the DVDs, but a workbook with all the sheet music, too.

[drumchic64]

It is a great package if you want to learn jazz. It covers topics like brushes, snare and bass drum comping and double paradiddles around the kit..I highly recommend it.

[DrummerJohn]

Quote

It is a great package if you want to learn jazz. It covers topics like brushes, snare and bass drum comping and double paradiddles around the kit..I highly recommend it.

Thanks for the fast feedback

[drumchic64]

DrummerJohn, on Apr 2 2009, 03:40 PM, said:

Thanks for the fast feedback

Your gonna get alot out of this package as you will with the others..They're the best out there IMO.

[Mike Michalkow]

Hey Jazz Drumming Fans!

Thanks for the great responses! You all rock, or should I say "jazz"

I had a great time working on this project with the guys at Railroad Media. All the best and Happy Drumming!

Mike Michalkow
www.mikemichalkow.com

[Jagr]

Mike Michalkow, on Apr 3 2009, 12:37 PM, said:

or should I say "jazz"

Thats just terrible

[drummerboy768]

Jagr, on Apr 3 2009, 11:33 PM, said:

Thats just terrible

+1

[DrummerJohn]

Mike Michalkow, on Apr 3 2009, 09:37 PM, said:

Hey Jazz Drumming Fans!

Thanks for the great responses! You all rock, or should I say "jazz"

I had a great time working on this project with the guys at Railroad Media. All the best and Happy Drumming!

Mike Michalkow
www.mikemichalkow.com

/cringe

You make jokes like my dad lol...

[Dealas]

DrummerJohn, on May 2 2009, 04:51 PM, said:

/cringe

You make jokes like my dad lol...

Best part is, after seeing tons of his videos and RRM Systems, I can totally see him pulling that off.

[DrummerJohn]

Dealas, on May 3 2009, 10:37 PM, said:

Best part is, after seeing tons of his videos and RRM Systems, I can totally see him pulling that off.

Come to think of it, I can aswell. Such a fatherly figure I've gone wild with smilies.

[drummer john]

DrummerJohn, on Apr 1 2009, 11:35 AM, said:

Hey guys, I'm extremely new to drumming. I have had a particular interest in Jazz and Ragtime music for some time now, so naturally I am extremely interested in Jazz drumming.

I have gone through the content on the site under the Jazz drumming drumming section, and it's all excellent stuff. I really would like to know how worth the money the Jazz Drumming System is. As in, how much of the free content does it go over again. Also, I don't take lessons; would it be as good as taking lessons in jazz if I bought the system. keep in mind I am reasonably good at self-teaching and following instructions well.

Excellent site and forums Jared!

This isn't me, but I really like Mike's style and plan on getting JDS because I'm a jazz nut.

This post has been edited by drummer john: 06 May 2009 - 07:00 AM

[DrummerJohn]

I have ordered the JDS. (Actually yesterday.) Am now anticipating it and attempting not to wet myself. Anybody got tips on rudiments or random things to practice in preperation for the JDS?

This post has been edited by DrummerJohn: 07 May 2009 - 07:42 AM

[drummer john]

DrummerJohn, on May 7 2009, 08:41 AM, said:

I have ordered the JDS. (Actually yesterday.) Am now anticipating it and attempting not to wet myself. Anybody got tips on rudiments or random things to practice in preperation for the JDS?

"Pampers" are pretty popular here in the Us

[Poco Askew]

Triplets.