CanadianDrumGear.com is proud to have some new snares in stock from Dunnett Classic Drums (Ron Dunnett) and The Geo H Way Drum Company (George Way). From time to time you will here us say that we would like to be a "unique" company and have products that are unique, we feel that Ronn Dunnett fits this adage perfectly.

A serious and passionate educator, Robb has been a lifelong student of the drumset, having taken private lessons from age 6 he has had the opportunity to study with some of Canada's finest teachers including, Mark Rogers, Kevin Dempsy, Roger Flock, Rick Gratton and Vito Reza. Robb specializes in the "Patterns Series" by Gary Chaffee, using sticking patterns, linear phrases, odd note groupings and polyrhythms in an effortless and musical manner. 

Anyone who knows and follows Mike knows the term "Embrace The Suck" all too well. Simply put, there are just some things we need work on in our drumming and even in our everyday lives. Instead of putting ourselves down or others, embrace where you are, accept the challenge and make those weaknesses strengths. Mike's message has always been clear, we are all on the same journey just at different parts of the timeline. I think Mike is one of the few drum educators that really get it, he really understands the struggle, the challenge and he has a way of communicating clearly on how we all can get there with patience, effort and passion. 

You should always strive to be a better you each day, not just in drumming but in life in general. We've looked at a few things that have been developed to make our learning process more easier, enjoyable and intuitive. I personally know a lot of people that are currently using Groove Freedom and Groove Scribe in their daily practice routine. To think that all this has been developed in just a few short years and it has enhanced our abilities to learn and push ourselves even further. Who knows what other innovations will come about in the next coming years?

As you can see this feature article is not your typical article that talks about the usual things that are already known about Mike, his YouTube stardom leading to a successful online drum instruction web site. There are more than enough interviews that cover these areas but instead we wanted to focus on the drive, passion and innovation that fuels Mike Johnston and how he takes that motivation and gives back to the drum community. Mike has always pointed out that he's not a gifted drummer that was born with chops like Tony Royster Jr. He's an average Joe like you and I that worked very hard to be where he is in life. Bottom line he's probably one of the most sincere, positive and passionate person you will ever meet. Being a teacher and educator is what he is most passionate about and we are all benefiting from it. 

It is a great time to be a drummer with all the resources and information we have, there is so much out there for us to learn, so many resources that we can pick and chose from. Personally I think it only enhances our experiences even more so and we are fortunate to have people like Mike always striving to be innovative, always pushing the bar line further but always remembering his humble beginnings.

Mike endorses Meinl Cymbals, Gretsch Drums, Aquarian Drumheads and Vater. 
For Mike's set up please visit his artist pages by clicking the links provided.

Mikeslessons.com

You would think that once Mikeslessons.com was established one would be happy and just ride the wave of online lessons. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how successful and how popular the site has become. With thousands of subscribers all over the world, several drum camps every year, I think the average Joe would stop at that, enjoy reaping the rewards of all the work put into the business. Not Mike, he always seems to be pushing the limits and finding new and better ways to teach, educate and communicate.