From The Page To The Gig - How to Practice New Material

A few months ago, Meinl Cymbals was kind enough to bring me to Nashville to document and film my "Page To The Gig" concept. This system addresses and hopefully fixes something that we all go through. You want to learn a new groove or fill. You practice it like crazy. Then you get to the point that you can play the pattern on your kit, in your safe space with a click at your favorite tempo, but you can't actually use it when the moment mattered most, like a gig. This used to happen to me constantly (and my students as well) until I completely changed how I practice new material.
I know this is a LONG video, but please soak this in and apply it to whatever you are currently working on. I think you'll be amazing after doing this how easily you will have access to your new grooves/fills.
Be patient with yourself, and ENJOY the process!
Mike J
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0:00 Intro
04:46 Step #1 Pattern
10:26 Step #2 Time
17:45 Step #3 Speed
24:23 Step #4 Dynamics & Texture
32:47 Step #5 Orchestration
41:46 Step #6 Practical application

[@mikeslessons]

Ok KZbinrs, real talk... The response to this video has just blown my mind. Your comments and kind words are literally fuel for my day. I was truly scared that no one would ever want to watch a 45 min. video on KZbin but as I've said before, sometimes deep education can't be done in a Short, lol. THANK YOU all for supporting what I do and how I do it. I DO NOT take it for granted. 🙏🙏🍵🍵 - Mike J

[@SafezoneExpert]

Well deserved, Mike! Your a top level teacher. Thank you so much! The didddles are all over the place in this world...scubidoowapwap! :))

[@MichaelWashingtonAE]

Long content with a depth of info and or ideas explained simply will always win. Could take 2 days, could take 3 months or a year but it will always Win.

[@keegster1882]

Hey Mike. I was one of the participants of that group and I really enjoyed what you had to share. It's an understatement when I say thank you for that class AND for coming to my home state in Tennessee. Please come here more often.

[@joldent5333]

This is beautiful Mike. Perfect tempo of information and expertly delivered. Would love to see more of these. Thanks!

[@sterlingpratt4901]

You're here, hesitant about length, I'm still reeling from that hard cut ending 😂

[@alsdrumhang]

Dude, you're one of the best, most down-to-earth instructors I've ever seen teach. The way you've got everyone following along with you, the way you broke the pattern down - gold.

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man... I don't even know what to say to that. Thanks for the kind words.

[@mufc99ok]

Wow the sound of that snare

[@lagkeys6428]

This fuckin lesson will save me years of wasted time, thx man. I’m 18, been drumming for 2 years, I can’t wait to start applying this methodology IMMEDIATELY

[@TopDownDrumming]

Only about 15 minutes in and already feel like this is absolute gold. I love the way you break this down Mike! There’s so many great fundamentals in here.

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man... thank you. I know that "deep" longform education is the exact opposite of what the aloforhtyhm is looking for, but I believe if you want to learn in a deep way, you need to be taught in a way that shows passion for the process. I hope that I was able to do that in this 45 min. masterclass :)

[@TopDownDrumming]

@@mikeslessons 100% this form is great. I feel like there is a year or north worth of lessons here. I already started working on it!

[@mustang9549]

It’s Mike….everything he does is pure gold!

[@mikeslessons]

@@mustang9549 Far too kind my friend! Thank you :)

[@roy6943]

Played in my late teens early 20s drum set on the shelf for almost 50 years, now that I’m retired back into it. This is probably the best teaching video that I have ever watched. Can’t wait to give this a try.

[@jeffbrown8821]

Mike, First off, I watch your videos all the time. Thank you so much for doing this work. Second, you continue to show us that you’re human. You’re just like us. You have the same struggles as we do. This. Is. Huge. Seriously! So many other teachers/videos never show us that they mess up. I cannot tell you how important this is to me (us) while we’re learning. To see one of the greats actually have trouble with something inspires us and gives us the confidence that we might actually be able to do the thing we’re working on. HUGE! 🙏🏻

[@Daddynixterdrums]

It’s actually quite funny. Earlier today I had what felt like the audition of my life for the church that I attend regularly. So stressed. So anxious and felt shaky the entire time. You couldn’t be more accurate about these concepts within the first few minutes! You know what you wanna do, you put so much practice, thought, heart and energy into it… next thing you know. You’re trying to do it… your brain just doesn’t connect with your limbs anymore and it all fails 🤦🏽‍♂️ My entire audition felt rough, shaky and super rusty! Hadn’t hit the kit in over 8 years But… they still liked what they heard and I made the team anyway 🤷🏽‍♂️ confidence is key. Never stop practicing drum brothers!! 🤘🏽

[@pavlonwilcz5650]

I cant emphasize enough how lucky the noobie drummers are these days. Back in a day a lot of us would kill (not literally) to have a teacher like Mike especially with such great material available at no cost at all. Truly outstanding approach to explaining things, always retains your attention, always inspiring and supportive. If only I had more time to fully embrace that journey. But I find it amazing how Mike always explores the frontiers and brings some fresh bits into his lessons. Whenever I stuck or need motivation I always get the right boost from your videos! Thank you, sir!

[@Doctor_Groove]

Great stuff Mike! As usual 😀 Thank you! 04:46 Step #1 Pattern 10:26 Step #2 Time 17:45 Step #3 Speed 24:23 Step #4 Dynamics & texture 32:47 Step #5 Orchestration 41:46 Step #6 Practical application 😎

[@reubenstart2885]

I don't say this lightly... This is without a doubt the best drum educational video I have ever seen... Please do more

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man… 🙏🍵🍵🙏

[@markgordie5]

I’ve been playing drums for over 50 years. I had two amazing teachers as I was growing up as a kid and have tons of orchestra, studio and rock band experience. I still perform with a band of pro musicians. I’ve watched your video twice now in the last two days and will watch it again. Outstanding job Mike. Everything you describe is bang on and your method is PERFECT. keep up the great work and thank you!!

[@pjones8404]

Very enjoyable watch! I just reached my 50th year of playing and have come up with definition of what I believe "technique" is. "The ability to play what you want to play, when you want to play it." That's it. It's not about speed, chops, licks, or anything remotely like that. Sometimes to just want to perfectly place a quarter note on beat 4. Doing that with feel, style, dynamics and musicality IS technique. Continued success!

[@SafezoneExpert]

Boy, i´m 55 years old, praticing since nearly 49 years (with lots of longer breaks), had some great and adcanced teacher at my 20s. But you are really amazing with your humoristic but serious attitude. This makes the difference in didactic. Even as a non english speaker it makes fun to join this complete lesson. Thank you so much. Hell, I ask myself what kind of level I could have reached with having KZbin available for me in the beginning. I think I wouldnt have left my training room anymore. Kids, hopefully they appreciate this service humbly.

[@PezrulezHaakon]

Not to mention you're an exeptionally good drummer, you're also one of the best drum teachers out there. You break down the concepts, so they're easy to understand. However, understanding them, and ever making them happen are two diffrent things. 🙃 I'm pretty shure I can learn this pattern or patterns like this in a few months, but learning to incorporate and master all these steps, to get closer to the example in the end of the lesson, will definitely take more than a few decades for me. I felt like each minute the lesson moved on, implies a year for me. I loved the "end result". So playful, detailed and fun to hear ❤

[@zurczepol934]

It feels so good to learn from a real teacher. Damn I wish I had this access to information when I was younger....😔

[@peterford7238]

Me too man. Me too. :)

[@PaxDrummer]

Thank you Mike for being so awesome and sharing your insights. Much appreciated!

[@philatkinson3955]

Diddle, got dang Comon...!!! Butter Cup wow...deep muscle memory Mike...for reals!!!! Did the diddle at church Sunday and the bass player melted!! Lol❤😎🥁🎶

[@aaronbones4290]

Everything about this video is educational The way you speak the way you play the way you make the room light up share ideas This video is a gem ❤

[@therhythmist3360]

I just need a guide in my life like Mike , the best drum , life guide ever one can get 🥁

[@zsomborhegyesi7925]

The thing that is outstanding to me, is the amount of concepts, put into a line of great excerxises, what form a well constructed process of making a pattern your own and getting the most out of it. Truly inspirational, I think I will have to watch it again and make notes....🎉🎉🎉🎉 I can appreciate evry minute of organization and work you put into the video! THANK YOU!!! :))

[@christianhasselbring3678]

One of the best drum lessons I've ever seen - and I've seen many during the last 50 years. So comprehensible, logical, human and approachable! Simply superb. Thanks a lot @mikeslessons!

[@TheSheroux]

Been playing drums for quit some times and getting back to it, I strongly believe this gentleman is among the best teachers, period - kudos Mike

[@Bugs413]

I love breaking down everything I do to the lowest common denominator (remnant of HS math class!) in all things... this info and your communication style are both spot on!

[@rionc6602]

This is hands down one of the best lessons on the internet. I just sent it to two of my drummer buds. Sticking with one pattern to unlock these lessons makes this super accessible. You're the real deal Mike, thanks!!!

[@rickgrossdrums]

This video is the best thing I've watched in ages. Production value is unreal, educational value is top class - which is to be expected in fairness. Mike, unbelievable job on this mate. 👏👏

[@AirwavesEnglish]

Best online drum teacher EVER! Thanks Mike💥💯

[@Slinky108]

Dude! So inspiring! I just sat in a waiting room, KRLKRLRLHRLKRLRL for hours. To think you give a clinic like this for free really speaks to your desire to inspire and your heart! Hope to see you at Memphis drum shop again someday! Thank you so much!

[@jaibandroide]

The BEST teacher in the drum world for sure!

[@jordonsmith830]

From the perspective of a high school Instructional Coach, man, this is insanely good teaching. Love the content!

[@Billbob14356]

WOW WOW WOW You hit the nail on the head down to basics and slow it down great job !!!!!!

[@user-jr7wf4fi4e]

This video covers most of imperative elements for drummers. How helpful this is for drummers! It has helped me a lot! Thank you❤ Much love from South Korea

[@danieljuday9419]

Had already seen all 6 parts thank you so much for putting it out in it's entirety in one link. This is something I want to fellowship with for sure. This is the good stuff right here and I definitely needed this. Ironically that's the same beat I played whenever my Mom brought the family in as well 😅 Mike your the best man and I appreciate everything you do for our drum Fam. Sessions, Page To The Gig, Courses, Sheds, Live Q&A, Drum Podcast, Family Page all of it is so beneficial to so many of us and it does not go unappreciated Mike! 🙏🥁🍵

[@moondrums]

I just want to say how good this video and tutorial was to watch. Very professional. As I watched this over the weekend I had to start practicing. Excellent job, your videos always look so good.

[@Daddynixterdrums]

I haven’t experienced too much of your content sir, but DAMN did you have me intrigued, interested, and learning/taking everything in throughout the ENTIRE TIME. What an engaging treat. No bad moments. No boring stops. Everything was so richly engaging. You have a great relatable personality, sir. Loved the entire video and kept me starving for more. Such great humility and sense of humor. Very raw passion and solid approaches.

[@jackbrinskelle9640]

Thank you so much for giving us such invaluable lessons, Mike! Bravo to the absolute professionalism!!

[@efrey2721]

Omg the paradiddle part had me making the staaaank face lol

[@chrisjohnsondrumlessons]

The content that you provide (for free, at that) has made me a better teacher. My students are better for that. Thanks for making my students better! And sometimes it's stuff that I've known/felt for years, but hearing you put it into words helps me translate it to students so much more effortlessly. Thanks and cheers!

[@coachcrane6636]

Boy did I need this right about now. This has always been my struggle on the instrument.

[@nickd.6468]

INCREDIBLE !!!! Thanks a lot that you upload this gem really. So comprehensive you just cover all real strugling on drums.. Practice something so much and then when you want to play it nothing happens, now i know where i should focus first. It is the best explaining process of achieving the "if you can sing the pattern then you can play it" Thanks again

[@jonmc07]

Great to meet you that night, Mike! Anna and I had a blast learning the six steps while meeting great drummers in all different points in their music journey. Keep up the fantastic effort my friend.

[@markrobertson1060]

The internet is awash with awesome drummers playing with awesomeness! THIS . . . is exceptional education.

[@mikeslessons]

🍵🙏🙏🍵

[@philipperinino1147]

Best lesson ever !!!!! These 45 min will change drummers life. THX Mike !

[@actnaturally388]

This video alone already worth a Modern Drummer award

[@pcgkjrn]

Love biscuits and butter cups, love it! Great video Mike. I’m 69 years young and still learning.😊

[@schlagzeugvideocoach]

Hey Mike, there is a reason why your name is on top of the list when it's about real and deep drum education! Very clear, very practical, perfect examples and explanations. You are a true inspiration and I look up to you as a teacher myself! Great - all the best for you and keep it up! Greets from Germany, Jochen

[@joaquimcarvalho1785]

Been following you since maybe 2 or 3 years ago... And i ve learning so much with you. Thank you Mike ❤

[@humbertoleandro896]

I didn't even notice the 47 minutes pass by... fantastic as always Mike.

[@IsaacRodriguez89]

I have always enjoyed your way of teaching Mike. Thank you for putting this out there.

[@davidwilcox9944]

Simply amazing Mike! Thanks for sharing this on KZbin!

[@Alaska_MD]

This is me. I think this lesson will really help. I've spent the last two years working on my foot so that I could play clean doubles, and in my basement I can now throw 6's with foot doubles at any location very cleanly. I can play all the John O'Reilly comping patterns that use doubles on the bass, but when I get on stage my foot just goes clunk. I'm not nervous [that I can tell]. It's like my foot just get's the slightest bit of tension, and the doubles fall apart.

[@deadshot4245]

Greatest lesson and principles in a lesson for not just drummers but all musicians

[@tonywallstreet]

Loved this experience Mike...thank you!! It was a pleasure being there in person for this. Thanks to you and Meinl this can live forever for all to see as it should be. 🙏🏽🥁🙏🏽

[@hanbo123]

29:51 get 'er done with the flam-a-da shing!

[@BrianODonohue]

This was the first drum lesson I've allowed myself to sit through in many years and it was fantastic.Feeling the desire to practice again. Thanks for all you do and for the passion!

[@adamjonesdrummer]

Wealth of Knowledge right here Folks ! Thank Mike for the great videos

[@billbradleymusic]

What a great communicator.

[@StuartJrBarrett]

This was so good I had to comment twice!!! These concepts are not new, but the way you share it and explain in PRECISE details, makes so much sense!!! This is priceless!!!!!!! Thank you for being so selfless to share this information and so much more with us, Michael!!!

[@drumflix]

A phenomenal lesson Mike, your insight about the drummers block situation is so real and your concept around taking steps towards improving it and the way in which you teach that concept are truly unique! 45 minutes of pure gold from the master 🤘🤘❤️🥁🥁❤️

[@williamfotiou7577]

Fantastic lesson, Mike. You're spot on with everything. Slow is the way to go! It was a good day when I figured that out. 🥁🥁🥁 Maybe it's because I've always had short (or no) hair!

[@facelen4321]

This man is a real teacher and great musician

[@handyboen]

Thanks Mike 👍👍 This proves that we are still human, not a machine.... Great way to break down any grooves though 👍👍

[@brunomaie]

Monster Educator... to Monster Player!!! Killin it!!! ❤❤

[@richspicer7818]

Excellent lesson Mike! It is the ONLY sensible approach to learning these patterns and incorporating them into music. Thanks so much!

[@YamahaMK]

ABSOLUTELY LUMINOUS !!!!!

[@Tekkerue]

Haven't even watched this yet (I will get to it in a bit)... but I am very happy to see a 45+ min lesson from Mike "SPICY CHICKEN GUMBO" Johnston. 😃😃

[@Tekkerue]

Just finished and hot damn, you really outdid yourself with this one. That was phenomenal! I was expecting spice and got Carolina Reaper! 🔥🔥🔥

[@a.i.edward]

OMG, this one of the best educational videos! It cane just in time for my current practice. Great concept implementing it already. Top guide and inspiration as always. Great job, thanks a lot Mke!

[@joc8]

Great lesson, Mike! I can relate to all the aspects you spoke about. Thank you for sharing your skill, knowledge

[@joc8]

Addit : and passion.

[@RandyHanley]

Mike explains things so well and is so generous in sharing his knowledge.

[@juanortega4027]

Thank you Mike Johnston! Great video.

[@russellsdrumsandeverythingelse]

Excellent advice. It’s funny I don’t read music but understand what you’re teaching and can play that just from hearing it. Probably not perfect but close enough so only you would know. I’m at the point like you said we’re I’m trying to break away from my stand by beats .Currently just put together a Country/ lite rock project and the playing is simple but has to be correct.

[@karlmagendarm7634]

a whole new approach. thank you

[@daviddobbins8948]

This is superb! Teaching at its best.

[@royautosymusica]

Amazing concepts and craft, Mike! Thank you so much for sharing the music and the thoughts. Greetings from México!

[@nelsonlourenco3781]

I really learned a lot with this lesson. It opened up my mind. Thank you.

[@AidanMmusic96]

Amazing video! I learned to distinguish your click practice regimen as "time vs rhythm" (time being long clicks, rhythm being shorter gaps), but same game!

[@murphybaddass6156]

Respect brother, peace to you mane.

[@greenenoiseaudio]

Great as always Mike! Missed opportunity not calling it 'From the page to the stage' though hahaha

[@mikeslessons]

LOL! Love it, but it wouldn't have matched up with the concept.

[@dr.shinephd]

You are the calmest drum teacher I know and your style is not intimidating.

[@erlandnatanaelson1929]

Tack för e n bra föreläsning!!!

[@robertangelohillman]

I really needed to hear this Mike. Thanks for putting this together.

[@jasoncarino]

Thank you, Mike!

[@drewjonespdx]

This is such quality content. Absolutly incredible job on this teaching. Thank you.

[@rysosa7582]

Your such an absolute hi level drum teacher sir mike!😊

[@naxgaubert7668]

Big THANK YOU! Eye opener ❤

[@Womble1252]

That snare tone is sweet😊

[@Nassoud60]

This amazing from the best clink i ever sow amazing setup sound well explained 👍👍

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

More of this please, Mike!

[@MrMikkelvilladsen]

Thaaaank You ! Its all biscuit buttercups, gravysmeared smoochienoochies! ❤️

[@D_jamz]

Amazing masterclass!! Thanks for sharing it!!!

[@chrisdore5726]

Thank you for the great coaching!

[@t3hgir]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@adrianoscabral]

Que aula! Parabéns e muito obrigado! 👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏

[@mike__durrett]

Thanks for this. I'm working on integrating some hertas on the double pedal for a couple of songs I wrote (yes, I did it to myself! lol). This is a great structure to work within.

[@malkavianer523]

This is such a great video, thanks for that!

[@reymonmatin-ao9799]

Thank you mike❤️

[@borisp42]

Awesome stuff, thanks!

[@dominikn19]

Great lesson. Exactly what I needed.

[@StuartJrBarrett]

Extremely inspirational, Michael!!!

[@keurosen]

Really really inspiring man! And loving that you're so down to earth too 🙏 Keep it up! 👌❤️

[@CedricPytelRagtimeStudioUk]

Oh wow !! What a great video! I

[@eugeniovasquez3780]

Love how he makes love to the hats very pro