Drumming News
This month, Drum Channel is turning its spotlight onto electronic drums (E-drums), an increasingly popular tool for both budding and experienced drummers. In an exciting new series of courses, world-renowned drummers Mike Mangini and Terry Bozzio team up with Roland’s Jules Tabberer-Stewart to offer an insightful look into the realm of E-drums. Their collaboration brings a fresh, educational perspective to mastering electronic drums, delivering an essential learning experience for drummers at all levels.
Featured Artist: Mike Mangini
On the cover of this month’s Drum Channel newsletter, Mike Mangini, drummer for Dream Theater, Steve Vai, and Extreme, takes center stage. Mangini’s legacy in the world of drumming is undeniable, renowned for his unmatched precision, speed, and rhythmic ingenuity. Alongside his celebrated career with iconic bands, Mangini has taught at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, imparting his wisdom to the next generation of drummers.
In this new series, Mike Mangini dives deep into E-drums, specifically focusing on how electronic kits can be used as a tool for technical mastery and creative growth.
A New Approach to Drumming
Mike Mangini’s 10-lesson course on Drum Channel explores how to elevate practice techniques and unlock new creative possibilities. He demonstrates how drummers can break traditional boundaries by utilizing E-drums in innovative ways, turning them into powerful tools for both precision training and creative inspiration.
Mangini walks through a variety of unique techniques that push the limits of what drummers can achieve on electronic drums. From using all pads to trigger bass drum sounds for improving timing and stroke evenness, to reconfiguring the kit layout for a fresh perspective, the course challenges drummers to rethink their approach to practice.
For example, Mangini introduces random sound assignments—experimenting with non-traditional sounds on different pads—which can ignite fresh musical ideas and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. The focus is not just on improving technical skills, but also on using E-drums to fuel creativity in a way that traditional acoustic kits may not.
The Course Line-Up
The 10 lessons in Mangini’s course cover an array of essential topics to help drummers master electronic kits:
- Drum Set Positioning – Understanding the ergonomics of the electronic kit and how to position yourself for optimal playability.
- Use of Distances – Exploring how adjusting distances between pads can enhance movement and control.
- Perfect Timing – Techniques for developing impeccable timing with E-drums.
- Dynamics Awareness – Harnessing the sensitivity of electronic pads to achieve dynamic variation in your playing.
- Switching Limb Pairs – Strengthening coordination by switching between different limb combinations.
- Ambidexterity – Developing proficiency with both hands and feet for versatile performance.
- Striking Awareness – Focusing on precision in your strikes to improve your overall sound.
- Random Assignments – Using random sounds to break routine and explore new ideas.
- Innovative Assignments – Reimagining your practice with experimental approaches to kit configuration.
- Two Mindsets to Practice – Understanding the difference between technical drills and creative exploration in your drumming journey.
Unlocking the Future of E-Drums
With the rise in popularity of electronic drums in recent years, these lessons provide an essential resource for drummers to expand their skills in ways that are unique to the electronic drum experience. The course encourages both beginners and seasoned players to rethink their practice routines and discover innovative methods for improving technique while keeping creativity at the forefront of their playing.
Through this exclusive series with Mike Mangini and contributions from other drumming legends like Terry Bozzio, Drum Channel continues to be a top-tier educational platform, pushing the boundaries of what drummers can achieve with both acoustic and electronic kits. If you’re looking to elevate your drumming skills and explore new creative avenues, this is a must-watch series!
Join the E-Drum Revolution
As technology continues to evolve, electronic drums remain an exciting frontier for both musicians and educators. This series on Drum Channel offers an unmissable opportunity to learn from some of the finest drummers in the world, with insights into how electronic kits can change the way we approach music-making. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore E-drums or an experienced player seeking new ways to challenge yourself, these courses are sure to inspire you.
Visit Drum Channel today to sign up for this game-changing course and begin your journey into the world of electronic drumming!
Learn more about the series HERE
Link to Drum Channel Newsletter featuring Mike Mangini with interview: HERE
