Beginning and Intermediate Snare Drum Method by Mike Mechem
REVIEWS
JEFF HAMILTON - Jeff Hamilton Trio, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Oscar Peterson Trio, Woody Herman, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall
“Mike has a great deal of experience which is offered in his books. Having had the same drum teacher as kids, I know that the early education he received prepared him for this. Enjoy as you learn!”
IGNACIO BERROA - Ignacio Berroa Trio, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie
“Perfecting drumming skills including reading and rudiments are crucial for any drummer looking to strengthen their foundation. Mike’s books provide an easy and straightforward guide for any drummer wishing to level up their skills.”
ADAM NUSSBAUM - Lead Belly Project, Michael Brecker Band, New Light Quartet with Dave Liebman, NUTTREE Quartet with John Ambercrombie, John Scofield, Eliane Elias Trio
“ Mike has put together a very clear and concise method to help develop one’s ability of the drum vocabulary. Well done.”
LARRY ABERMAN - Stevie Ray Vaughan, Wynton Marsalis, David Lee Roth, Joe Sample, Cirque Soleil-Zumanity.
“Mike Mechem’s series of snare drum method books are an invaluable tool for any percussion educator and student alike. The progression of the studies makes perfect sense and are a great guide for learning and musical growth. I plan on using them with my beginning and intermediate students. Thank you for such a great product Mike! Keep ‘em coming!”
ROBERT SHIPLEY - Chaka Khan, O’Jays, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Ben Vereen, and Assistant Professor of Music & Director Of Jazz; Hope College
“Mike Mechem’s Snare Drum Method books are a fantastic resource for all drummers. Beginning, intermediate, and pro drummers alike can learn from these fantastic books. Mike clearly lays out the fundamentals for the beginner to learn concise and very well explained techniques. From how to hold the sticks to reading, and playing necessary rudiments to get you started on a strong foundation. I’ve read hundreds of books during my 50 years of playing and teaching and I consider these books to be very well written.”
THE BEGINNING BOOK was started many years ago when I had a full time teaching practice in Brooklyn N.Y. I became discouraged with the books available and with the inconsistent progress students were making relative to individual natural ability. Hence, I decided to write my own book and monitor closely what worked and didn’t work with regards to varied levels of playing ability.
Topics in Book One include fundamentals of music, holding the sticks correctly, rudiments, and 39 reading lessons.
THE INTERMEDIATE BOOK was started at the beginning of the pandemic and finished in December of 2020. The events of 2020 allowed time needed to complete such an undertaking. Book two is a continuation of the first book where the student will enhance all of those topics. A primary focus will be the Standard 26 American Drum Rudiments which are integrated into 30 lessons. The end of book two will feature six solos and one snare drum duet applying all of the rudiments and important concepts introduced in both books. Upon completion of the books, the student will be provided with a strong foundation of drumming skills necessary to advance to a higher performing level on drum set or any other related percussion instrument.
I can not stress how important it was to make these books simple yet comprehensive. Along with these books, the student will need to acquire a book that focuses entirely on technique and I highly recommend Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone. This book will be the perfect compliment to my books and will provide much needed technique required to play all the lessons in books one and two.
Best of luck on your musical journey!!
Private Lessons
Feel free to reach out to me if you are living in Las Vegas and interested in private lessons. If I am unable to work it out with my schedule I will do my best to refer a teacher to you.
Book One (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3hKj97n
Book Two (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3KnEaku
Beginning Snare Drum Method Media
