Im 43 and I've watched Mike johnsten for a good 8 years. Everything I've seen shows me he is an incredible caring human being. Just a good genuine person. I watched him when noone heard of online lessons and was amazed by his talent, the way he teached and how intellectually he explains things. Hes everything a teacher could/should be. I dont know of any drummer that is more inspirational to me. Neil Pearl is my iconic drummer since I was a teen in the 90s. For what Mike does and how he does it, even Neil would have to step to the side. If I was going to meet one drummer, I'd go with Mike Johnsten. Hes much more than just a great drummer. I just ordered a new kit and built a drum room. Guess who's going to be my teacher! Ahh ok, I've been learning for yrs from him on youtube. But I'm sure his site lessons are going to be awsome! Thanks MJ!

Just due to ignorance, I hadn't heard about Mike before seeing this video. Now I think he's become one of the most inspiring musicians I've ever seen.

I stopped drumming almost a year ago due to college and work obligations, but after watching this video I feel like getting back to the drums :D.

hey mike! i felt your emotion when you said that you have waited youre entire life for a standing ovation from pasic, i nearly cried

Very heartfelt. Glad this was made. When I discovered you a couple years back I thought, "He's so good. Why isn't he touring??" Now I know and have a new level of respect. We need more Mike Johnstons!

Right when I was having a low point in my playing, a lack of drive and determination, I stumbled upon this video. What a great source of inspiration and motivation. Thank you for all that you do for the drumming community Mike. Your views and passions for drums help so much. What a champion!

It almost got me into tears when he start to talk about how teachers don't want to teach at the end, so touching

It's been a year since I watched this video... After struggling with stage fright, anxiety and stress over the past few years, I'm slowly but surely back on track. This video has certainly given me a boost today! Thanks Mike for being a continuous inspiration to the drumming community Kind Regards, Jack Kelly - London, UK

At 65 years, I believe this man to be the finest teacher of percussion on planet earth. He revolutionized my rudimentary linear drumming. I am sharing his lessons with my 2 grandsons and students. I want to go to a drum camp, it's on my bucket list...lol. His positivity for the craft is unparalled. What an educator!🎯👍😎

You know what's different about him ? He's so transparent , So Human . thanks Mike.

God Bless you Mike! You are an inspiration!

I played drums in high school, had a garage band. After marriage they took up too much room. Sold them. I'm 55 now, divorced, so recently I bought a used set, Mike has given me the lessons & confidence i always needed. I feel 17 at times with the joy of learning and seeing myself improve. Thank YOU Mike Johnston. Peace brother. U'r my God.

You're definitely my DRUM HERO. You're not just a teacher. You're an inspiration. Thank you for everything, Mike!

Mike this is so sick. Proud of what you've achieved dude! What's important is it for the right reasons :) Onwards and upwards bro!

This is what a great teacher should be. Thanks Mike.

I stopped playing drums 6 years ago, work life, commitments, hardships and general life took over. I sold everything I had, right down to drum tuning keys. The past few weeks I have been remembering bits and bobs from my playing days and my god how much I miss it. I went to my local music shop yesterday to buy a practice pad and pair of sticks, today I have found my new drum teacher in Mike Johnston.

I Seriously don't get why anybody would dislike such a beautiful piece by an amazing Instructor! I loved It!!!!

Thank you, Mike, for this real kindness and soul, that you transferring. You not only teaching how to play the drums, you giving us an example how to be a good man, how to communicate with people without confrontation and how to love the life! I hope, someday I'll be able to meet you and to feel this great energy without monitor glass between us : )

Good god. One of the best educators this world has seen in my humble opinion. Not even 'drum teacher', just educator. Making people's lives richer with such passion. I love seeing the anti-rock star make it big!

I think being a great teacher of anything comes from encouraging your students on what they are doing correctly and not criticizing them for what they may have done incorrectly. Mike definitely has this trait in spades.

Such a great video! I started teaching by accident. The drum teacher at my local store was lazy about showing up and I was offered the job. Although I was a pro player, I had never taught before. being self taught, I knew all the questions that I would ask and that would also come to me. I soon fell in love with teaching and sharing the intangible joy of drumming and music. Mike has that vision and joy in opening up the world of dreamers into the world of Drummers. We are a special species . My heart attack stopped my drumming career 3 years ago, but as you can see Here I am on KZfaq looking at Drumming videos! We never get over it! Kudos to Mike for all the dedication and inspiration he brings. My last marriage was a flam~ After a few quarter note triplets, and a 6 stroke roll around the kit. I became a player again, and went on to live again...God bless you mike..God's speed

46 portuguese drummer and instructor here. I share and totally understand the vision of not being forced to have a band and tour, and being happy by giving lessons. Saw a Mike´s clinic here in Portugal and it was amazingto see live the most inspirational online drum teacher. Keep the good vibe, bro!

SUPER VIDEO..!!!U ARE INSPIRATION FOR MANY MANY MANYYYYY DRUMMERS, MIKE....!!!!!!!!!! ALL THE BEST!!!!!! GREECE-ATHENS.!!!!! VK

I would have “liked” this video 1 million times if possible. Mike is a true inspiration. A genuine individual…

You are an awe-inspiring human being and I am covered in chills. I just ended a relationship and decided I finally wanted to pursue my dream and learn how to play the drums. Growing up in the 90’s, all you guys were either skaters or played in a band and I was obsessed with both. My moms best friend-her older son played and I’d always sneak down to the basement and mess around. He’d get so mad but since then I’ve just always wanted to-now we’re 30 and on my own for the first time in 9 years so I’m gonna pour all of that love into the drums. I’m so excited to learn from you

I’m watching this in 2020 and MAN he has not changed. My respect for this man is skyrocketing

Because of Mike Johnston and after many years of practice, I finally became a drum instructor at my local guitar center today. Thanks Mike (:

I just saw this for the first time and I'm sitting here crying. I was front row at PASIC and I loved everything about your clinic. Thank you for shining a big bright light on fulfilling yourself with your dream and making it happen.

Thank you Mike for your selfless devotion and caring heart. God bless you. :)

I would so love to attend one of these camps. He seems like a really stand up guy that genuinely cares about his students.

I've watched this video 3 times now. This is one of the most inspirational videos I have seen in a while. I hope to meet you one day.

I fuckin love this guy!! Amazing drummer, beautiful soul. Humanity could learn so much from Mike Johnston

Brings tears so this does. Thank you Mike. I’ve been watching your videos from the start back when I started playing drums. It’s amazing to have watched you go through this incredible journey.

I absolutely LOVE what you are doing man! You inspire me and so many others. It's amazing. I hope one day to attend your camp and have a few of my own students some day! Thanks for everything you do for the drummer community!

Been a big fan for years, Mike. Been watching your lessons since like 2008-ish. I haven't played hardly at all in the last 5-6 years because of shitty jobs I've had, but I've finally been able to save up and move on. Your videos and delivery of information are always gonna be the best and they're helping me so much to get re-motivated and get back into my passion. Thank you, Mike

F you, Mike! You brought me tears.... I grew up with my mom, played and learnt drums myself without any lesson and I made it into a metal band back then. I moved to CA from the other side of the Earth and dropped my sticks till now, I found silent heads and silent cymbals. Then my friend ( who is pro drummer) gave me online drum lesson since last year. What brought me tears is when you talk about family. My dad left me and my mom when I was less than an year old. He passed away last Christmas but he is here in my heart everyday, keep pushing me to play drum, as the first time I flew out of town for a battle in the band, which my band won 2nd place. And every day on drum practice, I still remember my dad. Thank you very much for this video. I decided to explore your website and learn from you very soon. Again, thank you!!!

So much respect for you man! There should be more persons like you. I've been drumming for about 8 years and I think these 12 minutes just inspired me the most to just go on! Thank you so much for helping all those drummers, keep up your brilliant work!

This is such an inspiration! Your passion as a music education is so refreshing and uplifting. Recently I've been struggling with what I want to do in life and I feel pressure since I think my dreams are crazy and everyone else has something more practical... but thank you for reminding me to do me and choose what makes you happy. You certainly look happy doing what you love, keep going :) xo

Such a refreshing outlook and approach you have Mike. I think I just made my decision to sign up. You can tell you really love what you do and aren't just teaching because you didn't make it with some band. I think those who inspire are more important. Love your videos and the production quality is fantastic.

This is absolutely awesome. If I didn't start watching your videos many years ago, I probably wouldn't continue playing drums today. 8 years and going on strong!

You are such an inspiration. Everytime if feel down or upset about not being able to do this or achieve that, you are always there for me, for us... Thank you very much for what you do, for being the way you are.

You're just awesome Mike, thanks for everything bro. Your lessons alone really improved my understanding as not only a drummer, but as a musician.

I have been inactive on the drums for about 6 years now. Back then, in 2012, I was studying pop and jazz music on a musicians school (conservatorium in Holland). I was really impressed by the things I did. Now, 6 years later, I feel like I lost almost all of my techniques and control. I did not want to drum anymore because the 'forced' music making on school everyday for almost 10 hours in a row with people I did not like to play with, ruind it for me. Right now, even the single strokes don't go fluent anymore. Thanks to videos like yours, I believe in comebacks. I've purchased my dream drumkit. Now I'm trying to gather stuff to practice, starting with only snare techniques en rudiments again. Anyway, thank you Mike Johnston. In my opinion, you are one of the greats, because you aren't selfish like most drummers and musicians are. That's rare.

Thanks Mike! I really needed that. I'm so disillusioned with how this world works and for you to state that none of that matters and to keep following your dream is exactly what i needed to hear. I now know, "I Got This!" Thank you so much!

We all appreciate what you do, Mike. Happy for you that your dream has worked out, and I'm happy you continue to help me grow as a drummer. Much love man.

I have never seen so much information, such a story so completely told in such a short period of time. Much continued success Mike.

'in art you can't win' wow, tear jerking stuff. Thank you.

What a great window into the real person, Mike Johnston. Thanks for taking the time for us.

Dang Mike. All that Pasic real talk, hit me in the feels. It's great to see a guy like you succeeding in their God given gift. Outstanding. I hope you have years of success. Thanks for sharing.

such a vibe to strive for ... thanks man... "in art you can't win" words that seriously started to help me reshape motivations for playing

seeing this video almost made me cry. I had follow your channel since the first of your first video drums tutorial. YOU ARE a HERO of this world of Art!

Outstanding … Mike’s Lessons was one of the first few videos i saw on KZfaq . His journey from then until now has been incredible . He’s gone from DIY level to one of the premier educators in the world . I don’t know him but it seems like it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy .

I'm a drum tutor myself...and ..I'll tell you guys.. I'v met great tutors and they inspired me a lot for sure. but..There is something very special about Mike.I know why now..Thank you Mike!!!

I feel like drummers are a different breed. There has always been a mostly positive mindset in the drummers I've met, but I never it as frequently in other instruments. As soon as you start drumming you realize you are there to support the music, that it's your job to create the feel for everyone else, while leaving room for them to express themselves.

Very inspirational. Thanks for all you do Mike!

Freakin awesome Mike loved it bro. You are truly an inspiration to those wanting to learn the drums and realizing it's not about the money, fame but about the passion. Thanks for the documentary.

Wow Mike. You are absolutely unbelievable. Thank you for being such an inspiration. You have changed the world because you've changed me and this community.

I've seen this video like 5 or 6 times, and every time I see it, it inspires me to get better. Mike is an excellent example of a drum educator, and I want to be like him... Thanks, Mike, for inspiring me and for helping me to be a better drummer and teacher. Even though I don't know you in person, your example is always in my mind.

Just. Wow. You really are one of the few people who I look up to in this many times very pessimistic, even sad and cynical world. Not that much because of the drumming that blows my mind, but the positive attitude and honesty you have and the devotion you have towards what you want to do. Simply staggering and thank you for sharing your story! I'm gonna sign up on next pay check...

It's hard to find people like you still in this world mike. Just an awesome person all around. I hope one day I can make it to one of your clinics

So unbelievably inspiring. An incredible journey and story. Congratulations Mike, you earned it and totally deserve it all. I am a huge fan. You totally Rock man.

Thank-you for everything that you do Mike. There are some days when I come home from practice and things don't go as well as I wanted and I think to myself 'I dunno man, maybe I suck and I am not meant for this' But this video has taught m to never think like that. So thank-you.

I'm a new student to Mikes lessons and am loving it. It has lead me to discovering Mike as a drummer and person and I admire what he did to be who he is

This moving documentary inspires me, I'll watch this again...

Mike, I have a newfound sense of respect, and admiration for you. Your story is not only inspiring, but it is also touching. Lately, my passion for playing drums has been nonexistent. I gave up on myself and playing music. After watching this video, I have found what I was looking for and needing in order to start playing again. I am so grateful for what you do and how you impact all of us. Thank you so much for everything you do, Mike. Much love from Texas!

It always gives me piece of mind and relieve when I see people who do things for passion and not for the money. Keep giving your best to the world Mike, and the best will be given to you. Cheers!

There was a point where i thought i couldnt be more inspired. But you always reach a higher level. Mike Johnston is so inspiring, i cant emphasize this enough... And now, i gotta practice!

Mike you're the best, man!!! Thank you so much for the inspiration.

You're such an inspiration, Mike. Thank you

This is really inspirational. It definitely helps me to take some pressure off of myself. It takes time to learn, but it is about taking the time and building up and not trying to hit the top right away.

Hi Mike I got to tell you I have been enjoying so much of your skill I'm 65 years old and walked away from music for my family it's been worth it. Physically so however I've been a little challenge but your techniques in your drive I'm having a blast I want you to know that I appreciate your drive and the love you have for drumming John from Sarasota.

We Appreciate everything you Do for us Mike!

Mike, you are a great person. Thank you for the way you deliver the information. I was very frustrated at playing drums and many times I wanted to call it good and quit. But since I started watching you, (you make the hardest stroke roll or rythm look so easy! the way you break it down in parts and slow) so, I have started practicing with more enthusiasm; just because of you. God bless you all the time. Billions of thanks. Keep up the excellent work buddy. I have seen great drummers, but you are my favorite. You are the best.

Mike, You've been an inspiration to me. Not just as a drummer and educator but as a person.

You made me cry... you're one of my heroes forever!

man... this is so inspirational & emotional at the same time and I am motivated and pumped up by MJ.

Hey Mike! Just wanted to say that you're an great inspiration, and I thank you for that. I live in the Netherlands, but if you'd ever be near, I'd follow all the lessons you would give!

Very inspirational Mike. Thank you for sharing!

mike is the man ,even if you r not a drummer just watching his videos makes you smile and makes u want to be a better person and chase your dreams....god bless you mike...

This resonates with me so strongly!! Have been playing for 12 years and teaching for 5 absolutely love what you do and what you’re about Mike! Such an inspiration to me musically and in life! 🙏🏻🥁🙌🏻

Hey Mike, thanks for everything you do.

Mike, you are a true inspiration. I remember you from back in the Simon Says days when you were on tour and saw you live in Dallas, TX. I was such a big fan of your drumming that I would play to your songs with a pair of drum sticks on pillows and couch cushions, because I couldn't afford a drum set. When I heard you left the band to teach, I was upset and I thought you were crazy. How wrong I was. Now watching you grow as a teach over the years and really setting a new standard for how to teach others in such a positive manner has been more inspiring that before. You deserved the standing ovation not just for your performance, but for the impact you've had on so many people over the years. Keep up the great work!

I just recently learned about the modern drummer podcast even though I've been playing drums for near 30 years. Been on and off and OK at best drummer over all this time. After hearing Mike and Mike, their absolute love for all things drums has really got me pumped and back at it hard. It's never too late to start and learn more than you ever thought you could. Thanks so much Mike! looking forward to signing up for lessons soon!

Never had a drum related video nearly make me cry haha! We love ya Mike!

Wow! That's really inspiring Mike, I get personal lessons from one of your old students Fredrik Olsson in Sweden right now. Love the way he teaches! Keep doing what you're doing Mike because you are amazing at it man!

Mike... what can we say man.. you are truly an inspiration! You are doing great things showing the world that music is about sharing, always improving and watching others along with yourself succeed! You ade the man! Cheers from little ol' Frankfort, Ky. (We do wear shoes here) :)

That was the most amazing video I have ever seen...I hope you are always blessed as you are...

Hey Mike! Noooooj! Austin, TX 43 - FINALLY learning drums!! You rock Mike!!

This gave me back the drive and inspiration to keep going and keep learning. Thank you Mike Johnston for being on the fore front of this "movement".

Very inspiring video Mike! Keep up the amazing work you do with not only inspiring us to become better drummers, but to become better human beings!

Hi Mike, this is the most inspirational video i have ever watched. I am a struggling semi pro drummer from South Wales, I have loved your teaching style for a few years, it has help me improve my playing so i wanted to thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos. I still have those days where i think my playing isnt taking me anywhere and would it be better to say enough is enough and get a real job (or so i have been told). This video has given me back the mojo i was missing!! Thanks Mike

Best drumlessons you can find online, by a very kind teacher! I really love the positivity and passion he has

Wow Mike... That was so inspiring and heart-warming. I have so much respect for you and everything you do. You're an incredible drummer and a huge inspiration to me.

This is great man. Nothing like playing drums, working out beats, coming up with variations on fills and beats. Nothing like it in the whole world. It is truly the best.

This is beautiful! Great man, great drummer, great teacher!

Truly inspiring, so many people see not only drums but music in general as a competition, when it is at heart a language, meant to be spoken between hearts. You create every syllable with every strike of the drum, and every punctuation with your cymbals.

Truly an inspirational video. Thank you Mike

Mike your awesome! your a true inspiration to the young and old alike. I hope im able to give back at least half of what you have given to the community of drummers. in my 33 years of playing ive never seen someone so willing to give with the only expectation of do your best. I hope one day to shake your hand and say thank you.

Picked up drums again after 35 years. Your lessons are awesome, your talent is amazing! Thanks for your inspiration. Peace.

HOLY COW, that was inspiring. I've goosebumps from Mike's closing.