WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING!

---The tasty brushwork and drumming by Steve Stockmal is a fine example of percussion artistry at 
it’s best…. discreet but swinging.  Johnny Jazz’s Jazz page

Steve, I'll bet you haven't gotten an endorsement like this before.  I am a board certified chiropractic neurologist and I am recommending your book and DVD to my patients as a coordination drill to rehabilitate their nerve pathways particularly to the cerebellum (the body's balance and coordination center). The more they spin, the more they exercise the pathways and the healthier they get.  It's really a very effective therapy for kids with ADD/ADHD and learning disorders because these coordination drills fire and build the same pathways that they are weak in. Drummers can improve their nervous system to make a good drummer better, a better drummer great and a great drummer phenomenal.
Kurt Kuhn D.C., M.S.M., D.A.C.N.B. [see "Healthysitx"]

Hi Steve ,

My name is Franky Costanza and I'm a French drummer , fan of TOMMY LEE and VIKKI FOXX . 

Thanks and congratulations for your Book and DVD " Drumstick Spinology " . ( I bought it with a friend three months ago by EBay ). 

Your book is a gold rush  !!! 

I play with a band called DAGOBA , it's a huge band in France !! and now I spin in every concerts , girls go crazy !!!!!! Very cool !!!

---"Very nice. I will be learning the twirling techniques and using them as part of my curriculum in the future. At some 
point I would be glad to start using your book in the classroom. I think most serious students would love this video and 
book. I particularly like the slow motion presentations. I feel like I'm watching secret techniques that have long been 
guarded in secrecy. :-) I offer you my congratulations."  
Kenwood  Dennard, Associate Professor,  Percussion Berklee College of Music Alumnus, Berklee College of Music - Studies with Nadia Boulanger - Extensive performing experience with artists including George Clinton, Chick Corea, Gil Evans, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Whitney Houston, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, and others - Leader on CD Just Advance on Big World Records, featuring Hiram Bullock and Marcus Miller - Recordings include The Sweetest Days, Vanessa Williams; Live at Montreaux, Miles Davis and Quincy Jones; Nothing Like the Sun, Sting; and others.

The book is well stocked with diagrams and photos showing the journey of the hand.
 (Modern Drummer) see review below

Steve, The book, lessons and DVD are incredible.  I have been drumming for many years and didn't expect to learn anything but some new twirling techniques from your materials.  I have to admit, I was wrong. The content is intelligent and comprehensive.  I learned a lot. The materials are a MUST HAVE for any drummer. They are easily worth twice the price, but thanks for not charging that much!  If anyone has any doubts about whether or not your materials will help them become better, let me assure them...they NEED it. I planned on going through the materials slowly, over time.  I not only looked over everything as soon as I received it, I read the entire book, watched the DVD and read both lesson books as well.  I couldn't put them down.  In addition, I did a good deal of practicing the first night and my "Spinology" techniques have already improved greatly.  THANKS!!! 
A BIG Fan, Jim Cassan P.S. - Please feel free to post my feedback on your web site. I mean every word of it.

Alright Steve, its Paul from Liverpool England. 
MERRY CHRISTMAS...the DVD Works perfectly! Cheers.
Dear Steve, I got my copy of Drumstick Spinology and the least I could say is that I am totally amazed by your 
mastery at spinning drumsticks. Concerning the video, I was afraid to get a routine of yours where it would blow 
my mind but could not see/figure out how you do it. What I got is a very well done video that not only blew my 
mind but also demonstrates very clearly how you do it and how you apply it in your playing. I can see that your 
intent was to produce an educational video, not just a video where you can show off your skill. Thanks a lot and 
I wish you great success with your book !!! Claude Durivage
P.S. You can put my critique on your site if you wish but please write it in a good English for me.

Every drummer should own this book along with the other classics Stone and Chapin. 
Thanks for the video, it is great! Happy New Year. Ron MacMahon

I love the program and think you have a winning combination with the book/DVD combination. 
I have had a right hand forward fake and a left hand fake for years. I have been mostly working 
on the forward spins and first 8 variations since these are totally new to me. They are still rather 
slow and I sometimes drop them but I'm having a ball with it. I mostly need to just work up the 
comfort level and the speed should come. Thanks again for putting this into an easy to learn form. Mike

**Hi Steve, Your book is great! I've really expanded my repertoire of spins since I've gotten it. Uffe

Dear Steve,
Your material arrived yesterday, and I am VERY, VERY impressed, of course! After more than 25 years 
of playing and more than 20 years of teaching drums, there are few new things which really make my heart 
beat faster. Your method and displaying on video absolutely did so. 
And it is so beautiful, as you do it, a highly esthetic art in itself, like pantomime. Also, your educational 
approach is clear and precise. Just perfect! Congratulations for your milestone, groundbreaking work on this 
topic. I did not even think that things like these would be possible with drum sticks! Much respect !!! Best regards, Mark---Dear 

Hi Steve,
I received the book and video last week.  What fun.  It's very refreshing to see a new take on performing from a visual 
point of view.  My band has a strong focus on stage presence and showmanship and I'm looking forward to working 
some of these techniques into my playing. I hope more drummers will enjoy Spinology as much as me.  
Clark Harner Drummer Judy Harrison and High Impact

+Dear SMG, I received your video [and book] a month ago and really enjoy it. You sent 
the DVD very promptly and I was very impressed with the in depth information on it.
I'm going to highly recommend your video to anyone asking me about stick spinning.
I give you my highest praise in you book and video. Well done!!!!!
Thanks, sincerely Dan

***Hi Steve, Just to let you know I received the Spinology book and video today. What an incredibly fun and cool 
publication!! This is really really wonderful! I will definitely be recommending it to my students and peers. 
Thanks again and all the best, Rob Zlatkoff

--- Steve, I wanted to tell you that as  I watched the DVD I tried some of the spins. My right hand needs to be cut off 
and used to beat me senseless! Then I went to practice the next night and I started to spin during some of the beats 
without thinking about the moves. It was like magic, Thanks, Guy Stevens

- I watched the video last night for the first time. You are incredible! My kids are going to love this DVD. Mike Monson

-Hi Steve, thanx for mailing the book so swiftly. I received it last week. Drumstick spinning reminds me
a lot of juggling and its certainly a great Zen like way of "becoming one with the sticks". I like the way
the book is laid out as its nice n' easy to understand the instructions of each spin.
Kilkenny , Ireland

---Thanks for the contribution to the drumming community Jeff T. Patterson   see review below

---Your book is really cool. I didn’t know there were so many ways to spin drumsticks.   Matt Logan

Dear Steve,
Today I have received your book and DVD of drumstick spinology. Thanks a lot!!!
I am looking forward to checking out all the spins and flips and tosses in your 
great book, so I can spice up my live performance on stage. Your book is something the 
drumming world has been waiting for a long time. Keep up the good work.  

Hey Steve
Your books are great. I have started working through the basic stick spins from
Spinology and it looks as if I'll be occupied for a while. I like the
emphasis on reading skills in your two DRUMMING LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2 books. 
Another great aspect of book 2 were the pages that you devoted to discussion of 
ways of learning and how they should structure methods of practice. Exercises I 
thought particularly good were the drum set familiarization exercises in book 1, 
the hand control exercises in book 2, and pretty much after that point I can benefit 
from everything on. I think that the books are well adapted to beginning and 
intermediate level drummers as they are meant to be. I hope you make a lot of people
happy with these books. Chris
 
^^^Dear Steve-I received the package Saturday, December 14th.  Thank you so much!!!  
I'm anxious to give this to my husband for Christmas. He has been talking about 
the video for quite a little while now. It's been great doing business with you. 
Thanks again for your prompt attention- I really appreciate it.  
Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy new year. Pam Kilgallon

Dear Steve -
Book and DVD arrived yesterday.  I'm eager to get started, it looked great, but was whisked away from me because
it's supposed to be my Christmas present from my son. (Specifically requested by me and one of the best I've gotten 
in years, actually!!)  I'll give you more feedback post-Dec 25 ...Thanks so much, Sara Bakert 

---Hi Steve, I must say, I was very surprised to find your spin book on the 
doorstep this week, only a couple of days after the order. I expected at 
least to have to wait a couple of weeks. In other words the system works! 
I’ve thumbed through it, and I must say, I didn’t know there were so many 
spin routines. It will take me a lot of practice, but as the word goes, 
only that makes perfect. 
I read between the lines that you are a very inspiring and inspired person. 
Not only do you advise to at first have fun and keep drumming, also you ask 
for understanding for nature (i.e. preserve trees). Quite refreshing that people 
state their opinions freely. So thanks again for the fast service and the 
inspiring book.  Keep on spinnin΄      
Willem  (I am one of the Dutch stick people)

---Thanks for the prompt delivery of your book. I find Spinology to be very interesting, fascinating 
& well written. Good luck on future sales of your book.    Bert Eckert

--- I found Drumstick Spinology exciting to watch...who are you the king of spinning? I have quite a 
few tricks up my sleeve, and yours spins are just plain mind-boggling! The book photos are very well 
done, and I think you did an excellent job with your DVD as well. Your twirls are top rate! I will 
definitely promote this book to my classes. Thank you again for sending your book and video, 
I have tried to put them to use in dozens of performances already. Thanks, Voyce (touring with 
Cirque du Soleil's Michael McPherson)

 --- Hello Steve, Just a short message: I received my copy of spinology today. Great...  I love it. 
Thank you very much. Greetings from Switzerland,  Bernhard

---Percussion and drums are considered mankind’s first instruments. Throughout the 
years they have attracted thousands of young people, becoming their main inspiration 
to occupy themselves with the art of music. The movement and artistry of a drummer 
playing live on stage, especially when combined with musical vitality, can make the inspiration even greater.  For this reason, books like Steve Stockmal’s Drumstick 
Spinology can definitely help a good drummer become more sensational without losing 
the substance of his art. George Fakanas, Musician-Composer, Greece. 

Steve...The package has now arrived, which is very swift, thanks.
I've read the book (haven't absorbed ALL the moves yet, obviously!) and I have to say that I think it is very good. 
While waiting for the book, I was wondering how successful you would be in describing adequately what is a 
very dynamic activity, which relies on some difficult (to describe in words) concepts such as momentum, 
friction, balance, feel and general physics (OK, and a bit of luck!).  You have done this very well (I wonder just 
how many times you wrote and rewrote as you mention in your book!).  The pictures are fine, and you have described 
everything in a straightforward, non-scientific way (I think I was expecting some complicated formulae, diagrams 
etc) which make perfect sense.  Clearly all these things must now be practiced, but within an hour, I was making 
a reasonable fist of all the basic moves - at least I could 'feel' what I was supposed to be doing.  
As I practice and experiment, I may have some more comments or questions; I hope you won't mind if I fire these 
in to you if necessary? Thanks again, Steve, well done on the book. 

Dear Steve
I think that it is great of you to actually write back to people who wrote to you first.  I don't hear from people that 
much when I write to them as a fan or customer, so thanks.  I got the book a couple of days ago.  I think it's a great 
book since I wanted to learn how to spin drumsticks. I've only been playing drums for a year this December 31.  I'm 16 
and I think it's a great book.  I do practice a lot and it's great to feel the drumsticks fly like it does on my hand. 
I think you have an awesome mind to put all the motions into words. I'm enjoying the book.  Even right now as 
I write to you from school   Thanks Mando  (Armando Haro)

I just spent about 30 minutes reviewing and reading your drstix.com! WOW! You are amazing- 
you’ve really put a lot of effort into your site. It’s done beautifully and I found it all very 
interesting. Good luck to you. I wish I could have been musically inclined, but I’ll be sure to 
pass it on to my son. You are a wonderful influence for him…thank you for that.  
Barbara (‘Bears” mom)

--- Hello Steve, Thanks so much for the reply!!!!!  This is exactly what I have been looking for, for years!!!!!!!
I can't wait.   Thanks Steve and my best in your playing and future!!!!!!!   AntheM

*** Thanks Steve,

I appreciate your prompt reply. I look forward to learning from your book. You make it look easy in your demo

clip but I know it’s going to take a lot of practice. I've been playing drums for quite a few years but have never
been quite able to master twirling. Frankly, I never really knew the correct way. I'm glad I found your website.
Kurt Updegrave

^^ Hey Steve,

Thanks for the response!  I am looking forward to spinning and applying the stick techniques.... Iam

from Chicago and have been looking for a resource like this for years...  Thanks!     Anthony

^^^ I'm a firm believer that keeping steady time is the most important part of playing the drums, but adding 
some visual showmanship to the show is just as important.  I have some watched some great drummers 
play the most complicated licks and grooves, but they were boring to watch. My point is, I'm glad to see 
a book that takes the mystery and guess work out of twirling sticks.  Thanks for bringing this subject out 
into the open.  I love to watch any drummer who spins and twirls the sticks. Red Whiting (Zredman )

Dear Steve, The book and video arrived on Monday. It was a gift for my husband who appears to be enjoying it 
immensely. Three days have passed and he has had a drumstick in his hands every available moment. The word 
rewind on the VCR remote has become a distant memory and yes... I dare to mention that sex has temporarily 
become an intrusion into the world of drumstick spinning.  I'm assuming this is a minor problem best allowed to 
run its course or should I say the spinology course. Signed...abandoned by a spinology Junkie!!!! 

MAGAZINE REVIEWS:

Stockmal is a veteran musician who has toured all over the world, and his take on spinology is that it can be 
methodically learned by almost anybody. This large-sized volume with plenty of drawings and photos, shows 
pertinent information about the hand, takes us through drum stick terminology, grip positions, etc. 
The DVD is of high quality and is an absolute hoot!!! All the precise directions of  the book spring into living 
motion by an expert. Steve plays and spins his way into a mesmerizing performance. Then he pauses 
and goes back to the basic instructions, showing each part of the hand, each method of the spin, and then into 
another performance of mind-spinning excellence. Stockmal, in the book and the DVD, is a fine guide; patient, cool, 
and absolutely convinced that if he can do it, so can you. Enchanting.  THE BOOK READER

Modern Drummer Review: (Sept. 2001 issue) 5 ***** by T. Wittet
In Steve Stockmal’s 71-page treatise on stick spinning, he first creates a technical language (“fake grip",  “A/Y position”), then launches into a hundred spin and flip variations. The book is well stocked with diagrams and photos showing the journey of the hand... There are valuable spins waiting here.
  

By Jeff T. Patterson


What is Spinology? See my brief review of Steve Stockmal's new book on the fine 
art of Drumstick Spinology. Steve reveals the secrets you've been dying to know.

[Book Review]

Drummer, writer, and expert Spinologist Steve Stockmal has written a fine book on Drumstick 
Spinology -- How to Master Spinning Drumsticks. We've all seen them, those drummers who 
effortlessly spin and twirl the drumsticks without missing a lick. They make it all look so easy and 
so natural. It's like the sticks are somehow attached to their fingers, never a dropped stick, never 
a missed beat.
Author Steve Stockmal shares the secrets of Drumstick Spinology in an easy to understand 
and easy to follow method that will have you spinning and flipping and tossing the sticks 
around like you've been doing it forever.

The only ingredient you have to supply is time and practice. Like most anything you do on the drums,
all it really takes is a little knowledge and a lot of practice. Thanks to Steve Stockmal you can now 
see just how its done, and all you add is practice.

The DVD is Here!!!  The Book will get you started, but the DVD is the icing on the cake.  Not only does the DVD give the complete picture of how to do the spins and twirls described in the book, but Steve shows you just how to work those stick movements into your rhythmic patterns. This really brings it all together. If your interest is in being a show drummer and adding some flash to your performance, you can't go wrong by picking up the Book, the DVD, and the skills of Drumstick Spinology will be yours! 
He'll have you spinning in no time. Jeff

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