Customer Rating: 
Summary: One big, long workout
Comment: I guess I will be the first to deviate from giving a 5-star review. This video is really nothing more than a 45 minute workout on the drums. That's fine if that's what you're looking for, but I found myself wanting more. It's not that I thought there was anything wrong with Mr. Donati's delivery, and surely his playing can't be faulted, However, I just didn't find a whole lot to take away from this one. I'm sure Mr. Donati has more than enough dedication to the instrument to spend 40-45 minutes warming up before every practice, but I know I don't. I imagine most other drummers don't either. I would have rather heard some of Mr. Donati's thoughts on the more musical aspects of drumming rather than focusing so much of this video on building speed and endurance.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great exercises for great students
Comment: So, let's get serious for a moment; are you REALLY intent about adding some beef to your drumming technique? Australia's highly regarded drummer, Virgil Donati, may very well show you how in his video--Power Drumming. Although this video touches upon the most elementary skills to be developed, V. Donati demonstrates a powerful succession of skill-building exercises that range well into the lonelier zones of skill that few percussionists keep in their company. Simply said, this is a fantastically effective set of drills that are sure to sharpen the skills of any serious learner. This instructional video opens with a drum solo that is certain to catch your interest and inspire your motivation for the instruction that follows. You can expect to work with drills that develop power/strength, endurance, speed, hand/foot coordination (bass pedals), accuracy and timing (and in that order of priority perhaps). Throughout the video, the metronome click is clearly audible and can be advantageous for those wanting to work on speed and timing. Left and right hand leads are not neglected as many exercises are repeated to give them their due. There is also some crescendo/decrescendo exercises to boot, played in unison and L+R hands separately. There is also the assumption that you can/will play along at his pace (up to a point!). A Case in point is where he plays double time with the hands moving double to the feet. By the end of that work-out Virgil states, "your 'doubles' should be feeling nice and warm by now." (Oh, most definitely so!) And there are moments where he appears to be speeding over the drums with electromagnetic motion to show the achievements of his own power and speed. There is also some impressive stick juggling and twirling that is really off-the-hook!
The video lasts for 58 minutes total, with the exercises lasting the first 40 minutes and then he demos those same lessons into an "applied context," bringing them all together for improvisational playing, using different styles/timings; 13/16ths, 21/16ths, 4/4ths, slaves, etc. (His drum set seems to consist of 7 Cymbals (Paiste) and 6 or 8 drums and snare (Remo). In this final section he uses keyboard programming in the background. Of course, being that this is power drumming, don't expect to find any rudiments beyond double stroke rolls--not a flamadiddlediddle in sight (that is probably a different video).
However, there is a lesson being taught here that goes beyond great power drumming. Donati's very attitude toward his technical technique shows off his brutal sense of discipline and intense degree of focus/concentration. Without having any sticks in the hands at all, these are dynamic skills of the mind that he is surely teaching which the willing student must acquire to truly bring himself to his fullest performance, no matter his skill level or innate degree of talent. After seeing this video it becomes obvious that discipline and focus are the source of power...behind Power Drumming, and Virgil Donati has it to teach! (Thanks AMI ! )
Customer Rating:
Summary: Send Me My Video
Comment: As a family member of Virginio, I would have expected one for Christmas.In case I dont recieve one I can say that the music world should be grateful to witness such unique talent. Keep killing 'em virg !
Customer Rating:
Summary: THIS MOVIE WAS GREAT
Comment: A COUPLE YEARS BACK ME AND ME FREIND ANDY WENT TO VIRGILS DRUM CLINIC, IT WAS SO AMAZING TO SEE HIM PLAY IN PERSON. HE WAS SO FAST AND STYLISH THAT I WAS STUND. SO AFTER THAT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COOL TO WATCH ONE OF HIS MOVIES SO I WATCHED THIS ONE AND AGAIN IT AMAZED ME!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable
Comment: I've been playing drums for over 15 years. But when I saw this video, I felt like a beginner. This guy is unbelievable. Regardless of your "style", you can learn something from this video. If anything, Virgil demonstrates how much MORE a drummer can do with practice.
