Welcome to the “Fresh Approach Video Podcast” Page

Included below are links to video lessons and play-along accompaniment files designed to compliment Mark Wessels’ method “A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum”. These files are available free of charge to those who have purchased a copy of the book (the method is available at most retail music stores, or online here).

You can also download FRESH APPROACH VIDEO PODCAST lessons directly in iTunes!

Before you begin downloading these lessons, here's the answers to most of the common questions:

Who are these video lessons designed for?
Beginning students who may not have access to a private percussion instructor will certainly find these lessons useful as they work through the book. Also, non-percussionist band directors who have the responsibility of teaching the percussion class might use them to review the techniques, or show them to the percussion class.

How do I download these files?
To download rather than watch in the browser, simple right-click on the link (option-click the link on macintosh computers) and select "save target as..." from the popup menu.

What program do I need to play the videos?
The videos are encoded for the Apple Quicktime, iTunes and any video iPod. Quicktime and iTunes are free cross-platform software programs available from apple.com. For easiest cataloging and playback, simply drag and drop all downloaded files into the iTunes window.

Can I view these videos on my television set / Can I get a DVD of these videos?
There are several ways to view computer videos on a tv set – most of which involve purchasing the proper cables and video adapters. While these videos are not encoded for burning onto a DVD-VIDEO disc, there are several free software programs available that will make this possible. Google "m4v to DVD" to find links to these programs or suggestions on how this is done.

What are the playalong "zip" files and what can I do with them?
“A Fresh Approach to the Snare Drum” comes with 2 accompaniment CD's which provide play along tracks to most of the lines in the book. However, many instructors have mentioned that they would like to have these tracks in slower tempos. So, here it is! Each lesson zip file contains multiple mp3 files that separate each line into slow, medium and fast tempo playalongs – as well as full tracks with and without the snare part. Rudimental etudes are played with both multiple and double bounce rolls in several tempos as well. To access these tracks, download the zip file and “unzip” it using a decompression program such as WinZip on the PC or Stuffit on the Mac.

What's the catch? / Why are you just giving these away?
My motivation for writing this book has always been to provide the instructor and student with better tools to learn to play the snare drum. In my opinion, having the best and most comprehensive tools available for free gives the book value that no other method offers. Hopefully, more people will see the value and purchase the book!   :0)