Mark Wessels
Your Fresh & Monster Instructor
An internationally respected author and educator, Mark is currently the Director of Education for the Avedis Zildjian Company. As a publisher, his “Fresh Approach” method books are among the most successful in the world, with over 500,000 copies in print between the current titles. Over the past 25+ years, Mark has been instrumental in developing online educational content. In 1995 he founded one of the first websites devoted to percussion education (TheDrumClub.com). Since 2001, he has worked to produce some of the most popular online percussion resources on vicfirth.com, including Essential Rudiments, Percussion 101, Groove Essentials, DCI/WGI In-the-Lot and “Learn the Music” videos. Mark has continually pushed the bar forward with percussion entertainment as well, producing videos from PASIC, Montreal DrumFest, UK Drum Show, VFJams, and Zildjian Live productions to name a few. He has continually pushed the bar forward in percussion education and is excited to partner with Rhythm Monster to create this ground-breaking digital series for percussion students of all ages.
Featuring 3 FRESH Class Types:
1. Instructional Classes
Mark’s instructional video classes break down every exercise, rudiment, reading study and musical concept throughout the entire series. It’s like having your own private instructor guiding you step-by-step based on your needs.
2. PadLab™ Practice
PadLab™ is a revolutionary music learning tool by Rhythm Monster that gives you control to practice the music from each lesson with Monster control like never before. It's the perfect practice tool.
3. Play Along Videos
Once you've learned the lesson and practiced with PadLab™, it's time to Play Along with Mark to some awesome original music from around the world, solidifying each and every concept!
Your New Fresh SKILLS
TECHNIQUE
A solid foundation of technique is necessary to become a great drummer or percussionist. Mark will guide you in an easy to follow step-by-step process that will build one skill on top of another, creating a pathway to success!
READING
Learning to read music shouldn’t be a mystery! Throughout the Fresh Approach lessons, you’ll be introduced to music theory concepts, with easy to follow exercises that will teach you the basics of how to read music, from the beginning to advanced levels.
MUSICIANSHIP
Learn the nuances of phrasing and stylistic interpretation that is necessary to become a Monster Musician. Mark's fresh exercises and etudes will reinforce fundamentals AND will take your musical expression to new heights!
"Awesome instruction; stellar video quality."
I rushed through a lot of the fundamental learning in high school, and I've always thought my technique was holding me back because of this. This series gives me exactly what I've been looking for to go back and learn everything the right way.
Thomas
Drum Set Performer
Dallas, TX
"Just My Style"
I'm a visual learner, and I feel most comfortable on my phone. The Fresh Approach Digital Series is super easy to use, super clear in the direction, and I LOVE practicing with PadLab and jamming with the Play Along classes. This is my new go-to for warm-ups, technique builders and to alway make sure my rudiments and music are where they need to be.
Michelle
Percussionist & Music Teacher
Waterbury, CT
"I'm finally winning contests!"
I was tired of all my friends in band making All-District, All-State, getting 1s at Solo & Ensemble, and I couldn't really keep-up. Having the Fresh Approach Digital Series at home has changed all that because I can practice any time, anywhere, and I KNOW when if I'm playing something correctly or not now!
Marcus
Future Monster Percussionist
Lanesville, IN
"I love practicing at home!"
I'm super shy, so it's hard to pay attention in class with everyone else there. I love music and being in band, but when I'm not sure how to play something, I need me time. I practice at home nearly every day now to work on the assigned classes on the Fresh Approach Digital Series. It's really cool and fun to play with. I feel way better going back to band each day now!
Victoria
Future Monster Percussionists
Gainesville, FL
"They FINALLY let me in the Percussion section!"
I've played trombone and trumpet since 5th grade, because they wouldn't let me play percussion. Our band always needed me in the brass section, but I've been a closet drummer since I was a little kid. Now, I'm on the drumline and might even do a snare drum solo for contest next year! I love practicing with the Digital Series at home, and I'm able to find any concept, rudiment, whatever I need to finally learn percussion like I've always wanted.
Bradley
Monster Brass & Percussionist
Fontana, CA
"WAY better than searching on YouTube!"
Drums are awesome, and there's so much to find online. YouTube has been my go-to until now, but this is WAY better! I usually watch and play along from my phone, and PadLab is my new favorite game (tho I know it's totally not a game).
